Put yourself in Solomon's shoes. You were a wealthy son of the king. Now you are the king. The Lord grants you wisdom beyond measure. You inherited wealth and power. Aren't you set up for absolute success? You would think so.
Solomon is a perplexing figure. He appears to be fulfilling all the promises of God as the son of David. He is appointed King, he asks for the right thing from God as a young person, he keeps peace and even follows most of the commandments of the Lord.
But one thing the author mentions throws up a red flag.
1 Kings 3:3 Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings in the high places.
The author paints a positive picture of Solomon in almost every respect except for this one issue. And he does not even seem to make a big deal about it.
Later, in chapter 5, the author mentions Solomon drafting forced labor for the construction of the temple. Then, in chapter 11, the author records that Solomon completely turned away from the Lord! From almost complete obedience to absolute rebellion.
What caused this grand apostasy of Israel's King and son of David?
We cannot be certain, but we can imagine the types of pressures Solomon must have faced as King of one of the most powerful kingdoms in the world.
In the end, Solomon was human. He was merely a man. He could not withstand the pressure of ruling God's people as their king while remaining holy and upright. Apparently, Solomon was not the promised Son of David whose throne would last forever and ever. But who would be?
This is the beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ. So many questions were asked throughout history about God's rule and reign on the earth. Many promises and visions were given of perfect harmony and peace. How would they come?
Jesus. Jesus came. He lived perfectly. He died humbly. He rose victoriously. He transforms lives totally. He will rule and reign forever and ever. His kingdom will have no end. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the Lord!
Take from reading 1 Kings 1-5
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