Title: Kingdom of Solomon (1 Kings 04:1-34)
Contents Solomon's glory and Israel's prosperity are the subjects of this chapter. God who promised Solomon's wisdom and wealth in the previous chapter is fulfilling that promise in this chapter. Solomon rearranged the administration of the kingdom for a more efficient rule, the kingdom was prosperous, and the people enjoyed a peaceful voice, and Israel's glory reached its peak. In this way, God's promise to bless Solomon is faithfully fulfilled.
1. The Land of Peace (1-19)
The rise and fall of the kingdom of Israel depended on the observance of God's holy commandments. It shows the sovereignty and dominion of God, the invisible ruler. In the text we foresee the coming kingdom of Christ, the reign of the Lord Jesus.
1) wise rule
In choosing the officials necessary to re-establish the state, Solomon shows the way of wise governance. It was to succeed and appoint figures under his father, David, in order to maintain a bond of faith based on sincerity and justice. It was to succeed the God-dependent rule that David had inherited. Also, it was intended to pursue a peaceful government that feared God, centered on the priests. The officials were selected with the intention of governing to love God and obey his laws, setting rules to keep faith and practice.
It is necessary to examine whether there is such a dependence on God in all areas of our lives, that is, the faithful intention to live according to the Word. In addition, I will examine carefully whether there is a passion for building the kingdom of peace and the kingdom of the Lord on this earth.
2) Appropriate Responsibilities and Distribution
The whole country was divided into twelve districts, and an appropriate governor was appointed in each region to bear the responsibilities. It was wise to take on the job.
2. A thriving country
God, who received the heart of Solomon, who wanted to rule the kingdom centered on God, not only gave him wisdom, but also guaranteed wealth, glory, and the prosperity of the kingdom.
The population of Solomon's time was 'as the sand of the seashore', and the territory of the kingdom reached as far as Egypt in the south, as far as the Euphrates in the east, as far as the Mediterranean Sea in the west, and as far as Hamath in the north. And there were many countries that paid tribute. This is the fulfillment of the prophecy already promised to Abraham (Genesis 22:7, 15:18-21).
During Solomon's court life (22-23), the amount of food he ate per day was equivalent to what 14,000 people ate every day.
Peace continued in the region, 'from Dan to Beer-sheba', with Dan being the northernmost point in Palestine, and Beer-sheba being the southernmost point. Then, it is said, ‘He lived peacefully under the vine and under the fig tree!’, so it is a reflection of the peaceful spirit. This kind of peace was the peace that God gave.
A nation's prosperity and peace are in the hands of God. The prosperity and peace of a church are also in God's hands. We must entrust everything to the Lord, pray and hold on to the Word with faith to rely on.
3. Solomon's Wisdom (29-34)
Solomon was given the wisdom and understanding that God had promised. Its wisdom was discussed in various ways, including people, nature, animals, plants, insects, and inanimate objects.
1) The difference between wisdom and knowledge (29-31)
People use wisdom and knowledge without distinction. In fact, wisdom is not of the earth. Wisdom belongs to God, and knowledge is the product of the human brain. Therefore, to seek wisdom, you must “fear God” (Proverbs 1:7). To gain knowledge, you must study, and to gain wisdom, you need the fear of God. In the world there are many who have attained knowledge, but few have attained wisdom. If there is anything the saints need more than today, it is the wisdom God gives them.
2) Solomon (32-34), the wisest man in the world
God gave Solomon wisdom and became the wisest man. With his wisdom he spoke three thousand proverbs, one thousand and five songs, and discussed vegetation, animals, creeping things, and even fish. God is the source of wisdom (Ecclesiastes 2:26).
3) Seek wisdom
In verse 29, God gave Solomon