The Wisdom of Solomon

The Wisdom of Solomon was on my mind recently. How his request from God for 'understanding and discernment' helped make Israel a very prosperous and blessed nation.

The Queen of Sheba, came all the way from Ethiopia (some believe it was an Arabian Kingdom) to listen and consider Solomon's great wisdom and understanding. Solomon was a son of King David and his union with Bathsheba. This short blog is in addition to a recent post on Facebook, X (formerly twitter) and Instagram (below).

Archway and road from the Armenian Quarter, leading into Jerusalem's Old City.

The Wisdom of Solomon.

A famous wise act is from the Biblical account of 1 Kings Ch: 3 V 16 - 28. Two women came to the King and disputed a young baby. Both had given birth and one of the children died, when his mother rolled on him in her sleep. Solomon heard how one woman had taken her dead child and put it with the other woman, and took the others living child. When King Solomon called for a sword to divide the child in two (and give half to each mother) the true mother protesed the other woman should keep the living infant. So, Solomon discovered the true mother by her love and compassion for her baby. Thus, Solomon's wisdom and justice spread throughout all Israel.

Solomon built the first Temple to God in Jerusalem, its spectacular splendor and presence was famous throughout the whole region then, and historically now. Solomon was a prolific builder and oversaw many constructions projects and buildings in the land. It is said that Solomon built the Town of Megiddo in Israel. Megiddo overlooks the Valley of Jezreel, a large fertile tract of land South-West of the Dead Sea. (Megiddo is a Hebrew and Arabic word, it forms the basis of the word 'Armageddon'). A 'Tel' in Hebrew is a mound or a hill.

This is Tel Megiddo at the Western edge of the Jezreel Valley (Israel).

(There will be more on Tel Megiddo and the Valley of Jezreel's future significance in a forthcoming blog. 'Stay tuned' at FaithfireCMI.Com. )

The reign of Solomon.

King Solomon's reign was one of peace and prosperity. The Biblocal accounts of his wealth, building projects; wives, concubines and great wisdom are well known. To coin a modern phrase, King Solomon 'had it all'. Wealth, power, influence, fame, possessions, women and a large settled kingdom. However, these earthly things only satisfied him for a time. At the latter part of his reighn, Solomon, regardless of his great wisdom and accomplishments bacame more unsettled. Had King Solomon lost his way?

Towards the end of his life; despite his many wives, concubines, buildings, houses and astonishing wealth, Solomon lamented. He said in the book of Ecclesiastices Ch: 3 V 11 “I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labour which I had exerted and behold it was all vanity and striving after the wind and there was no profit under the sun”. In this day of madness in which we live today, I ponder Jesus's words. The Book of Mark Ch: 8 V 36 - 37 Jesus states "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul". "For what will a man give in exchange for his soul". The Bible is not against wealth (money), but the love of it (1 Timothy Ch: 6 V 10). God prospered the Patriarchs and Kings of Biblical history. Jesus said it this way "But, seek first His kingdom and righteousness - (right standing with God) and all these things will be added to you". Matthew Ch: 6 V 33.

Maybe for someone reading this blog, this is where you are now? You climbed the ladder of success and have it all, yet still feel empty and unfulfilled. Alternatively, maybe you've lost much and wondering where now to turn? These are indeed God's domains. He is a God of the details, the God of the impossible; the God of the second chance; of even the seventieth chance! (Remember, the very hairs on your head are numbered, Luke Ch: 12 V 7).

The Bible is not a book of stories and fables, its historical accuracy is backed up by many archeological finds and other historical records. (Still not convinced? Both of the women in the '1 Kings' account were prostitutes. The Bible tells it like it is). Why not dust off that Bible on your bookshelf and read through the Gospels of John or Luke, and see what Jesus told his disciples and the world? What might the God of all wisdom say to you if you ask Him? (No Bible? You can download a Bible Application from any of the online app stores if this is more convenient).

Thank you for reading. If you liked this short blog, why not check out another one of our blogs: A Story of the Walk of St. Patrick. To read our full blog article, please click here.

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The Wisdom of Solomon | Faithfire Christian Ministries Ireland 2023.

References:

Encyclopedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Solomon

Encyclopedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Queen-of-Sheba

Jewish learning website: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/king-solomon-his-kingdom/

NASB: (New Maercian Standard Bible (1995 edition).