Author: Arthur Bardis

INTRODUCTION

Solomon was the person chosen by God, to succeed his father King David, and rule over Israel (1 Chronicles 22:9-10; 29:1). His ruler-ship was marked by prosperity and peace. However, Solomon could have stood much higher had he fully observed the Deuteronomic laws in chapter 17:14-20, according to Yahweh’s constitutional definition of the king’s role and status.

DEFENSE MEASURES & FOREIGN RELATIONS

“But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall not return that way again’ (Deut. 17:16).

The employment of chariots became favorable with King Solomon, assembling one thousand four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, and four thousand stalls for the horses (1 Kings 10:26; 2 Chron. 9:25).1 Most of these horses and chariots were imported from Egypt, and then traded to other neighboring countries (1Kings 10:28-29). Unlike his father David, he followed the Canaanite lead in using them as a defense measure. 2

God did not prohibit the use of horses. It was the multiplication of them, which could pilot the way to a closer relationship with other nations, especially with Egypt. As a result of this, an oriental type of military despotism, and dependence upon Egypt in times of war, would occur.

In Isaiah 2:7-9 and Micah 5:10-15, horses along with wealth is seen as a thing that leads to pride, and loss of awareness of the need to trust in Yahweh.

SOLOMON’S COURT AND TRADE

“Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away;” (Deut. 17:17).

Despite the Lords instructions, Solomon had a very large harem. Polygamy was very common in the surrounding nations. All the heathen Kings had large harems. It was forbidden for the monarchs of Israel to follow such practices, which would result in mischievous and passionate behaviour.

David’s son, Solomon, was a lover of women, and took many foreign wives. The number of his wives was seven hundred, and his concubines three hundred. He attached himself to them and consequently, the scripture states, “his wives turned away his heart” (1 Kings 11:3). God, in inspiring the writings of Deuteronomy chapter seventeen, knew that the formation of close links with foreign women would result in idolatry.3 Solomon tried to gratify his passion by the multiplication of wives. This indulgence of the flesh, lead to his undoing.

“Nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself” (Deut. 17:17).

Solomon’s income was about “six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold”4 annually (1 Kings 10:14). The sources of revenue came from the collection of taxes, foreign tribute and gifts, and profitable trade relationships. This wealth did not benefit all classes of the Israelites. A common Israelite would have lived more comfortable under David’s ruler-ship.

Israel’s Kings were prohibited from accumulating a lot of riches. Undoubtedly, the great multiplication of silver and gold would tend reliance on riches rather than the God of Israel.

YAHWEH’S STATUTES

“Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel” (Deut. 17:18-20).

The God of Israel had given His people the book of the law in order for them to follow His commandments. The king was to make a copy of this5, and keep it with him, reading it regularly.

That preoccupation had a threefold purpose.

a) That the king may learn to serve the Lord.

b) That the king would carefully follow the words of the law.

c) That he would keep on the same level as his brothers before the law of the Lord.

Solomon failed to obey the Lord’s decrees, and fell short of being a model of the true Israelite.

CONCLUSION

Although Solomon began well, he did not remain faithful to Yahweh’s statutes as found in the book of Deuteronomy. King Solomon allowed the thinking, and customs of heathen nations to influence his life. He broke the covenant as he fell into disobedience and sin. As a result of this God brought judgment into his life.

RELEVANCE TO PRESENT DAY CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

It is not enough to have a bible, but to use it on a daily basis and apply it in our lives. The Word of God is not merely a religious book of instructions, but “ is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ishida, Tomoo (ed). Studies in the Period of David and Solomon and Other Essays.Indiana, U.S.A: Eisenbrauns, 1982.

Devries, Simon J. Word Biblical Commentary, 1Kings. Waco, Texas: Word Books, 1985

Rice, Gene. Nations Under God. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1990.

Jones, G.H. The New Century Bible Commentary, 1 and 2 Kings, Volume I.Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1984.

Wood, Leon J. A Survey of Israel’s History (revised ed.).Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1986.

Lasor, William Sanford.; Hubbard, David Allan.; Bush, Frederick William. Old Testament Survey. 2^nd ed. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Pubishing Company, 1996.

Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible.Massachusetts, U.S.A.: Hendrickson Publishers, 1992.

Manley, G.T. The Book of The Law.London: The Tyndale Press, 1957.

Kline, Meredith G. Treaty of The Great King. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1963.

Clements, R.E. Deuteronomy, Old Testament Guides. Sheffield, England: JSOT Press, 1989.

Miller, Patrick D. Interpretation, A Bible Commentary and Preaching Deuteronomy. Louisville, U.S.A:John Knox Press, 1990.

1 The Egyptians were renown for the export of horses, and the construction of fine chariots.

2 In 2 Sam. 8:3-12 & 1 Chron. 18:3-11, his father David, killed all the horses he had seized from King Hadadezer, except enough for one hundred chariots. “David took from him one thousand chariots, seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. Also David hamstrung all the chariot horses, except that he spared enough of them for one hundred chariots” (1 Chronicles 18:4). A great number of chariots and horses led to a false sense of security and power. Fine chariots were also used in the Ancient Near East for the display of glory, status in processions, and for ceremonies.

3 Solomon’s foreign policy was based on friendly alliances and sometimes sealed by marriage. Among his wives was Pharaoh’s daughter. He built a lot of pagan shrines near Jerusalem. Consequently his wives turned his heart away from devotion and concentration on Yahweh.

4 666 talents of gold equate to $322,237,440!

5 Some scholars believe that the king was supposed to write a copy of the law, with his own hand.

That act would show honour for the law, and would result in a deeper study of the law.

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