Characterization of Solomon
A Term Paper Discussing the Characterization of SolomonBy Randy Hawley, DCC6, "Literature of the Israelite Kingdom", As we study the Scriptures we are confronted with the various ways and means that God communicates with, and acts through, various peoples, cultures and nations. We must also recognize that God in His omniscience may choose to use people and means that we do not fully understand. Such is the case with Rahab the harlot (Josh 2:1-21), in which God not only uses someone outside the chosen the race, but a woman of questionable character. God choosing to use the unlikely candidate of a prostitute to achieve His promise to the Israelites, the promise of occupying a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8). In this paper we will see that God, in spite of what Solomon does or does not do, will achieve His plans and purposes for the nation Israel. Our first look into the character of Solomon is found in the first chapter of I Kings and unfortunately it is one that does nothing to give us any clear impressions as to the character of Solomon. As we see the story unfolding and the characters being introduced, Solomon is very much in the background, almost a hiding figure, if you wish. With others such as Nathan
Then when we finally hear from Solomon, we are left with resolving the issue of first impressions. I believe this is a story of the grace of God lavished on not only an individual, but on a nation. "3 The action of Nathan and Bathsheba to secure the throne of David on behalf of Solomon (I Kings 1:11-37). Longs states, "this opposition is in fact the complication that fuels the action. "7 Here we see that the love Solomon has for his wives is much greater and stronger than the love he has for God. Why is it that it is Solomon's mother and a prophet of God speaking to the king, and not Solomon himself? Are we to ascertain that Solomon is quit content to stay in the background and let others do for him that which he does not want to do, or is unable to do for himself? We must remember however that Bathsheba has also been replaced with Abishag by the king's side (I Kings 1:3), and she is perhaps fearful of loosing her full status as Queen Mom, and even her life. Absalom murdered his older brother Amnon for sleeping with his sister Tamar (II Samuel 13:1-29), then Absalom with the savvy and trickery of a worthy opponent, tries to set himself up as king in Hebron (II Samuel 15:1-10). In fact it is Longs' opinion that there is a rivalry going on between these two brothers, and it is this rivalry that prompts Nathan and Bathsheba to get involved, and to oppose Adonijah's claim to the throne. We ought not read the story of Solomon and casually assume that because God gave him so much in terms of wisdom and wealth, that Solomon was in fact a Godly man who lived as close to a perfect live as one can here on earth. and Bathsheba, doing their 'scheming' best to ensure Solomon succeeds his father David, as King of Israel. (Word Biblical Commentary; Waco: Word, 1985).
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