SOLOMON'S DOWNFALL

[46]

Read 1 Kings 10:1–11:13

     King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. 1 Kings 10:23–24 NIV

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     When Solomon started out as king, he was humble and had a desire to please the Lord. God blessed him with more wisdom than any other world leader – but Solomon still had to choose between what he knew was right and wrong. The test was obedience, and Solomon failed. He made treaties with wicked kings and married their daughters as part of the arrangement. We are told that He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech the detestable god of the Ammonites. (11:5) Solomon’s downfall came because his wives led him astray. (11:3b)

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     Lord, help us to be careful about the influences on our children. Help us to speak often about the importance of choosing good friends and a godly husband or wife. Give us discernment to notice rebellious attitudes, and deal with them wisely. Speak to their hearts through Your Holy Spirit so that our words will be well received.

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     “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13 NIV

THE QUARRY

SOLOMON'S TEMPLE
[45]

Read 1 Kings 6

      In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built. 1 Kings 6:7 NIV

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      Solomon was given the task of building the temple according to God’s exact specifications. Among those details were instructions to dress the stones at the quarry, not at the temple site. The temple itself could not be desecrated by the harsh pounding of hammer or chisel. Someone walking past the site would see only the quiet actions of master builders–gifted by God–setting the stones in place.

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      We are told that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Each day should find us at the “quarry” of Jesus our Rock, being molded into shape by His Word. Only then will those walking by the temple site of our lives see calm, peaceful activity as we use our talents for Him.

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      Lord, as I sit before you just now–mold me into your desired shape and use. May I exhibit the evidence of Your Holy Spirit in my life today to my children, my husband and everyone who walks by.

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      "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."     1 Corinthians 6:19‑20 NIV

A WISE HEART

[44]

Read 1 Kings 2:1–4; 3:4–15

     "I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart...” 1 Kings 3:12 NIV

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     When David’s son Solomon first became king, Solomon realized that he was young and inexperienced. When God appeared to him in a dream he said, “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties… So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong." (1 Kings 3:7b,9a) God gave him even more than he asked–he also gave him wealth and honor, commending him for his righteous and humble request.

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     God is pleased when we ask Him for wisdom, believing that we will receive it. He promises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him–-but when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6)

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     Lord, Your insistence that I believe and not doubt gives me confidence to ask for guidance in every decision. It also gives me hope that my words and actions will be effective in the lives of our children, as I trust you to bring about godly character in them.

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     The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him… “I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart… Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for–both riches and honor–so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 1 Kings 3:10–13 NIV