Day 143: Solomon Asks for Wisdom

 Today's readings: 1 Kings 1, 2 Chronicles 1, and Psalm 43.

I. 1 Kings 1 recounts the transition from David's reign to Solomon's as king of Israel. David is old and weak. Another son, Adonijah, tried to become king in place of Solomon, but ultimately failed. Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba interceded for Solomon. David intervened to see Solomon anointed and installed as king. I must say, David had many successes in his life, except when it came to his family. His sins caught up with him in his family life.

II. 2 Chronicles 1 begins Solomon’s reign and emphasizes that his kingship is established by God. It parallels 1 Kings 3, although Chronicles gives special attention to worship at the sanctuary in Gibeon. I do like how he starts off by asking God for wisdom, something a good leader needs. Yet, as the BIY Companion, Vol II, notes:

We might ask how Solomon starts out wise and later falls away from God. The problem begins when he starts amassing treasures. In direct disobedience to Deuteronomy, he collects horses from Egypt. While wisdom is a great virtue to have, obedience is more powerful. Disobedience to the Lord will be Solomon's downfall. All of us have been given gifts from God - but they mean nothing unless we use them to accomplish his will. (p. 48)

III. Psalm 43 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. It may have originally formed the second half of Ps 42. The Psalmist's prayer is twofold: he asks that God would defend him from the scheming of evil men; and he asks that God would guide his steps back to the Temple and its joyful worship. (p. 866)

That's all for today!