The Rise of Solomon’s Kingdom: Wisdom, Alliances, and the House of the Lord

Welcome to Day 89 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are beginning the book of 1 Kings. In 1 Kings 4-6, these chapters highlight the establishment of Solomon’s reign, his wisdom, and his dedication to fulfilling God’s promises. In 1 Kings 4, Solomon's kingdom is marked by peace, prosperity, and wisdom as he appoints officials and organizes his government. 1 Kings 5 details Solomon’s alliance with King Hiram of Tyre, securing materials and labor for the construction of the temple. Finally, 1 Kings 6 focuses on the actual building of the temple, showcasing its intricate design, divine significance, and God’s assurance of His presence among His people. Together, these chapters reveal Solomon’s leadership, the fulfillment of God’s promise to David, and the importance of obedience in maintaining God’s favor.

1 Kings Chapter 4: Solomon’s wisdom and administrative skills are evident as he organizes his vast kingdom. He appoints twelve district governors to oversee provisions and ensure a steady supply for his royal household. Under his reign, Israel enjoys peace, prosperity, and security, fulfilling God’s promise to David. Solomon's wisdom surpasses that of all other leaders, and he becomes renowned for his proverbs, songs, and deep understanding of nature. His influence extends beyond Israel, as people from different nations seek his counsel. This chapter portrays Solomon as a wise and capable ruler, foreshadowing the stability of his reign.

1 Kings Chapter 5: As Solomon prepares to build the temple, he forms a strategic alliance with King Hiram of Tyre. Hiram, who had been a friend of David, provides cedar and cypress wood from Lebanon in exchange for provisions of wheat and oil. Solomon organizes a massive workforce, including forced laborers, stonecutters, and transporters, ensuring the necessary materials are gathered. The cooperation between Israel and Tyre highlights the importance of alliances in accomplishing great endeavors. This chapter emphasizes Solomon’s wisdom in diplomacy and resource management, setting the stage for the temple’s construction.

1 Kings Chapter 6: The construction of the temple begins in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign, fulfilling God’s promise to David. The temple is built with precise measurements, intricate details, and high-quality materials, reflecting its sacred purpose. Notably, no hammer or iron tool is heard at the construction site, symbolizing peace and divine craftsmanship. God reaffirms His covenant with Solomon, promising to dwell among His people if they remain faithful. The chapter concludes with the completion of the temple’s framework after seven years of meticulous work. This momentous achievement solidifies Israel’s identity as God’s chosen nation.

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The book of 1 Kings derives its name from its content, as it records the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah. The title originates from the Hebrew name "Melekhim" meaning "Kings." In the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Old Testament, it was included as part of the larger "Books of the Kingdoms", later divided into 1 & 2 Kings.

Purpose of the Book:

1 Kings serves to document the history of Israel’s monarchy, beginning with Solomon's reign and leading to the division of the kingdom into Israel (Northern Kingdom) and Judah (Southern Kingdom). The book emphasizes how the kings' faithfulness—or lack thereof—to God's covenant determined the nation's prosperity or downfall. It highlights God's sovereignty over history, the consequences of disobedience, and the role of prophets in guiding and warning the people.

Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:

Jewish tradition attributes the authorship of 1 Kings to the prophet Jeremiah, though there is no explicit biblical confirmation of this. The Talmud (Baba Bathra 15a) suggests that Jeremiah compiled Kings based on prophetic records and royal chronicles. Some scholars argue that it was written by an anonymous compiler, often referred to as the Deuteronomist, who drew from earlier sources such as:

The Book of the Acts of Solomon (1 Kings 11:41)
The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel (1 Kings 14:19)
The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah (1 Kings 14:29)

Outside the Bible, ancient historians such as Flavius Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 8) acknowledge that Jewish records documented the events of Kings, reinforcing its historical credibility.

Key People:

Solomon – Son of David and Bathsheba, known for his wisdom, the building of the temple, and his eventual downfall due to idolatry.
Rehoboam – Solomon’s son, whose harsh leadership led to the division of the kingdom.
Jeroboam – The first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, who established idol worship in Bethel and Dan.
Elijah – A major prophet who confronted Ahab and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.
Ahab – A wicked king of Israel, married to Jezebel, and infamous for promoting Baal worship.
Jezebel – A Phoenician princess and wife of Ahab who persecuted God’s prophets.
Asa and Jehoshaphat – Kings of Judah known for their faithfulness to God compared to Israel’s kings.

Conclusion

1 Kings sets the stage for the spiritual decline of Israel, leading to its eventual exile, while also reminding readers of God's enduring faithfulness despite human failure.

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In 1 Kings 4, God's character is revealed through His wisdom, provision, and faithfulness. He grants Solomon unparalleled wisdom, allowing him to govern Israel with justice and order. The kingdom flourishes under God’s blessing, showcasing His role as the provider of peace and prosperity. God's sovereignty is evident as He fulfills His promise to David by establishing Solomon's reign in strength and abundance.

The Hebrew name of God reflected in this chapter is Elohim, meaning "Mighty Creator," emphasizing God's power in granting wisdom and establishing order. Through Solomon, God teaches that true wisdom comes from Him alone and leads to peace and prosperity when applied rightly. This chapter reminds us that seeking God’s wisdom results in stability and flourishing, both individually and collectively.

In 1 Kings 5, God’s character is seen in His faithfulness, as He fulfills His promise to David through Solomon’s temple preparations. He is also a God of peace, allowing Solomon to rule in an era free of war, which enables the construction of the temple. God’s provision is evident as He supplies resources and alliances, ensuring that His house will be built at the right time and with the right materials.

The Hebrew name of God emphasized in this chapter is Jehovah Shalom, meaning "The Lord is Peace." Through Solomon’s peaceful reign and his alliance with King Hiram, God teaches the lesson that His purposes are best accomplished in times of peace and cooperation. This chapter encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His ability to provide what is needed to fulfill His plans.

In 1 Kings 6, God reveals Himself as a covenant-keeping and ever-present God. His instructions for the temple construction demonstrate His desire to dwell among His people. The intricate and sacred design of the temple reflects His holiness and the reverence He requires from His people. God reassures Solomon that if he remains obedient, His presence will never depart from Israel.

The Hebrew name of God highlighted in this chapter is Jehovah Shammah, meaning "The Lord is There." This name signifies God’s abiding presence with His people, as symbolized by the temple. The lesson in this chapter is that God desires to dwell with His people, but His presence is conditional upon obedience. It reminds us that when we follow His commands, we experience His nearness and blessing in our lives.

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

Questions:

Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character:

How does God's provision and wisdom in Solomon’s reign reflect His character as Elohim, the Mighty Creator?
In what ways does God demonstrate His faithfulness to His covenant with David through Solomon’s leadership?
How does God's name Jehovah Shalom (The Lord is Peace) relate to the peaceful reign of Solomon and the building of the temple?
What does God's promise to dwell among His people in 1 Kings 6 teach us about His presence and holiness?
How does the temple’s intricate design and sacred construction reflect God’s divine order and glory?
How does God's provision of resources for the temple reflect His role as our ultimate provider?
What do these chapters teach about God’s expectations for obedience and His blessings in response?

Questions About Themes:

What does Solomon’s wisdom and administrative structure in 1 Kings 4 reveal about the importance of godly leadership?
How does the alliance between Solomon and Hiram in 1 Kings 5 demonstrate the value of cooperation in fulfilling God's purposes?
What is the significance of Solomon building the temple instead of David, and what does this teach about God’s timing?
How does the construction of the temple in 1 Kings 6 represent the fulfillment of God’s promises?
What lessons can we learn about peace and prosperity in relation to obedience to God?
How does the theme of God’s presence shape the narrative of these chapters?
What are the spiritual implications of the temple being built with precise instructions and without the sound of tools at the site?

Reflective Application Questions:

In what ways do you seek God’s wisdom in your daily decisions, and how can you rely on Him more?
How does God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises encourage you in times of uncertainty?
Are there areas in your life where God is calling you to obedience so that you may experience His presence more fully?
How can you build a life that reflects God’s holiness, just as the temple was built to honor Him?
What does the concept of Jehovah Shalom (The Lord is Peace) mean for your life, and how can you pursue peace in your relationships?
How do you recognize and use the resources God provides to fulfill His purposes in your life?
How does the way you worship reflect the reverence and devotion seen in Solomon’s temple dedication?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans