This past week, I have been continuing my study of the Book of 1 Kings. As I read about the nation’s division into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah and Solomon’s successors who led with disobedience to God, I kept returning to Solomon’s wisdom, questioning how someone with so much wisdom could have turned from God. I have pondered on this for the last few days, and in doing so, I have thought of the many intelligent people through history… the intelligence that has brought us into this technological age which allows us to communicate and do business in ways that my mind still cannot comprehend can be possible. And yet, what part of any of these advances will get us into Heaven? …or keep us from hell? Solomon’s wisdom gave him the ability to make Israel prosper under his rule. However, he leaned on his own wisdom, which was a gift from God but ultimately failed to seek strength from God to resist temptation. I found it particularly interesting that Solomon’s personal income was detailed, and not just that it was detailed, but the specific amount. In 1 Kings 10:14, we are told, “…the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold” (KJV). This same number, ‘666,’ is also associated with the beast in Revelation 13:18. We know if it is in God’s Word, it is there for a purpose. After all, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (1 Timothy 3:16 KJV). I do not believe that this specific number being detailed in both places is a coincidence. I think it is meant to illuminate the destruction that comes from the love of money and worldly wealth.
As I analyzed the question of Solomon’s wisdom versus his disobedient choices, many verses came into my mind, one being Proverbs 19:21, which ironically is said to have been written by Solomon. Proverbs 19:21 says, “There are many devices in a man’s heart; but the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand” (KJV).
Although Solomon fell to temptation and allowed worldly desires to turn him from God, our Father gave us this account in scripture to speak to us. Nothing we accumulate nor anything we accomplish in this world will get us into Heaven. Without God, nothing else matters.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any many should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
