Page 38 - Divinity_F5

Divinity for Advanced Secondary Schools

in Israel for his wives, who burnt incense kingdom. Apart from his Egyptian wife,
and offered sacrifices to their gods (1 Solomon also had over 700 wives and
Kings 11:4ff). 300 concubines from nations that God
forbade intermarriage with. The wives
He practised nepotism. His in-laws made Solomon polytheistic, especially
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
occupied all cabinet posts. For example, in his old age. He worshipped the gods
Zadok was made the chief priest. He of his wives, such as Astarte, Milcom,
sold twenty towns of Israel to King and Chemosh, even building high places
Hiram of Tyre. This was done to pay off to them opposite Jerusalem. Therefore,
his accumulated debts while building Yahweh promised Solomon that owing
the Jerusalem temple, which was against to his unfaithfulness, a part of the
the Mosaic Law (1 Kings 9:12-13). He kingdom would be removed and given to
employed foreigners in building the his servants (1 Kings 11:1-13). Solomon
temple and decorated it with foreign also introduced taxation and forced
statues of their gods. For example, he labour for his own benefit, not for the
used Phoenician craft men to design and development of his subjects. This was
furnish the temple, which contaminated against social justice and human rights.
the Israelites’ culture. Solomon’s leadership has many lessons
to teach modern leaders, especially
Solomon was unrepentant. God on the concept and practice of good
instructed him to stop worshipping false governance. Solomon started with
gods, but he refused. The Lord appeared wisdom and ended with folly. This is the
to Solomon twice, asking him to confess case for some current leaders who start
his sins, but he continued worshipping leadership with great wisdom, promising
foreign gods (1 Kings 3:9). Solomon to serve people but not fulfilling their
accumulated a lot of wealth in a way promises. Many leaders indulge in
that was against Yahweh’s servant and luxurious living. They take bribes to
concept of Israel’s kingship; kings were meet their extravagant expenses. As was
not supposed to have much wealth the case for Solomon, who worshipped
(Deut. 17:14-17). false gods, some current leaders engage
in witchcraft and idolatry. Solomon
In his reign, Solomon also failed in married many wives. This is the case
governance. He lacked moral integrity for some leaders who have many
by marrying many pagan women who concubines. Many of these weaknesses
accelerated his ruin and division of the resulted in the division of the kingdom.

Form Five Student’s Book 29