1 Kings 3 -- A Good Start Doesn't Guarantee A Good Finish

"King Solomon was among the wisest fools who ever wore a crown," according to Frederick Buechner.  "Nobody pointed to Solomon as a good example of a godly ruler."

"David risked his life on the battlefield to defeat enemy nations ... Solomon made treaties with other rulers by marrying their daughters ... Yet Moses in the law warned the Jewish kings not to multiply wives."  God had separated the Jews from other nations to obey Him and be a light to the Gentiles, but Solomon was doing his best to consort with them ... "The price he paid was too high," my commentary said.

"Solomon violated the law of Moses, not only by marrying many wives, but also by multiplying horses and depending on chariots.  Contrary to God's command, Solomon went back to Egypt for both!  The king was required to copy out for himself the book of Deuteronomy, and we wonder how Solomon responded when he read the command about wives and horses."

Solomon and his officers traveled to Gibeon as an act of consecration.  God spoke to him there in a dream.  In His grace, God said, "Ask!  What shall I give you?"  "Solomon saw himself as a youthful leader who desperately needed wisdom and asked God for the wisdom to rule the nation that God would give him an understanding heart ... Solomon wanted a hearing heart ... to the O.T. Jew, hearing meant obeying."

God was pleased and also gave him the things he didn't ask for.  In verse 14, "The Lord was careful to remind Solomon that his obedience to God's covenant and his devotion to the Lord were keys to his future blessings ... It's unfortunate that Solomon with all his wisdom forgot this part of the agreement and gradually drifted into sin and disobedience, and God had to chasten him."

When Solomon asked God to give him an obedient heart, I suppose that he felt that he sure didn't have one at the time, or else he might not have asked.  Since God was pleased that Solomon had asked this, perhaps He agreed.

Father, I too need wisdom and discernment right now.  I also need an obedient and hearing heart, since it seems that You are leading me down a new path, and I want to obey.  Open my heart and mind to Your will and wisdom and walk with me through this.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford