Year 7, Day 345: 1 Kings 4

Theological Commentary: Click Here

I often look at 1 Kings 4 as the beginning of the end.  This is funny, because many people who read through 1 Kings 4 call this the beginning of Solomon’s golden age.  It’s really all a matter of perspective.  Both comments are looking to Solomon’s household provision.  I look upon it and raise questions.  Those who see it as a golden age look upon it with pleasure.

Here’s why I look upon this chapter and raise questions.  Remember God’s warning through Samuel when the people demand a king?  God says that a king will reign over them and make great demands for provision.  The king will live off the work of other people.  That’s exactly what we see happening here.  Solomon is living a life of luxury because he is king.  The only reason he’s living this life is because he’s the king, not because he’s done anything to deserve it.  Solomon seems content to be living off the hard work of other people.

Furthermore, do you hear what the Bible uses to describe Solomon’s wealth?  The Bible focuses on Solomon’s horses and chariots.  In other words, Solomon has started to go the way of Egypt.  He is adopting other nations’ means of power.  God specifically warns the people not to return to the ways of Egypt, specifically warning them about reliance upon Egypt’s horses and chariots.  We see Solomon already heading down that path.

Perhaps the most telling sign of the need to raise questions is what we see in the festivities.  The people are eating, drinking, and merry-making.  Don’t get me wrong, life is best when enjoyed.  But do you notice what we don’t hear?  When we are talking about Solomon’s wealth, we don’t hear reflections upon God and God’s provision.  We don’t hear Solomon remembering God or being grateful to Him.  That’s a big red flag in my book.

We should learn from Solomon in this chapter.  If our tendency is to read a chapter like this and think how great it must have been, we need to look more closely at what is actually being said.  Solomon had a festive kingdom; the question remains to see just how godly it was.

<><