KING SOLOMON

 

And Solomon became the king of Israel. He sat upon the throne of his father. David charged him to follow the Lord and to keep His commandments so that the promise of God can be fulfilled in his life. He was also charged to reward Joab, Ishmael and Barzillai according to the deeds of each one of them. Solomon did not take vengeance immediately, but he rather allowed each one to prove himself. Even Adonijah his brother who he could have killed immediately to secure the kingdom to himself, he still gave him a chance until Adonijah requested for the hand of Abishag the Shunamite, David’s last wife. This probably was symbolic in their culture and hence Solomon’s reaction. The story shows Solomon’s willingness to give others a second chance. He did not act based on first offence, he instructed Shimel not to depart from Jerusalem but 2 years later, Shimel went against his instructions and that spelt his doom. Adonijah probably still eyeing the throne, asked Abishag as wife and that nailed him.

 

 

LESSON:

Leaders should not act or judge based on a tip from others, there is always a need to give them along rope to pull. Many leaders will ignore or remove everyone who has not supported their candidacy for a position as soon as they secure that position.  Some will even make an enemy of those classes of people but not Solomon, he gave them the opportunity to have a rethink. Solomon loved the Lord and God gave him the opportunity to ask for whatever he desired. Solomon did not ask for gold or silver, neither did he ask for the head of his enemies, he only asked for understanding heart to judge Gods people. Solomon realized his ignorance, inexperience and weakness. He knew that only God will give him the wisdom to rule the great nation of Israel, he must have remembered leaders like Moses and knew he would only succeed with God on his side giving him a daily dose of heavenly wisdom. God was pleased with Solomon; He did not only give him extraordinary wisdom but also riches, and honor that there was none other comparable to him in the history of Israel. Solomon wrote many words of wisdom which are still very relevant today. These words written in the book of proverbs and Ecclesiastes touch on every facet of life. They will  guide every leader, every young man and woman who will take them seriously.

God is interested in sound and fair judgment. He expects every leader to pursue farmers and to depend on Him. So many intrigues play out in human systems and organizations. A leader who will succeed must rely on God for wisdom, he must seek earnestly after fairness in judgment and the Lord will prosper him as he did Solomon. When we rely on our own strength and judgment, we are bound to fail because our judgment is taunted with error and sin.