Character Study Of Solomon Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF SOLOMON – WISE KING, BUILT THE TEMPLE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 3:9

"So give Your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?"

Supporting Texts:

1 Kings 1-11, 2 Chronicles 1-9, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon

BACKGROUND OF SOLOMON

Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba, chosen by God to rule Israel after David. He was known for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the first temple in Jerusalem. His reign marked a time of peace and prosperity for Israel. However, despite his great wisdom, Solomon’s later years were marred by idolatry due to his foreign wives, leading to the decline of his kingdom.

His life is a lesson on the blessings of seeking God’s wisdom and the dangers of compromising one’s faith.

1. SOLOMON’S ASCENSION TO THE THRONE

Solomon’s rise to kingship was orchestrated by divine appointment and wise counsel.

a) He was chosen by David as his successor (1 Kings 1:30)

Despite Adonijah’s attempt to seize the throne, God’s will prevailed.

b) Nathan and Bathsheba secured his kingship (1 Kings 1:11-14)

They reminded David of his promise to make Solomon king.

c) He was anointed and declared king publicly (1 Kings 1:39)

The people rejoiced at his coronation.

d) He established his kingdom by removing threats (1 Kings 2:24-25)

He dealt with Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei to secure his reign.

e) Biblical Example: Joseph was also divinely elevated to leadership in Egypt (Genesis 41:38-41)

2. SOLOMON’S REQUEST FOR WISDOM

His greatest strength was his dependence on God for wisdom.

a) He acknowledged his lack of experience (1 Kings 3:7)

He saw himself as a child in need of guidance.

b) He asked for wisdom instead of riches or power (1 Kings 3:9)

This pleased God greatly.

c) God granted him wisdom, riches, and honour (1 Kings 3:12-13)

No king before or after was as wise as Solomon.

d) His wisdom became evident in his judgments (1 Kings 3:16-28)

The case of the two women and the baby showcased his discernment.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel also received divine wisdom for leadership (Daniel 1:17-20)

3. SOLOMON’S ACHIEVEMENTS AS KING

His reign was marked by prosperity, construction, and literary contributions.

a) He built the magnificent temple of God (1 Kings 6:1)

This was the centre of worship in Israel.

b) He constructed the royal palace and fortified cities (1 Kings 7:1-12)

His building projects expanded Israel’s influence.

c) He expanded Israel’s trade and wealth (1 Kings 10:14-29)

His economic policies brought great prosperity.

d) He composed Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon (Proverbs 1:1)

His writings contained divine wisdom.

e) Biblical Example: Nehemiah also oversaw the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:17-20)

4. SOLOMON’S RELATIONSHIPS AND FOREIGN ALLIANCES

His marriages and treaties brought both benefits and troubles.

a) He formed alliances through marriage (1 Kings 11:1)

He married many foreign princesses, including Pharaoh’s daughter.

b) His alliances brought peace and economic prosperity (1 Kings 10:23-25)

Israel became a respected and powerful nation.

c) His wives led him into idolatry (1 Kings 11:4)

He built altars for their gods.

d) His divided heart angered God (1 Kings 11:9-11)

This led to the prophecy of the kingdom’s division.

e) Biblical Example: Ahab’s marriage to Jezebel also led to spiritual decline (1 Kings 16:31-33)

5. SOLOMON’S SPIRITUAL DECLINE

Despite his wisdom, he compromised his devotion to God.

a) He disobeyed God by multiplying wives (Deuteronomy 17:17, 1 Kings 11:3)

He had 700 wives and 300 concubines.

b) His wives turned his heart from God (1 Kings 11:4)

He worshipped foreign gods like Ashtoreth and Molech.

c) He built high places for idol worship (1 Kings 11:7-8)

This was a direct violation of God’s commands.

d) God became angry and declared judgment (1 Kings 11:11)

The kingdom would be divided after his death.

e) Biblical Example: King Saul also fell from grace due to disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23)

6. SOLOMON’S FINAL YEARS AND DEATH

His latter years were marked by regret and reflection.

a) He acknowledged life’s vanity in Ecclesiastes (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

He realised that earthly achievements were meaningless without God.

b) He advised people to fear God and obey His commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

This was his final wisdom for future generations.

c) He ruled for 40 years before his death (1 Kings 11:42)

His reign was one of Israel’s most prosperous periods.

d) His son Rehoboam’s foolishness led to the kingdom’s division (1 Kings 12:16-19)

Solomon’s failure in spiritual leadership had long-term consequences.

e) Biblical Example: Hezekiah also reflected on his life in his later years (Isaiah 38:9-20)

7. LESSONS FROM SOLOMON’S LIFE

His life teaches us valuable spiritual and leadership lessons.

a) True wisdom comes from God, not human ability (James 1:5)