1 Kings 4 -- Solomon's Supposed Wisdom Starts Leading To Stupidity

To the world, this chapter likely stirs ambitions of others to achieve what Solomon achieved and to rebuild such a fantastic lifestyle, but the wisest man on earth couldn't see how this established order was instituting the decay of his nation.

Solomon established a bureaucracy that did exactly what Samuel had warned -- it exacted a heavy toll on the people who had to support it.  Solomon set up 12 districts, not along tribal boundaries but including all captured lands as well.  My commentary wondered if this was done "to minimize tribal loyalty and eliminate some of the tension between Judah and the northern tribes.  Instead, the plan only aggravated the tension, particularly since Judah wasn't included in the redistricting program.  Being the royal tribe that contained the royal city, Judah was administrated separately."

The excesses of Solomon's reign, particularly in supporting his household of 700 wives, 300 concubines, their children and his numerous officers put a heavy toll on the common people, who had to be taxed to pay for it.  This would start the feelings of rebellion toward such entitlement.

One other thing my commentary noted:  "David appreciated and enjoyed God's created world and wrote hymns of praise about the Creator and His creation, but Solomon looked upon nature more as an object of study ... Solomon didn't have the steadfast devotion to the Lord that characterized his father, and his many pagan wives were planting seeds in his heart that would bear bitter fruit."

I'm thinking less and less of Solomon's wisdom with every chapter I read!

Father, help me not to turn a blind eye to things in my own life that might be developing as Solomon's problems did.  I don't want worldly wisdom, but godly wisdom to be able to view the world as You do.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford