One (or more) commentators might say that Solomon’s downfall resulted from wealth, weapons and women. However, that could reasonably extend to appendages sprouting from these to include wealth in abundance that brings with it, if not checked, arrogance, greed, not acknowledging others compassionately and overspending in humongous ways and areas. You can go on and on, just think up some words to fit.
You might recall that Sodom was well known for its outrageous sexual behavior, but that was not their only trespass. They failed to acknowledge and give to the poor. Some people overlook the Sodomites other “outrageous” behavior.
Ezekiel 16:49 says, “They were iniquities extended to pride, fullness of bread, haughty and He took them away.” In addition to all that, they didn’t have enough to do, so they had an abundance of idleness among themselves and their neighbors, descendants and did not strengthen hands of the poor and needy.
Someone might say, “Well, if I just give to the poor and needy and still commit the other misbehavior that Almighty God considers obstacles to going to heaven…” Well, how about that? Is that okay? It’s not going to work. The heavenly pathway just doesn’t work like that.
That’s why scriptures say not many will be saved. How come it’s so rigid? It’s like this. Do you have a dull knife? Do you have a serrated knife? Have you tried cutting a steak with a dull knife? Doesn’t work, does it? You’re never going to get to eat the steak unless you barely chew it and choke it down trying.
So, it is with heaven. You need a working serrated knife. You need an active lifestyle of conscious righteousness. If your knife is serrated, you have been exercising that knife to cut that steak. You must chew your steak well.
Exercise your life well, moving toward heaven, so you don’t have to cut through. The door will already be open for you because you have accepted Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life.
So, let’s get back to the point here. It is around 920-880 BC. The great thing about Jehovah Lord is that He doesn’t beat around the bush. He is right on. He uses an exacto knife. He is an exactor and uses exactitude. He is precision in His evaluating. He does not play around.
How about this – Jehovah appeared to Solomon by two appearances. The first appearance of Jehovah to Solomon is documented in 1 Kings 3:5-15. The second appearance of Jehovah to Solomon in 1 Kings 9:1-9.
Solomon is compared to his father, David. Solomon loved the Lord and walked in the statutes of his father. But, it sounds as though he had not departed from the way of his father, but continued to make sacrifices and burnt offerings in high places. That did not disqualify him from being recognized as walking uprightly as did his father.
What keeps you away from the Lord is the continuing practice of illicit, ungodly behavior, which is called “sin.” When Jehovah appeared to Solomon the first time, Solomon was humble and just wanted to know what to do and which direction to take, how to treat the people and how to lead the people. He asked Jehovah to give him an understanding heart and had not asked for long life nor the life of his enemies, nor asked for riches.
In 1 Kings 3:11-14, Jehovah assures and reassures Solomon, “I have done according to your words: I have given you a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like you before you, neither after you shall arise like to you.” What a statement of promise and reassurance.”
Jehovah puts a condition, “IF you will walk in My ways to keep My statutes and My commandments, just as your father David did, THEN I will lengthen your days.” But now, let’s go over to 1 Kings 9 and see what’s happening.
Solomon had finished building “the house of the Lord and the king’s house. All Solomon’s desire had been fulfilled.” Apparently in 9:3, Solomon had prayed for Jehovah’s blessings on the temple and his house and what he had done.
Jehovah said, “I have heard your prayer. I have consecrated (hallowed) this house, which you have built to put my name there forever.” Jehovah was pleased. His name (Jehovah’s) would be there perpetually. What more could one ask!!! (Solomon had a short memory.) Solomon could hear the Almighty’s voice and understood his obligation to Jehovah.
Jehovah puts the condition “IF” you will walk before Me in integrity of heart and uprightness to do according to all…as your father did, “THEN” I will establish the throne of your kingdom upon Israel forever, as I promised to David…” He goes on to say, “But if you shall at all turn from following Me, you or your children and will not keep My commandments and My statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them, THEN, will I cut off Israel out of the land…”
We’re going to stop here for now. I have not even begun to talk to you about major reasons for the split of the kingdom: over expenditures, building construction projects, crippling taxes, taxes and more taxes, marrying foreign women, being led into idolatry. Sound familiar?
Thanks for reading! Jeanette Grattan Parker is Founder-Superintendent Today’s Fresh Start Charter School 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, LA 90043 323-293-9826 www.todaysfreshstart.org (Ask Dr. Jeanette TM) Inquiring Minds Want to Know” All articles are copyright. All rights reserved © The Holy Bible New Testament, Errors? Let me know. Sundays for music & message: 11:30am {1-712-775-8971—code 266751} References: (The Holy Bible) References: Pray; always. Don’t stop praying and hoping.
