Observations and Interpretations:
(1) Solomon's wisdom in 4 areas:
5:12 So the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he had promised him. And Hiram and Solomon were at peace and made a treaty.
When Hiram visited Solomon, he seized the opportunities to secure the supply for wood and craftsmen, which were important for building the temple and his palace. The ability to be at peace with Hiram and the ability of making treaties were seen as his wisdom.
When Hiram visited Solomon, he seized the opportunities to secure the supply for wood and craftsmen, which were important for building the temple and his palace. The ability to be at peace with Hiram and the ability of making treaties were seen as his wisdom.
(NAC) So far the Lord has given Solomon judicial (3:16–28), administrative (4:1–28), intellectual (4:29–34), and political (5:1–7) skill. Any one of these abilities is impressive in its own right. As a group they are awe-inspiring. God’s faithfulness is evident.
Reflection: Many times, we see the wisdom of being smart in intellectual skill. Do we have wisdom to seize the opportunity? Do we have the wisdom to live in peace with other people?
(2) Solomon's wisdom in using right persons
5:6 So now order some cedars of Lebanon to be cut for me. My servants will work with your servants. I will pay your servants whatever you say is appropriate, for you know that we have no one among us who knows how to cut down trees like the Sidonians.”
(BKC) Cedars of Lebanon grew profusely on the western slopes of the Lebanon Mountains east of Tyre, though few remain today. They were very old trees with hard, beautiful wood that was excellent for construction since it was not readily subject to decay or insect infestation... The Sidonians were indeed highly skilled in felling timber; doubtless Solomon’s recognition of this ability impressed Hiram favorably
7:13 King Solomon sent for Hiram of Tyre. 14 He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a craftsman in bronze from Tyre. He had the skill and knowledge to make all kinds of works of bronze. He reported to King Solomon and did all the work he was assigned.
(NAC) This threefold ability is reminiscent of Bezalel and Oholiab, the men who made the furnishings for the tabernacle (cf. Exod 31:1–11; 35:30ff.)
(BKC) Cedars of Lebanon grew profusely on the western slopes of the Lebanon Mountains east of Tyre, though few remain today. They were very old trees with hard, beautiful wood that was excellent for construction since it was not readily subject to decay or insect infestation... The Sidonians were indeed highly skilled in felling timber; doubtless Solomon’s recognition of this ability impressed Hiram favorably
7:13 King Solomon sent for Hiram of Tyre. 14 He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a craftsman in bronze from Tyre. He had the skill and knowledge to make all kinds of works of bronze. He reported to King Solomon and did all the work he was assigned.
(NAC) This threefold ability is reminiscent of Bezalel and Oholiab, the men who made the furnishings for the tabernacle (cf. Exod 31:1–11; 35:30ff.)
Reflection: Do we have the wisdom to discern the right person to do the right things?
(3) Solomon fulfilled the promise of God
4:20 The people of Judah and Israel were as innumerable as the sand on the seashore; they had plenty to eat and drink and were happy.
25 All the people of Judah and Israel had security; everyone from Dan to Beer Sheba enjoyed the produce of their vines and fig trees throughout Solomon’s lifetime.
Not only did God fulfill His promise to Abraham, the people lived well and were happy. With all the wisdom given by God, Solomon ruled well.
Not only did God fulfill His promise to Abraham, the people lived well and were happy. With all the wisdom given by God, Solomon ruled well.
(4) God's response to Solomon
Even with the incredible success rulership and the impressive temple, God gave warning to Solomon:
11 The LORD’s message came to Solomon: 12 “As for this temple you are building, if you follow my rules, observe my regulations, and obey all my commandments, I will fulfill through you the promise I made to your father David. 13 I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel.”
(NAC) Great kings and great buildings can and will be replaced if disobedience becomes a way of life. On the other hand, eternal blessings will result from consistent obedience. Solomon must not forget these things in the midst of all his busy success.
Reflection: God was the one who was behind the success of Solomon and He was not impressed with the work of his hand, but his heart. Do we concern about our work or our heart? If we do not follow God and observe His words, what we do will not please God.
Audrey
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