Early warning signs and how to avoid falling away
1 Kings 3:1-15
Every now and again one hears of a prominent Christian leader going off the rails. Whether the issue is sexual sin, abuse, or embezzlement, their actions typically rock the Christian communities they are involved in. The questions rise and are hard to lay to rest. Where did it all go wrong? Were there any warning signs? Could it have been prevented? How could someone act in such a way and still be used powerfully by God for good? King Solomon is one of those leaders whose greatness went into legend, yet his reign ended in disaster resulting in the split of the kingdom after his death (1 Kings 12:20). As the Jews reflected on their past in exile, they were asking these questions not only about their leaders but about their own fate. We might be wondering, too, if such a thing could happen to us. How can we ensure that we do not fall away from the Lord?
Early warning signs
As Solomon’s reign properly begins, the first we hear of him is a foreign marriage, and some key building projects (1 Kings 3:1). Such a marriage was a common diplomatic move to solidify political alliances,[1] and Jews in exile may have been proud of their king who was seen as a worthy ally for the Egyptian empire. Yet, there are niggling doubts about this because such marriages will become the king’s downfall in leading him into worship of other gods (1 Kings 11:1-2; cf. Deut 7:1-4; 17:17). Thus, the narrator frames Solomon’s reign by these alliances highlighting a potential problem that is barely noticeable early on and seems too small to deal with. Secondly, the lack of a central temple leads to sacrifices on the high places (at local shrines; 1 Kings 3:2), a recurring practice in Israel’s royal history that is strongly condemned especially once the temple is built (Deut 12:13-14). Solomon initially worships at Gibeon (1 Kings 3:4), where the Mosaic tabernacle and the bronze altar were (2 Chron 1:5-6). Notably, however, he switches to Jerusalem after his encounter with the Lord (1 Kings 3:15).
The path to wisdom
Despite some concerns, Solomon loves the Lord (1 Kings 3:3), which should be read as wholehearted commitment that involves faithful living (Deut 6:5; 10:12-13), rather than an emotional attachment alone. Solomon’s prayer shows that he takes his kingship as God’s gift, an expression of the Lord’s covenant loyalty to David (1 Kings 3:6).[2] He recognises that power is not something to be seized but received, a central theme in the story of David. Moreover, Solomon’s concern is for the wellbeing of the people not for benefitting himself by his power,[3] hence his request for an understanding heart (Hebrew ‘hearing heart’) to judge the people right (1 Kings 3:9), a key function of a king. Interestingly, when God responds, He promises him ‘a wise and discerning heart’ (1 Kings 3:12). The logic of this is that ‘hearing’ or ‘listening’ in Hebrew involves taking on board and acting on what is heard. Thus, Solomon asks for help to obey the Lord, which will lead to wisdom (cf. Prov 9:10) and to judging the people with discernment.[4]
Cultivating ‘a hearing heart’
Like Solomon’s life, ours have potential weaknesses, areas where we may be more easily tempted or inclined to compromise. Yet, it is nothing surprising when we know our sinful human nature. We are deeply flawed, and it is only by God’s grace that we can live a life that is committed to the Lord. The key, as this passage teaches us, is to cultivate ‘a hearing heart’ – a disposition that takes on board what God is saying, not only in what He calls us to do and be but also when He confronts us with our sin. As we respond with obedience or repentance, we renew our ongoing relationship with Him. Solomon will find that as long as he walks in God’s ways and will, he will demonstrate the wisdom promised to him and even receive additional blessings (1 Kings 3:13-14). This is the same principle that Jesus expresses as ‘seek first His kingdom… and all these things will be added to you’ (Matt 6:33). Often we will find that our generous God gives not only what we ‘need’ but so much more besides. May we look to His enabling and strength to walk faithfully with Him.
[1] The idea behind this is that becoming related to each other through marriage, two peoples or royal houses become obligated to come to each other’s aid.
[2] ‘Lovingkindness’ or Hebrew ḥesed has a wide range of associations including loyalty, commitment, love, mercy but all these assume a covenant context, which is the basis for these attitudes and actions.
[3] This is an important point because the history of the monarchy started with Samuel’s stern warning about the dangers of placing power into a king’s hand, who will be tempted to ‘take, take, take’ (1 Sam 8:10-18). These two aspects of receiving power as a gift from God and using it for the benefit of others are the keys to godly kingship that characterised most of David’s reign and was ultimately best demonstrated in Jesus Christ (Phil 2:4-9).
[4] The ‘fear of the LORD’ in Proverbs 9:10 and elsewhere is not dread or terror but awe and respect for the Lord. It is the Old Testament shorthand for describing someone who seeks God and lives for Him. We would call this being god-fearing or godly.
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