6.10.2015

1 Kings 3-4; Proverbs 10

3
Solomon marries an Egyptian princess.  He loves God, but is sacrificing at high places, since no temple is built yet.
God appears to him and tells him to ask for anything he wants.  He asks for wisdom to rule well, using language recalling Adam's rule (3:9; Genesis 3:22).  God is pleased and gives it, and riches and honor, too.  This is shown in the story of the two roommate prostitutes who each argue the living child is theirs and the dead child is the other's.  Solomon threatens death for the living child, to draw out the mercenary spirit in one of them.

4
Solomon's administration is laid out.  His 12 officials don't seem to fall along strictly tribal lines, and his prime minister is unnamed (4:19b)!
His dominion is from the Euphrates to Egypt; his budget is huge; Israel has peace and prosperity.
Solomon was a philosopher, singer, botanist, biologist - everything Adam was supposed to be (except sinless).

Proverbs 10
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out - 9.
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses - vs 12.
Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding - vs 23.


How this is about Jesus
3 - He also shows wisdom in dealing with hard cases
4 - His kingdom is from sea to sea.  He is what Adam was supposed to be, and more.


Application
Our desire should be to serve others well.  THis was at the heart of Solomon's request.
The goal of government should be to let each one sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree (4:25).

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