1.
God appears to a waiting Solomon
2.
Solomon admits inadequacy and requests
an understanding and a wise heart.
3.
God grants it along with riches and
honour
In
the chapter 3 of first Kings, we see the beginning of the glorious reign of
Solomon. With political threats removed, alliances are in order. Solomon wastes
no time in securing the friendship of Egypt by marrying the daughter of Pharaoh.
This removes the possibility of invasion from the south and creates the
peaceful climate in which he can build his palace, the Lord’s temple and walls
of Jerusalem. Though he has inter married no note of idolatry.
He
often sacrifices away from Jerusalem, in the high places where the Canaanites
had worshipped the Baalim. Jerusalem must be the focus of religious as well as
of religious unity. But there is already a note of criticism of him which we
shall see made of many of his successors. In fact his offering sacrifice at the
high places is later seen as there was no temple was Jerusalem ready yet. However at the high place of Gibeon, where
YHWH appears to him in a dream and promises him the practical wisdom, for which
he is to become famous, clearly shows his faithfulness to one true God.
The
first part of Solomon’s reign is marked by the covenant fidelity to the Lord by
love and obedience. He worships at the best shrine and from the abundance of
prosperity with which the lord has blessed him; he makes generous sacrifices to
YHWH. Often dreams are seen as an occasion to encounter YHWH.
Solomon’s
request and Unique Blessing:
In
the ensuing dialogue Solomon perceives himself as YHWH’s servant and requests
from the Lord an understanding heart by which to govern the people and to
distinguish the right from the wrong. Yahweh responds generously to Solomon’s
request will be granted and in advance he will receive the standard blessings
of covenant fidelity – Riches, and glory and a long Life.( when these texts
were written Israelites did not believe in life after death. Therefore the Deuteronimistic
historian, reward for covenant fidelity took the form of material prosperity, a
long life and progeny to continue one’s life.
Solomon’s
reverence for the Lord, proven by his altruistic request, would merit him
wisdom, in addition to the usual covenant blessings. Solomon awakes from his
dream and again sacrifices to the Lord.
3,16-28:
Solomon’s Judgment:
Solomon
immediately begins to make judgment with the understanding heart the Lord has
given him. Cleverly he sets forth the condition that
will enable him to determine the real mother of the living child and his
insightful decision wins the awe of the people that is the glory that the Lord
has promised.Thus the promise in the dream , is seen in the effect immediately.
Solomon’s Power (Ch 4,1- 5,6)
The
list given shows us that the king had set up a tough Beurocratic system very
different from the early days of Saul. He had a powerful standing army and
extensive building schemes and extravagant court. There was peace all around in
his land from north to south and from Mediterranean to the Euphrates.
4,
7 – 5, 14: just
as there had been twelve sons of Jacob and twelve tribes of Israel, so now the
land is divided into twelve parts. This time each commissary is to contribute,
one month’s supply of provisions to kings household. This is the first textual
evidence that Solomon used the people for his own benefit. What Samuel had
warned- that the king would set the people to do his ploughing and his
harvesting, that he would tithe crops and vineyards and flocks is here
acknowledged.( 1 Sam 8,12,15,17)
Each commissary has a leader. 7 of them are
named and five are just said as the sons of somebody. All that we can say about
these people is that they are loyal to Solomon.
Shrewd
organization of Solomon’s empire ensures peace and prosperity, in the land. For
this, Solomon continues to be characterized by the God given gifts of Wisdom,
exceptional understanding and knowledge. His political savvy is complimented by
his literary and musical talents as well as the expertise in biology. Two
special features him were his- wisdom and wealth. He could build the temple and
could do great things because of his astute organizing.
1
Kings 3, 4-15 is seen as a legend. An imaginary story exemplifying certain
virtues and offering as an example for others. This is to show that Solomon’s
wisdom, wealth and honour came from God and not from humans-an attempt to show
that the Lord had empowered him.
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