Day 16: Solomon

God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. — 1 Kings 4:29

For a long time, judges ruled over the Israelites after they entered the Promised Land. When they demanded a king, Samuel was flabbergasted, but God allowed it to happen. In His infinite wisdom, through the monarchy, He revealed the shortcomings of human kings and established the expectations for the one true king the people longed for.

God planned to bring the true king through David and promised just that in 2 Samuel 7:12–13. Solomon was the immediate fulfilment of the promise to establish David’s off spring, and, as such, he carved a path for the ultimate fulfilment, Jesus, who would restore the throne of David and reign from it eternally. In the best traits of Solomon, we learn much about our true king, Jesus.

Solomon was known for his unparalleled wisdom. God honoured his humility and showered him with that wisdom (1 Kings 4:29–34). It wasn’t innate. It was a divine gift granted to a human king. Jesus surpasses Solomon in wisdom (Matthew 12:42). He is the Word in the flesh who came from the Father full of truth (John 1:14) and, in His humanity, grew to be filled with wisdom (Luke 2:40).

Solomon appealed to God’s covenant with David throughout his prayer at the temple dedication (1 Kings 8:23–26), interceding for God’s people based on the relationship God established by grace. Jesus, too, taught His followers to pray based on the relationship He came to establish by grace: Our Father in heaven... (Matthew 6:9).

Solomon led the huge undertaking to build the temple in Jerusalem, where God would dwell among His people (1 Kings 6–8). Jesus refers to His body as the temple (John 2:19–21) because He is God dwelling among His people. And by His life, death and resurrection, He creates a new, spiritual temple, the church, indwelt by God the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 2:4–5).

In a deeper search for meaning, Solomon (in Ecclesiastes) explored the futility of life “under the sun,” which led to fearing God by keeping His commandments. Jesus offers the ultimate answer to life’s meaning, having eternal life through knowledge of the one true God whom Jesus makes known (John 1:18; 17:3).

Solomon’s reign plays a pivotal role in the overarching biblical storyline. He rules over a time of peace, wisdom, prosperity and influence – a kind of “golden age” for Israel. Jesus is the Prince of Peace who will reign over a kingdom of peace, justice and righteousness that will have no end (Isaiah 9:6–7). His reign brings not just outward peace but true, everlasting reconciliation with God.

Of course, we know that Solomon did not finish well. His mixture of righteous and flawed living assures us that God uses the broken to bring about His purposes. Solomon gives glimpses of what God’s kingdom is meant to be while warning of the failure of human kingship and the danger of drifting from the Lord while pointing to the King who is without sin and will never fail!

Jesus triumphs where Solomon failed. Being just, righteous and wise, Christ fulfils the parameters of monarchy that were set by God. He is the perfect King. Peter’s Pentecost sermon in Acts 2 concludes by asserting that Jesus Christ is resurrected and already on His throne at God’s right hand, sending His Spirit to bring the power of the kingdom and everlasting life to all those on their journey of faith in Him.

In my country, where I live as a marginalized minority under leaders and rulers who do not rule following God’s ways, I take great comfort in knowing that the descendant of Solomon is enthroned over God’s kingdom and my service to Him is not in vain. May that hope find you, too, whatever rule or reign you find yourself under this Advent season. And may Jesus come again soon to restore broken relationships and fully establish His eternal Kingdom.