Day 139, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 1Kings 2:13–3:15; 2Chronicles 1:1-13; 1Kings 3:16-28; Psalm 50
New Leadership
It is not always possible, but it is beneficial for new leaders to begin well. If early on, they show themselves wise by listening to good counsel and being decisive in their actions, it inspires confidence in their followers. What else is essential for new leadership?
Direction
If the previous administration led with success and clear purpose, then the new administration should, in most cases, go in the same direction. King Solomon followed the ways of his father, King David—he sought the LORD.
Dealing with Competition and Threats
Before King David died, he took action against his son Adonijah, who was conspiring to take his place. As David promised the nation, he immediately placed his young son Solomon on the throne and had the people proclaim him as king. Those who were following Adonijah disbanded and fled, fearing retribution for their treachery.
After David’s death, Solomon still has to deal with competitions and threats to his position. To do this, Solomon removes old enemies of his father by having them killed.
Should we do this? No, that is up to the government. We are not to harm anyone, but if there are competitions and threats to our God-given leadership, we need to deal with them in fairness, justice, wisdom, and without delay.
Being Careful of Alliances
Not only does young Solomon have a new job, but he also gets married. Solomon marries a princess from Egypt. The marriage is a political alliance (1 Kings 3:1). His marriage to a non-Israelite is an early mistake which will plague him in later years; a partnership with Egypt is unacceptable to God. The princess probably worshipped pagan gods and could also influence him and their children to worship her country’s idols. We know this will be a problem in his old age after he has married a great many foreign women (1Kings 11:1-9).We must not make alliances with ungodly people if we want our Christian marriage, business, organization, or institution to prosper. The Apostle Paul warns Christians, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14, NIV)
For some unknown reason, David did not bring the brazen altar, all the other articles of worship and sacrifice, and the tent of meeting to Jerusalem with the Ark of the Covenant. Because the workers had not yet built the temple, many Israelites, including Solomon, therefore, sought the LORD by worshipping him at high places like their pagan neighbors (1Kings 3:3). These places of worship, however, were offensive to God.
Seeking Wisdom; Asking for God’s Help
Other than not worshipping in Jerusalem, Solomon is devoted and demonstrates his love for God by following the instructions of his father, David. One Jewish hymn writer says, “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him [God] belongs eternal praise” (Psalm 111:10, NIV).
Solomon is king over all Israel, and this is an enormous responsibility. One night, God appears to Solomon in a dream and tells him to ask for whatever he wishes. Realizing that he is young and inexperienced, Solomon asks for wisdom and discernment for governing Israel (1 Kings 3:4-15; 2 Chronicles 1:7-10).God is pleased with his request. The LORD gives him wisdom and understanding, plus what he has not asked for—riches, honor, and long life (if he will obey the LORD).
If God has given us responsibilities, let us ask him for wisdom and understanding to help us carry them out in such a way that it will please him. Because of our unselfishness, he will bless us (although not necessarily in the same way he promises Solomon).
One example of Solomon’s great wisdom is the incidence of trying to determine who is the true birth mother of a baby. After he listens to their stories and their quarrel, he proposes to cut the live child in two! Horrified, the true mother pleads for mercy to save the child’s life, and she asks Solomon to give the living child to the other woman. Solomon sees the unmistakable love of a mother for her child and rightly perceives her to be the birth mother. He gives the infant to her.
Are any of us facing difficult decisions? The brother of our Lord Jesus says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5, NIV).
Focus Verse
Proverbs 9:10 (NIV) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Discussion
All leaders would like to start well, but how can people gain confidence in them?
What are some things that new leaders may have to deal with right away? What should they be careful of?
Leaders should be teachable. When and for what should we ask God for wisdom?
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Looking Ahead: In our next two lessons, Solomon builds the temple of God, where the LORD will dwell. What Makes a House a Home?Back to top of page
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