Lesson 1

THE END OF DAVID’S REIGN

1st Kings 1:1-31

In Joshua we see the conquest of the land. In Judges we see confusion in the land. In Ruth we see scarcity in the land. In 1st & 2nd Samuel we revival and the rise of the monarchy in the land. In 1st & 2nd Kings we see captivity in the land. In the first few chapters of 1st Kings we see the rise of Solomon and the building of the Temple. These are glorious events, but unfortunately the sin of Solomon led to the division and decline of the kingdom and the eventual captivity of all twelve tribes in 2nd Kings. This should furnish us with a severe warning for our own nation today. Unfortunately most people do not see or care about the danger we face.

Introduction to 1st Kings

1st & 2nd Kings were originally one book, but were divided when the Old Testament was translated into Greek. GOD is the author of this book. Perhaps he used Jeremiah to write it down. The book falls into two sections:

1. Chapters 1–11, The 40 year history of Solomon’s reign.

2. Chapters 12–22, 80 years history of the divided kingdom.

The first 11 chapters may be divided in the following manner:

Chapters 1–4, Solomon’s ascension and early acts.

Chapters 5–8, Solomon’s Temple and Palace built.

Chapters 9–10, Solomon’s meridian, fame and glory.

Chapter 11, Solomon’s Declension and Disease.

The key phrase in chapter 1, is found in v. 5, where Adonijah “exalted himself.” Jesus warned of the danger of this sin. Luke 14:11, For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

I. DAVID IN THE WINTER OF LIFE. V. 1-4

A. Old and Cold at 70. v. 1

1. Hard life may have shortened the life of this warrior . 2nd Sam. 5:4-5, David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.

2. His own sins and the sins of his children, no doubt had contributed to his present condition. In spite of all the good things that can be said about David, his relationship with women, and his failure as a father helped bring ruin to the kingdom. This should be a warning to fathers today.

3. Being cold is the natural condition of old age.

B. Human Vices and Devices. v. 2-4

1. His servants who presumed to have medical knowledge, prescribed this remedy. Until modern times this was practiced in some societies. v. 2-3. Eccles. 4:11, Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

2. David innocent of any wrong doing in this case. v.4. His physical and mental condition was such that he probably had no say in this. (She might be called a practical nurse in this case)

II. ADONIJAH EXALTS HIMSELF TO BE KING. V. 5-10

A. The Cause of the Crime

1. Self exaltation made him like his brother Absalom. v. 5. He would have done well to have listened to the words that Samuel spake to Saul. 1 Sam. 15:17, And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?

2. His father had failed to discipline. v. 6. Prov. 29:15, The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. He was the full brother to Absalom and had much of his looks and ways.

3. Selfish Men Had Encouraged Him. v. 7

a. Joab wanted to keep his job with a new king. He was the son of Zeruiah, David’s sister. In spite of his apparent years of loyalty, we find him betraying king David. (For Joab’s background: see: 2nd Sam. 2:13-32; 3:22-31; 10:7-14)

b. Abiathar may have been afraid that Zadok would replace him, even though in the past he had been loyal to David.

4. Used a feast to bribe people to follow. v. 9. Good food makes many people pliable and easy to influence. Many times in religion, business and politics, this method is used today. It is often just a ploy to appeal to fleshly appetites.

B. The Faithful and Loyal Were Not Influenced. v. 8,10

1. Benaiah. 2nd Sam. 8:18; 20:23; 23:32

2. Nathan the prophet was a fearless and faithful prophet who was not afraid to condemn sin, even if the guilty person was the king himself. 2nd Sam. 12:7-11

3. Zadok the priest remained faithful to David all the days of his life. His name means “righteous, and justified.”

4. The 600 mighty men were good and faithful warriors. 1st Sam. 25:13; 27:2; 2nd Sam. 23:8; 1st Chron. 11:9-47

III. NATHAN AND BATHSHEBA LOYAL TO GOD’S PLAN. V. 11-14

A. Nathan’s background.

1. He was God’s messenger to stop David from building the temple. 2nd Sam. 7 and 1st Chron. 22:8-9.

2. Reproved David for his sin. 2nd Sam. 12. This no doubt was responsible for David’s prayer of repentance. Psa. 51

B. Nathan Counsels Bathsheba to go Directly to the King.

1. He did this in order to fulfill the Divine will. 1 Chron. 22:8-9

2. He did this in order to secure the future of Israel.

3. The fate of innocent people were at stake. It was the custom when a throne was seized, that the heirs to the throne and their friends killed. See Judges 9:5; I Kings 15:29

4. He offers to get involved in influencing David. v. 14

IV. BATHSHEBA AND NATHAN BEFORE THE KING. V. 15-31

A. An Anxious Mother Before the King. v. 15-21

1. She properly approaches the King. v. 15-16

2. She pleads than an oath be kept. v. 17. The oath was that Solomon her son would be made king.

3. She points out clearly the rebellion of Adonijah. v. 18-19

4. She presses home the claims of the nation. v. 20

5. Her pathos is real. v. 21. She certainly knew if Solomon was not made king that it would mean death to both of them.

B. Nathan the Prophet Before the King. v. 22-27

1. A faithful prophet tells the truth. v. 22-26. This is always the duty of God’s faithful messengers.

2. A faithful prophet seeks the truth. v. 27

C. The King Responds to the Truth. v. 28-31

1. By renewing his solemn oath. v. 29-30

2. By doing something “that day.” v. 28-31. Solomon is a dim type of Him that will reign in righteousness.

— Lesson by E. L. Bynum

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Lesson 2

SOLOMON MADE KING

1st Kings 1:32-53

In 1st & 2nd Kings you can see a clear downward path in their relationship with God. In 1st Kings we see the beginning of glorious and united kingdom, but we see it ending in a troublesome divided kingdom. In 2nd Kings we see widespread sin and corruption in the two kingdoms, and at the end we see the captivity of both kingdoms. It was a downward spiral which came about as they departed from the Lord, and went deeper and deeper into sin.

This should be a profound warning to our on nation. It seems clear that we are on the same path of sin and ruin, which befell Israel. History is littered with the sad record of nations that followed the same path.

The coronation of Solomon was indeed a glorious day for him and the nation. It is but a dim picture of that glorious coronation of our Lord Jesus Christ. His kingdom will never fade nor fail!

I. THE CORONATION OF SOLOMON. v. 32-40

A. This Was Commanded by David. v. 32-37

1. The King abdicated in favor of Solomon. v. 32-35. This must have been a strong emotional experience for David. After all, he had been king for 40 years.

a. Trustworthy leaders called. v. 32. Every leaders has a great need for trustworthy people who will work with him.

b. Thoroughly instructed. v. 33-34

(1) Riding upon the king’s mule was very symbolic of ones right to rule. Mules were not chosen for war horses, but they were often the chosen beast for a king to ride on. Perhaps this may because they give a much softer ride than a horse.

(2) There was to be a public proclamation that Solomon was now the king.

c. Effort made to heal division between Israel and Judah. v. 35. There was deep rift between the 10 tribes in the north, and the 2 tribes in the south. The peace would only last as long as Solomon was king, then the division would be a reality.

2. Benaiah’s approval. v. 36-37. What a wonderful statement from this great warrior.

B. Celebrated with a Solemn Ceremony. v. 38-40

1. Royal bodyguard brings Solomon to Gihon. v. 38

a. Riding David’s mule, showed his approval.

b. Gihon was a spring that emptied into the brook Kidron to the south of the Temple site. Kings were anointed by springs or rivers to show the perpetuity of their kingdom.

2. Anointed with the sacred oil. v. 39. This anointing oil was a special formula used for anointing kings and priests and it was kept in the tabernacle. Ex. 30:22-25

a. Anointing symbolized the communication of the Spirit. I Sam. 16:13

b. Oil symbolized power and plenty.

3. The public proclamation and rejoicing. v. 40. The phrase used in Great Britain, “God save the king,” came from the Bible.

II. THE CONSTERNATION OF ADONIJAH. v. 41-49

A. Selfish Rebels surprised in their gluttony. v. 41

1. They were feasting instead of being loyal to David and Solomon. Rom. 16:18, For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

2. There are many in religion today who are not loyal to God, but to their fleshly appetites. Phil. 3:19, Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.

A. Rebels listen to unwelcome news. v. 42-49

1. What a shock to this bunch of rebels.

2. One day these modern rebels are going to be shocked.

B. Rebels doomed to defeat. v. 49

1. They came to the awful conclusion that they had followed the wrong man.

2. What fear must have gripped their minds.

III. ROYAL CLEMENCY GIVEN. v. 50-53

A. Mercy and Forgiveness Sought at the Altar. v. 50-51

1. The altar, the refuge for the guilty. There was no real repentance, so there was no permanent refuge for Adonijah. See what happened to him in due time. 1st Kings 2:24

2. It is the place of sacrifice and atonement. There can be no atonement unless there is sincere repentance and faith.

3. It is the symbol of reconciliation.

4. It is a type of the cross.

B. The Conditions for Reconciliation and Mercy. v. 52-53

1. He must show himself a worthy man. v. 52

2. He must turn from his wickedness. v. 52

3. He must acknowledge Solomon as king and be ready to obey. v. 53

IV. SOLOMON AS A TYPE OF CHRIST

A. Like Solomon, Christ Was Chosen and Appointed by His Father.

1. Christ showed that Solomon was a type of Himself. Luke 11:31, The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

2. Gabriel announced His kingship. Luke 1:32-33, He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

3. Christ proclaimed His own power and authority. Matt. 28:18, And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

4. Christ was prophesied in the Psalms. Psa. 2:6-8, Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ps 2:8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

B. Like Solomon, Christ Opposed by His Enemies.

1. Opposition prophesied. Psa. 2:2-3, The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

2. Jews and Romans opposed Him. Matt. 27:22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. See Matthew 27:29, 37

3. Jesus did not deny that He was king of the Jews. Matt. 27:11, And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

4. Pilate recognized Him as king. Matt. 27:37, And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

C. Like Solomon, Christ Was Anointed.

1. His name “Christ” implies it. “Christos” means the “anointed one.”

2. God anointed Jesus. Acts 10:38, How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

a. Conceived by the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:34-35, Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

b. Anointed by the Spirit at His baptism. Matt. 3:16, And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

c. Spirit without measure. John 3:34-35, For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

D. Like Solomon, Christ Made His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.

1. Temporarily some gave Him the honor He deserved. John 12:12-15, On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.

2. He will return and rule from Jerusalem. Zech. 14:9, And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one. See Psa. 24:7-10; Psa. 47:7-8

3. New Testament prophecy shall be fulfilled. Rev. 19:16, And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

— Lesson by E. L. Bynum

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Lesson 3

THE BEGINNING OF A GLORIOUS REIGN

1st Kings 2:1-46

This chapter reveals a lot about sin and its consequences. It should be a warning to all readers. May we all pray like David to be kept from sin. Psa. 19:13, Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

I. THE LAST DAYS OF DAVID. v. 1-11

A. David’s Charge to Solomon. v. 1-9

1. Exhortation to obey the truth. v. 1-4

a. By being a strong man. v. 2. Fathers should instruct their sons carefully in the word of God. Whether David had done this in the earlier years of Solomon may be doubtful. Nevertheless, it was timely at this time. Deut. 6:4-7, Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. De 6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children , and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

b. The commands of God to be obeyed. v. 3-4. God will not bless those who disregard is Word and will. John 14:15, If ye love me, keep my commandments. 1st John 2:3, And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

c. This was the key to prosperity and perpetuity. v. 3-4 Note these Scriptures on obedience: 1st Sam. 15:22; James 1:25, But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. Luke 11:28, But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. John 7:17, If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. John 14:23, Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

2. Exhortation to execute justice. v. 5-9

a. Justice for Joab the Murderer. v. 5-6. 2nd Sam.3:27; 2nd Sam. 20:10

b. Justice for Loyal Barzilla. v. 7. 2nd Sam. 19:31

c. Justice for Shimei the blasphemer. v. 8-9. 2nd Sam. 16:5-13

B. David’s death. v. 10-11. 1 Chron. 29:23-25. Thus we find that God’s mighty, warrior and poet had to die. Heb. 9:27, And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.

II. THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON. v. 12-46

A. Solomon Established and Blessed of God. v. 12 1 Chron. 29:23-25

B. Solomon Deals With Adonijah the Traitor. v. 13-25

1. Adonijah with a new scheme for gaining the throne.

2. He would use Solomon’s mother to do his dirty work.

3. His request was contrary to the law.

a. Abishag was considered to be David’s wife, even though he had never known her as wife. It was against the law of God for him to do this. See 1:4. Lev. 18:8 , The nakedness of thy father’s wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father’s nakedness.

b. If he had succeeded, this would have appeared that he had some claim on the throne, and that is what he really wanted.

4. Solomon wisely saw through the scheme. If he had failed to act, then a civil war would soon have erupted.

5. Adonijah executed. v. 25. In our modern world this would be judged to be cruel, but truthfully this is what the traitor deserved.

C. Abiathar Demoted but spared from death. v. 26-27

1. Abiathar spared from death because of loyal service. v. 26. This was a city in the tribe of Benjamin that was given to the priests. Josh. 21:18-19, Anathoth with her suburbs, and Almon with her suburbs; four cities. All the cities of the children of Aaron, the priests, were thirteen cities with their suburbs.

2. Abiathar removed because of rebellion. 1:7. 1st Sam. 15:23, For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

3. Abiathar removed from the priesthood because of his unfaithfulness. v. 27. The same thing happened to the house of Eli. 1st Sam. 2:30-35

D. Joab the Murderer Executed. v. 28-35

1. Fearful Joab flees to the altar. The altar was a place of sacrifice and safety, but not for Joab. He was only using this altar as a crutch to try to make up for his awful sins.

2. Joab could not lawfully claim the altar as a refuge. Ex. 21:14, But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die. Deut. 19:11-13, But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities: Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die. Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.

3. Benaiah and Zadok promoted. v. 35 (Note: Those who are loyal and faithful to the Lord in this life, will be promoted in the kingdom age.)

E. Judgment Upon Shimei. v. 36-44

1. The sins of Shimei.

a. Cursed the king. v. 8. 2nd Sam. 16:5, And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.

(1) To curse the king was a very serious matter. Eccl. 10:20, Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

(2) If it was a serious matter to curse the king, how much more serious to curse God and take His name in vain. Exodus 20:7, Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

b. Disobeyed Solomon’s royal decree.

c. Being of the tribe of Benjamin (Saul’s tribe) he was a menace to the throne.

2. Solomon offers reasonable terms for parole. v. 36-38. Even this evil man was given a chance to repent and obey.

a. Live in Jerusalem without leaving. v. 36. In Jerusalem he could be watched for any treachery.

b. Penalty stated. v. 37

c. Shimei’s agreement. v. 38

3. Shimei’s disobedience. v. 39-40. He was more interested in financial gain than he was in obedience. Many today pursue their own pleasure and financial gain, and exclude God from their lives. They will find out that they made a mistake, but it will be too late.

4. Called before the Judge. v. 41-44. A day of judgment is coming one day to all.

a. Christians will be judged, not to see if they will go to heaven, but to reward them for their works. 2nd Cor. 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

b. The lost people will also be judged, but not to see if they will go to heaven. That is forever settled in this life. They will be judged determine the amount of punishment they will receive in the lake of fire and brimstone. Rev. 20:12-15, And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

F. Justice blessed of God. v. 45-46

1. In this chapter we find that the punishment for sin may take a long time to arrive, but it will inevitably come.

2. The only refuge for the sinner is to repent and turn to God’s remedy for sin. Those who do not will find that justice will do her work. Ezek. 18:4, Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

— Lesson by E. L. Bynum

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Lesson 4

SOLOMON’S WISDOM

1st Kings 3:1-28

Solomon was a young man when he became King. It is doubtful that he was over 20 years of age. He was faced with a tremendous responsibility. He succeeded in many ways, but he did have some tragic and notable failures.

His judgment as a ruler is only a dim picture of the coming righteous reign of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I. SOLOMON’S WEDDING. v. 1

A. Reason for the Marriage.

1. The word affinity means, “to become a son-in-law, make oneself a daughter’s husband.”

2. Political and military. This does show the power and extent of his reign that Pharaoh would consent to the marriage.

B. Result of this Marriage.

1. He broke the spirit if not the letter of the command of God.

a. The danger of such a marriage is pointed out by Moses. Ex.34:16, And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods. Deut.7:3-4, Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

b. We find that this disobedience caused him to worship other Gods. 1st Kings 11:1-9. Neh.13:26, Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.

2. He did not bring her into Zion at that time.

3. If she had accepted Israel’s God like Ruth, then things might have turned out differently. Ruth 1:16, And Ruth said, ...thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.

4. This may have contributed to his disobedience. Compare 4:26 with Deut. 17:16.

II. SOLOMON’S WORSHIP. v. 2-4

A. Based on the High Motive of Love. v. 3
His motives were based on love, but his judgment was not always in the light of God’s truth.

B. Offered in the Highest Places. v. 2-4

1. High places an ancient custom. Gen. 12:7-8; 22:2-4; 31:54; Judges 6:25-26; 13:16-23

2. This seems to have been more of an excuse than a reason. v. 2. The place to make the sacrifices at the time was at Gibeon.

3. Even though though he was following a custom, high places were not what God commanded. Deut. 12:11, 13-14, Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD: ...Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest: But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee.

3. Offering of the highest numbers. v. 4. Brazen altar and the Tabernacle were at Gibeon. 2 Chron. 1:3-6

III. SOLOMON’S WISDOM. v. 5-15

A. Wisdom Is a Divine Gift. v. 5, 12

1. The beginning of wisdon. Psa. 111:10, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

2. The source of wisdom. Dan. 2:20-22, Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

3. The quality of wisdom. James 3:17, But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

4. The way to wisdom. 1st Cor. 3:18, Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

5. The personification of wisdom. 1 Cor. 1:30, But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

6. The way to obtain wisdom. James 1:5, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

7. Who wisdom is for. Matt. 7:24-25, Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

B. Wisdom Is Asked of God in Prayer. v. 6-9

1. He acknowledges God’s past blessings. v. 6

2. He acknowledges his youth and weakness. v. 7

3. He acknowledges the great task. v. 8

4. He asks for understanding and wisdom to perform his mission. v. 9. 2nd Chron.1:10, Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?

C. God’s Answer to His Prayer. v. 10-14

1. Wisdom granted. v. 10-12

2. Receiving more than he asked. v. 13. Matt. 6:33, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

3. A conditional promise. v. 14. Solomon died at 60 years, after reigning for 40 years as king. We have no evidence that he repented of his sins before he died.

4. Solomon acknowledges the gift, when he came to Jerusalem and stood before the Ark of the Covenant. v. 15

IV. SOLOMON’S WISE JUDGMENT. v. 16-28

A. A Most Difficult Case to Judge. v. 16-22

1. Ordinary tribunal had likely failed.

2. Both witnesses of questionable character. No Godly person would even consider stealing a baby that belonged to another woman. To deceive in such a manner would be unthinkable.

3. Their testimony was evenly balanced.

B. His Judgment Based on Maternal Affection.

1. The king’s plan seemed sudden and severe. v. 23-25

2. The king’s plan reveals a deep insight into human nature. v. 26-27

C. His Judgment Won the Confidence of the People. v. 28

1. God used this to rally the people to follow after King Solomon.

2. Our own judgment on certain matters, will either help our testimony before others or cause harm to our testimony.

D. This Judgment Foreshadows the Coming Judgment.

1. There is coming a day of judgment for the life and works of the believer. 1st Cor. 3:9-15. 2nd Cor. 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

2. There is a coming day of judgment for the lost. See Rev. 20:11-15

— Lesson by E. L. Bynum

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Lesson 5

SOLOMON’S WISE AND PROSPEROUS REIGN

1st Kings 4:1-34

Summary of Solomon’s Wisdom:

1. Solomon’s need of wisdom. 1st Kings 3:1

2. Solomon’s prayer for wisdom. 1st Kings 3:2-15

3. An Example of his wisdom. 1st Kings 3:16-28

4. The practical exhibition of his wisdom. 1st Kings 4:1-28

5. The extent of his wisdom. 1st Kings 4:29-34

I. THE EXHIBITION OF SOLOMON’S WISDOM. v. 1-28

A. The Princes That Ruled with Him. v. 1-6

1. Their names fit the character of his kingdom, and foreshadow the corning kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.

a. Azariah, “Jehovah is help” v. 2. Azariah was the grandson of Zadok. He is called his son, but that relationship is often called a son, which was permissible according to their usage. 1st Chron. 6:8-9, And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Ahimaaz, And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan, b. Elihoreph, “my God is reward” v. 3

c. Ahihiah, “Brother of Jehovah” v. 3

d. Jehoshaphat, “Jehovah judges” v. 3

e. Benaiah, “built up by Jehovah” v.4

f. Zadok, “gift bestowed” v. 4

g. Abiathar, “brother of ability” v. 4. He was the priest when Solomon came to the throne but was deposed. 2:26

h. Adoniram, “Lord of heights” v. 6

2. Their offices and duties

a. Solomon — King over all Israel.

b. Azariah — priest, in this case refers too secular office rather than a religious office. He seems to have been the chief of state or prime minister.

c. Scribes — High level office, perhaps secretaries of. state. v. 3

d. Recorder — Historiographer or Chronicler. (a high office)

e. Over the host — Commander of the armed forces.

f. Priests — Zadok the High Priest.

g. Over the officers — Over the prefects or provincial governors. v. 5

h. Principal officer and the kings friend — privy counsellor, special aid and close friend and adviser. v. 5

i. Household — Steward or chamberlain of the palace.

j. Tribute — One in charge of levy, whether money or labor.

B. The Officers in Charge of the Commissary. v. 7-19

1. Chosen from various areas of the kingdom, but not from each tribe.

2. They were responsible for bringing provisions for the king and his household.

3. Note v. 11 and v. 15 speak of Solomon’s daughters, so this passage must have been written some years later.

C. The Extent and Glory of His Kingdom. v. 20-28

1. The vast population of Israel. v. 20. Gen. 13:16, And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. Gen.15:5, And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. Gen. 22:17, That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies.

2. The Prosperity and happiness of the people. v. 20

3. The land ruled over by Solomon — From Egypt to the Euphrates river. v. 21, 24-25.

a. Under the reign of Solomon the kingdom covered more territory any other of the kings.

b. This is but a dim picture of the coming reign of Christ. Zech. 14:8-9, And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one. Psa. 2:7-8, I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

4. The peace. v. 24-25.

a. After the death of Solomon their safety and prosperity were greatly restricted.

b. When he that is greater than Solomon comes to reign, there will be peace, safety and prosperity. Jer. 23:6, In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jer. 33:16, In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness. Zech. 3:10, In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.

5. The provisions per day. v. 22-23

6. The powerful armies of Solomon. v. 26-28.

a. He was forbidden by God from having these horses. Deut. 17:16, But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.

b. He should have been trusting in God. Psa. 20:7, Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

II. THE EXTENT OF SOLOMON’S WISDOM. v. 29-34

A. The Source of His Wisdom. v. 29

1. The source of wisdom. James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

2. The way to obtain wisdom. James 1:5, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

B. The Excellence of His Wisdom. v. 30-31

1. There were many men of wisdom in Babylon, Persia, Arabia and Egypt, but Solomon excelled them all. v. 30

2. In Egypt Moses learned this wisdom. Acts 7:22, And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

3. He was wiser than some notable people of his day. v. 31

C. The Use of His Wisdom. v. 32-33

1. Spiritual matters. v. 32. No one in the Bible wrote as many proverbs and songs. Many of them are preserved in the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon.

2. Creation matters. v. 33. He was an expert in the matter of animals and vegetation.

D. The Drawing Power of His Wisdom. v. 34

1. His remarkable God given wisdom drew them to come and hear. 2nd Chron. 9:23, And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart.

2. The Queen of Sheba came to learn also. 1st Kings 10:1, 4, And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built,

III. SOLOMON AS A TYPE OF CHRIST

1. Solomon was a type of Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge-hidden for our use — for “He is made unto us wisdom.” 1st Cor. 1:30, But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. Col. 2:3, In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

2. He took a Gentile Bride — So will Christ. I Kings 3:1

3. Princes and officers ruled with him and served him. So shall we rule with Christ and serve Him. Rev. 20:6, Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

4. Solomon reigned in peace — Christ shall be the Prince of Peace. Zech. 9:10; Psa. 72:8-10; Micah 4:3, And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

5. Solomon’s kingdom from river to river — Christ’s kingdom shall be from sea to sea.

6. Solomon’s reign a time of prosperity. v. 25. There will be greater prosperity in Christ’s reign. Micah 4:4, But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it. (Look for other types.)

— Lesson by E. L. Bynum

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