KING SOLOMON

According to the Hebrew, Solomon means MAN OF PEACE

WHO WAS SOLOMON?

Solomon, (ruled 968-928) counts as one of the wisest men in the ancient world. His
wisdom is celebrated in the story where he decides who is the true mother of a
disputed baby. Solomon may have written the Biblical Song of Songs, the Book of
Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. He is thought to have been a real, historical figure.

TEMPLE OF SOLOMON

Solomon was the last king of the United Monarchy (Judah and Israel). He built the
temple in Jerusalem. His parents were King David and Bathsheba. King Solomon
had great wealth and is credited with a large number of wives as well as concubines.
He may have had copper mines.
WISDOM OF SOLOMON

King Solomon, son of King David and Bathsheba, is renowned in the Old Testament
for his wisdom. He is also known for his riches, which were given Solomon by God,
along with the wisdom. The Biblical passage that tells the story of why God gifted
Solomon with wisdom and wealth immediately precedes the passage that provides
the classic example of the Wisdom of Solomon -- his judgment about the true mother
of a disputed infant.

GOD MAKES SOLOMON WISE

When Solomon became king of the United Kingdom of Judah and Israel he asked
God to help him rule his people well and wisely. God was pleased with him since
instead of asking for longevity or wealth, Solomon made a selfless request. God
agreed to do as Solomon asked, but also granted him the two things most people
would want -- longevity and riches.
I Kings 3

3:8 and thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great
people, which cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

3:9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, which
I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a
people?

3:10 and the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing.

3:11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not
asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the
life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern
judgment;

3:12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and
an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after
thee shall any arise like unto thee.

3:13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and
honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.

3:14 and if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments,
as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.

3:15 And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem,
and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt
offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.
THE JUDGMENT

Then two women called upon Solomon, asking him to determine which of the two
of them should be awarded a disputed infant. Both mothers claimed to have given
birth to the baby. Since they couldn't decide, Solomon came up with what sounded
like a logical idea. He suggested the baby be cut and split between the two women.

When one of the women immediately understood that the beloved child would be
killed, she no longer cared whether she got to raise him. All she wanted was that he
be safe. The other potential mother didn't care: she wanted her piece. Solomon
decided the real mother -- or at least the one who should be the real mother -- was
the one who would rather give up her child than seeing it be destroyed.

RELEVANT LESSONS APPLICABLE TODAY

The Life of Solomon provides everyone with a sense of who God was and shows,
first hand, the blessings that God is capable of providing. Solomon shows us how to
appreciate the blessings that are physical and others that are not visible.
Everyone will make mistakes because learning is a part of life. Here are ten lessons
about life that we can learn from Solomon.

Prayer Can Change Life

One prayer changed Solomons life. Have you ever thought about this?

Solomon had an amazing spiritual experiencea conversation with God. God

offered Solomon anything, and Solomon asked for something of great valueHe
made a life-changing request of God.

If you're going through a rough time or struggling with a tough decision - take a
moment to pray and reflect. Prayer can bring forth the answer or enlightenment that
you need

.
God is honored by Excellence
David and Solomon were given specific instructions on the temples construction.
Solomon built the temple to Gods exact specifications. Both God and His people
were honored by this beautiful place of worship.

You don't have to make a grand gesture or do something elaborate but whatever you
do must be done to the best of your ability. God wants you to give your all because
you are honoring God by your excellence.

Wisdom Glorifies God

1st Kings 4:29 - God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of
understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 1st Kings 10:24 - People
from every nation came to consult him and to hear the wisdom God had given him
True wisdom comes from God and glorifies Him.

James 1: 5 says if you will ask God for wisdom, the Bible promises that He will give
it.

Making good decisions glorifies God and if you choose to make poor decisions that
dishonors God. If people around you see that you've made good decisions and honor
God, they will come to you for advice and guidance.
Have Integrity When Handling Success

Solomons kingdom was marked by unprecedented peace, wealth and splendour. He

was the wisest man who ever lived, yet he did not handle his prosperity well. The
greater our prosperity or success, the more likely we are to forget our need for God.

Stay humble. When you pray to God for success, make sure you ask for the character
to withstand the prosperity.

Bad Company Corrupts Good Character

Solomon was not immune from the influence of those he chose to spend his time
with. Being supremely wise and Gods anointed did not protect him from this. We
will become like those we chose to be close tothere is no escaping this reality.
Choose your friends wisely and do not surround yourself with people that possess
bad attitudes and do not glorify God.

Good Steward

So God said to him, Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth
for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in
administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and
discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there
ever be (1 Kings 3:11-12).

Solomon was viewed as a king and thought highly of. Since he was wise and looked
out for others, many people believed in him and looked to him for support.
Jealousy

Song of Solomon 8:6 - Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for
love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire,
the very flame of the Lord.

It is very easy to become jealous but you have to remain humble and grounded. Do
not allow jealousy to take over your thoughts because it can become toxic

Loyalty
David had admonished Solomon to serve the Lord with a loyal heart, but the Holy
Spirit tells us later on in 1Kings 11:4, that Solomons heart was not loyal to the Lord
his God.

Loyalty is defined by the idea of completeness and whole-heartedness. Life will give
you struggles and problems that you must overcome; when you try to find your path
you must remain humble and level-headed. Deep down you know what is right and
wrong - never lose sight of those morals.
Vanity
One of Solomons favorite words in Ecclesiastes is the word, vanity. He uses it 38
times. The Hebrew word is hevel which means, emptiness, futility, vapor.

Therefore, whatever disappears quickly, leaves nothing behind, and does not satisfy
is considered to be vanity. Never allow vanity to consume your life because things
that are vane will not last and have no real value. Stay faithful and do not allow
material items become who you are.