2794 AM (966 BCE) – THE WISEST KINGS CAN BE FOOLS
Solomon stood at the precipice of the new Temple. It was magnificent. David had reigned for forty years, but he was not allowed to build the Temple due to the blood on his hands from the murder of Uriah the Hittite, along with the blood on his hands for performing the census against the will of Adonai and costing thousands of lives from Adonai’s judgment that resulted.
Still, David collected many of the materials and resources, along with financial support and plans. So, even though people called it Solomon’s Temple, Solomon knew that it really was David’s Temple—though David would have said it was Adonai’s Temple.
But this was the day that the Temple—Adonai’s Temple—would be consecrated. Already, priests were sacrificing more animals than anyone could count, as if they were going to feed the whole nation that very day. And the Spirit of Adonai came upon the Temple in a cloud of thick darkness.
Adonai spoke out to Solomon and said, “I have heard your petition, King Solomon, and if you are faithful to keep my commands and honor my name, as David your father did, then your dynasty will be established forever over Israel. But if you or your descendants walk away from me and worship other gods, then I will uproot you from this land, I will tear down this beautiful Temple, and I will make Israel a mockery among the nations.”
For many, many years, Solomon committed to Adonai’s commandments and was blessed. He rebuilt burned-out towns and established peace along all his borders through political influence and military strength. In order to do this, Solomon added to himself almost countless political wives and concubines, and he amassed stables for tens of thousands of horses and chariots. Silver became common in Israel, and Solomon’s personal tribute was 666 talents of gold from the various surrounding lands.
But so many horses went against what Adonai had instructed for kings. When Nathan brought that to Solomon’s attention, Solomon simply stated, “I understand why the law was written thus, such that I should not rely on the strength of my horses and chariots, but upon Adonai alone. I am wise enough to understand that, dear Nathan, don’t you think? It’s a practical consideration. We patrol the borders of Israel, and these horses get traded out daily as a matter of security concerns, so that those patrolling will always have fresh horses. You understand?”
“I certainly do,” Nathan said. But it was not that Nathan agreed with Solomon; it was that Nathan understood that Solomon was slowly being compromised but was too wise to listen to Nathan.
Another time, Nathan again approached the King, “Oh great King, why is it that you are multiplying to yourself so many wives? That is in violation of Adonai’s commandments.”
Solomon smiled his most handsome smile, and in all sincerity proclaimed, “I understand why the law was written thus, such that I would be faithful to the wife of my youth, have a stable family, raise moral children, and not endanger their inheritance. I am wise enough to understand that, dear Nathan, don’t you think? It’s a practical consideration. The people look to me to provide peace and security in the land. My many wives and concubines from all the neighboring nations help me better secure diplomatic relations. You understand?”
“I certainly do,” Nathan said. But it was not that Nathan agreed with Solomon; it was that Nathan understood that Solomon was, again, slowly being compromised, but was much too wise to listen to Nathan.
Still, another time, Nathan yet again approached the King, “Oh great King, why is it that you are building temples to foreign gods, Asherah poles, and high places? That is a profound violation of Adonai’s commandments.”
Solomon smiled his most handsome smile, and in all sincerity proclaimed, “I understand why the law was written thus, such that I would not worship false gods, and forget that Adonai alone is not only God of Israel, but the Creator of all creation and the Father of all men. I am wise enough to understand that, dear Nathan, don’t you think? It’s a practical consideration. Many of my wives, while loyal to Israel, certainly cannot be expected to give up their cultural identity nor the religious obligations of their various homelands. So, they need a place they can worship their gods, even though they are gods of wood and stone. You understand?”
“I certainly do,” Nathan said. But it was not that Nathan agreed with Solomon; it was that Nathan understood that Solomon was, again, becoming extremely compromised, but was much too wise to listen to Nathan.
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Years went by, and the land was at peace. Solomon was old, and Nathan was very, very old. And Nathan went up to see the King, but the King would not see him, because he was with one of his wives, worshiping Molech. Another time, Nathan went up to see the King, but the King would not see him, because he was with another one of his wives worshiping Chemosh. Yet again, Nathan went up to see the King, but the King would not see him, because he was with another one of his wives worshiping at the high places.
Finally, Nathan demanded an audience with Solomon. Reluctantly, Solomon finally granted him an audience. Without any ceremony, Nathan began, “Seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines, and they have led your heart to worship the false gods of wood and stone, instead of trusting in Adonai alone. What you have done is detestable to Adonai. Adonai is very angry with you, Solomon.”
Solomon smiled his most handsome smile, and in all sincerity proclaimed, “I understand why you are concerned, but I have not forgotten that Adonai is a jealous God and does not want anyone in Israel to bend the knee to a false idol. I am wise enough to understand that, dear Nathan, don’t you think? It’s a practical consideration. Many of my wives are lonely, and they need to be comforted. This is the best way to comfort them. So I meet them in their place of worship while they worship their gods, even though the places of worship are detestable to me as well. You understand?”
“I certainly do,” Nathan said. But it was not that Nathan agreed with Solomon; it was that Nathan understood that Solomon was completely, utterly, and totally compromised, but was much too wise to listen to Nathan. Perhaps he would listen to Adonai.
Nathan continued, “But Adonai certainly does not understand, nor does He accept your behavior. This is what Adonai says: ‘I have appeared to you twice and sent Nathan many times, and I have warned you not to worship foreign gods. Yet here you are, not listening to my commands and not obeying my teachings. You claim to be wise, but you are a fool. Since you have not kept the covenant I have made with you, I will certainly rip this kingdom from you and give it to one of your servants. But for the sake of your father David, I will not do this while you are still alive, but I will take the kingdom away from your son. Even so, I will allow him to be King of one tribe, for the sake of my servant David, and for the sake of Jerusalem, my chosen city.’”
Used with permission by the author. Find the author’s complete works online: Complete Works of Mack Samuels
