MEMORY VERSE: “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.” – 1 Kings 4:29
BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Chronicles 9:22-28
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Solomon was born in Jerusalem 1000 BC to King David and Bathsheba. He was David sixteenth son. Solomon was a fabulously wealthy and wise king of a united kingdom of Israel who succeeded his father king David. He was one of the most powerful kings of the eastern lands. He is the author of 3000 proverbs and he composed 1005 songs (1 Kings 4:32).
LESSON OUTLINES:
- CHARACTER AND HIS ACHIEVEMENTS
- LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE
1. CHARACTER AND HIS ACHIEVEMENTS
King Solomon ruled Israel between 970 BC and 930 BC. He wrote Song of Solomon (also called Song of Songs), Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. He asked the Lord for an understanding heart to judge His people that he might discern between good and evil (1Kgs.3:9). Because he did not ask for long life, riches and or the life of his enemies, the Lord gave him “a wise and an understanding heart” (1Kgs. 3:11-12). He built the house of the Lord, the temple, on Mount Moriah (2Chron.3:1). King Solomon was famously known for his wisdom (2Chron.9:22). He surpassed all of the kings of the earth in riches and honour in his days (1Kgs.3:13). His reign was the most peaceful as he did not fight any war (1Kgs.4:24). Towards the end of his life, he had 700 wives (Princesses) 300 concubines (1Kgs.11:3). He summed up all life had taught him in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes: “…Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl.12:13b).
2. LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE
The wisest and the richest man that ever lived was Solomon. God revealed Himself to him physically and talked with him twice. King Solomon took many foreign wives for himself, which God had forbidden him to do, and they turned his heart to other gods, as God had warned Him. So, God tore the kingdom out of the hand of his son (1Kgs. 11:1-12). Here are some crucial lessons to learn from the life of Solomon:
- If you need wisdom, ask God for it and He will give it to you – If you believe and do not waver (James 1:5-8).
- Do not take things of the world unto yourself, or they may become a snare to you – keep yourself separate from them (1Jn.2:15-17).
- Riches and wisdom will not keep you spiritually safe if you insist on disobeying God (Col.3:5-6).
- We should not just know what is right, but do what is right (James 4:17).
King Solomon had it all and failed in so many ways but he found restoration in the arms of God. He then shared his own journey and tried to encourage others to avoid such traps in the books that he authored. His sin led to the kingdom being divided in the hands of his son.
CONCLUSION: Solomon was human just like all of us and everyone makes mistakes. Thankfully, if we genuinely repent, we serve a redeeming God whose grace and love are unmatched.