1 Kings 4:1-34
Q.1. How did Solomon maintain control of his kingdom? How far did it extend? – (1 Kgs.4:1-28)
David had been an outstanding team player (c.f. 2 Samuel chapter 23). Solomon brought this delegation to a higher level, by appointing key leaders over the religious and political domain of his vast empire (1 Kgs.4:1-6). The needs of his court were massive, so he drew up rosters to meet these daily requirements – Solomon had twelve deputies over all Israel, who provided for the king and his household; Each man had to provide for a month in the year (1 Kgs.4:7 c.f. 1 Kgs,4;8-19). Solomon had brokered peace with the surrounding nations and – they paid him tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life (1 Kgs.4:21). His tribe of Judah and all the tribes of Israel prospered – from Dan to Beersheba all the days of Solomon (1 Kgs.4:25 c.f. 1 Kgs.4:20). He multiplied horses and chariots, and he controlled his territories with a highly developed team of overseers, complete with an efficient stable of the best horses (1 Kgs.4:26-28 c.f. Deut.17:16-17). His empire reached its zenith, and he ruled from the River (Euphrates) to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt. He enjoyed peace and prosperity on all sides around him (1 Kgs.4:21 & 24).
Q.2. What really drew people to Solomon? How did Scriptures come from such an imperfect man? – (1 Kgs.4:29-34)
As impressive as his palaces, botanical gardens, and temple were, people were drawn to Solomon himself, because –God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment and breadth of mind, like the sand that is on the seashore (1 Kgs.4:29). This extended to Scripture, music, botany, zoology, and entomology – Men came from all peoples to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all the kings of the earth (1 Kgs.4:34). He wrote Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and some of the Psalms. He knew the truth, but yet did not always follow his own advice. All the Scriptures were written by flawed men because – men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God (2 Pet.1:21). The Bible records that – he was wiser than all men, than Ethan the Ezrahite … and his fame was known in all the surrounding nations (1 Kgs.4:31 c.f. Ps.89 Introduction). However, the wisdom of Solomon cannot be compared with the wisdom of Christ (c.f. Mt.12:42). Man’s wisdom is but foolishness compared with the wisdom of God (c.f. 1 Cor.1:25).