The book of Kings makes us
understand that if we reject God, he will also reject us. If we obey God, he
will bless us. “In those days the Lord
began to reduce the size of Israel” (2
Kings 10:32). Both 1st and 2nd Kings are a continuation
of the books of Samuel. These books records the events of the reign of Solomon
and then of the succeeding Kings of Judah and Israel. Here we can also see the
big Kingdom divided. We see both Judah and Israel led into captivity. Judah (Southern kingdom) had 20 Kings and
Israel (Northern kingdom) had 19
Kings.
Kings begins with King David and
end with the King of Babylon. Kings open with the building of the Temple and
end with the burning of the Temple. During Solomon’s reign, the Kingdom reached
the height of its grandeur. With the death of Solomon, the kingship really
ceased to be the medium through which God governed his people. The decline of
the Kingdoms is given until we see both Israel and Judah led into captivity.
The book of Kings opens with
David being old and because of his feebleness we find a rebellion starting
against him. Adonijah’s attempt to get his father’s throne was natural because
he was the oldest surviving son. But Solomon was God’s choice. (1 Chronicles 22:9; 1 Kings 2:15). It
was clear that the choice of Solomon was popular. (1 Kings 1:39, 40).
Solomon’s reign began in a blaze
of glory, but his life ended in an anti-climax. His heart was not fully devoted
to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. (1 Kings 11:4). Solomon was a great and
glorious King, but we soon find the note of decline. Unlike his father, David,
Solomon dealt cruelly with his brother Adonijah (1Kings 2:24-25). Like Saul, his heart was lifted up in pride (1 Kings 10:18-29) and led by his
heathen wives, he fell into idolatry (1
Kings 11).
God appeared to Solomon in a
dream early in his reign and asked him to make a choice of anything that he
might wish. Solomon asked for a discerning heart which listens to the Spirit’s
voice. The greatest undertaking of Solomon’s reign was building the Temple. The
immense foundation of great hewn stones upon which Solomon’s Temple was built
remains till this day under the Dome of the Rock.
Because of Solomon’s backsliding,
God raised up enemies to vex him. As promised to David, God did not do anything
to the Kingdom till Solomon’s death. Once his son became the King, The Kingdom
got divided into two and it was the start of the end of the great Kingdom. High
positions, great wealth and wisdom may lead to forget God and only think of the
possessions. It was this very glory that led to Solomon’s downfall.
Praying that when you are blessed
with riches and comforts, you don’t forget God like Solomon, but live a life
giving thanks to the one who provided everything to you. Amen.
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