Solomon’s Wisdom

He will judge Your people with righteousness

and Your afflicted ones with justice.

May the mountains bring prosperity to the people

and the hills, righteousness.

May he vindicate the afflicted among the people,

help the poor, and crush the oppressor.

May he continue while the sun endures

and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.

May he be like rain that falls on the cut grass,

like spring showers that water the earth.

May the righteous flourish in his days

and prosperity abound until the moon is no more.

May he rule from sea to sea

and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.

May desert tribes kneel before him

and his enemies lick the dust.

May the kings of Tarshish

and the coasts and islands bring tribute,

the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.

Let all kings bow down to him,

all nations serve him.

For he will rescue the poor who cry out

and the afflicted who have no helper.

He will have pity on the poor and helpless

and save the lives of the poor.

He will redeem them from oppression and violence,

for their lives are precious in his sight.

May he live long!

May gold from Sheba be given to him.

May prayer be offered for him continually,

and may he be blessed all day long.

May there be plenty of grain in the land;

may it wave on the tops of the mountains.

May its crops be like Lebanon.

May people flourish in the cities

like the grass of the field.

May his name endure forever;

as long as the sun shines, may his fame increase.

May all nations be blessed by him

and call him blessed.

Here, Solomon is praying for himself, as the royal son in need of wisdom. He prayed for help to rule justly and defend those in need (vv. 1-4), as demonstrated in the case of this compassionate mother. (Mercy and justice go together—mercy for the victim and justice for the perpetrator.) The prayer also involves a cry for justice in the future kingdom (vv. 5ff) and the messianic rule. Jesus came announcing his arrival, saying that part of His purpose was to “set free the oppressed” (Luke 4:18). In His ministry Jesus demonstrated mercy and justice by ministering to those in need. At the cross Jesus’ mercy and justice were put on full display. There, Jesus died for those who had broken God’s law—satisfying the justice of God by taking their penalty and demonstrating the love of God by saving sinners. We are part of His kingdom. We await with anticipation the “not yet” part of the kingdom. Then we will know everlasting peace.

Use wisdom to lead others faithfully and skillfully (4:1-20). The writer says that Solomon “was king over all Israel” (v. 1 ESV). At the end of the unit, he says, “Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand by the sea; they were eating, drinking, and rejoicing” (v. 20). Moses longed for this land, Joshua conquered enemies for it, David subdued it, and now Solomon and the people are enjoying it. God kept His promises. You too should enjoy the promises of God in celebration and thankfulness.

In between verses 1 and 20, we see evidence of Solomon’s structure, organization, and diplomacy that led to such happiness. Religious, political, and economic leaders are mentioned here. The first four are possibly the inner cabinet (vv. 1-3; Olley, Message of Kings, 69). Next we read of a second level of leaders (vv. 4-6). The term “forced labor” in verse 6 doesn’t refer to men with whips barking threats to slaves. It probably refers to putting one’s self into the service of another family due to economic pressures. Then we read that Israel was divided into 12 administrative districts for taxation purposes (vv. 7-19; Olley, Message of Kings, 70). In verse 20 we read of the great growth of Israel (cf. Gen 22:17). The growth demanded wisdom in organization (for more, see Provan, 1 and 2 Kings, 54–56).

Business leaders need wisdom to organize a growing business to go from “good to great, to built to last,” in the words of Jim Collins (Good to Great, 188). Families need wisdom to organize their lives for effecting childhood development. Children need wisdom to prioritize their lives and complete their tasks. College students and graduate students need wisdom to give proper attention to family, work, studies, and the church.

Church leaders need wisdom as the church grows. In Acts 6 a need arises to care for widows. At that point the church had grown tremendously, and the apostles could not manage this legitimate need. So they appoint some leaders and allocate responsibilities for effective shepherding.

The goal of organization in a church is for disciple making, community building, and mission. Organization alone will not change anyone’s life. The purpose is to facilitate growth in the best possible way. It’s possible to spend all of one’s time in structure and forget that ministry is about people (this point is made well in Marshall and Payne’s excellent book The Trellis and the Vine). This need for sufficient structure to provide effective contexts for personal and discipling relationships demands wisdom. Thankfully, we aren’t left on our own, for God gives wisdom to those who ask, and God gives the spiritual gift of administration to some in the church (1 Cor 12:28).

The happiness in the kingdom at this point in the Kings narrative points ahead to another kingdom. We await the King’s arrival when we will sit down with our Messiah-King at the end-times banquet.

Spread Wisdom (4:21–5:18)

Next we read of the wisdom and glory of the king spreading among the nations. Solomon’s rule extended “over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines and as far as the border of Egypt” (4:21). This large area, which is further explained in verse 24, corresponds to the promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:18. Verse 21 also says these nations “offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.” As a result of the massive amount of food and resources coming into Israel, all of Israel was blessed (“in safety . . . under his own vine and his own fig tree,” 4:25). Solomon’s reign initially brought prosperity and peace. This scene reminds us of Micah’s description of the kingdom in the “last days” (Mic 4:1-5), in which the nations come into Zion and everyone sits without fear under their own vines and fig trees. It also sends our minds forward to a messianic feast described by Jesus (Matt 8:11). The nations are invited into the kingdom of God. It’s our job as ambassadors of the kingdom to extend that invitation.

In verses 26-28 we detect some problems, however. Solomon is violating another command. In Deuteronomy 17:16 the king is forbidden to go to Egypt or to make the people return to Egypt to “acquire many horses.” In 1 Kings 10:26-29 we see him breaking this command again, right before we read of his apostasy in 11:1. Provan says, “It is a bomb that will tick away quietly, along with all the others in 1 Kings 1–11, until the combined explosion occurs in 11–12” (1 and 2 Kings, 59).

Despite this negative note Solomon’s wisdom continues to attract attention. He surpasses everyone in wisdom, even those known for wisdom (vv. 29-32; cf. Matt 2:1-12). He was famous in all the surrounding nations (4:31). Solomon’s gift of wisdom was displayed by his speaking of proverbs and his singing of songs (v. 32; e.g., Song 1:1).

In 1 Kings 5 Solomon takes advantage of his friendly relationship with the next-door king, Hiram of Tyre, to obtain help in building the temple. This is made possible by a time of peace (God put all David’s enemies “under his feet”; v. 3; cf. Ps 110:1; 1 Chr 22:7-10; 28:2-3). Hiram was previously involved in David’s building project by supplying wood, carpenters, and stonemasons (2 Sam 5:11; Hiram also built impressive worship centers; House, 1, 2 Kings, 122). The Sidonians were experts in building techniques (v. 6).

Solomon asks Hiram for skilled men and materials, especially the cedars, and promises to pay Hiram’s servants. Hiram negotiates, saying that his men should deal with cutting and transporting the wood (in contrast to Solomon’s desire for cooperation; v. 6). Then Hiram tells him that he should pay his royal household. Solomon receives trees; Hiram receives food. Goods are leaving Israel for another king. This seems like a peaceful arrangement.

In verses 13-18, however, it seems that Solomon ignores Hiram’s counterproposal in verse 9. Instead of Hiram’s men cutting and transporting the wood, Solomon sends a task force of 30,000 men to Lebanon to serve for three-month periods, making an annual total of 120,000 men! The rotation includes working one month in Lebanon and two months in Jerusalem. Another massive group (150,000 men) works in the hills cutting the stone for the foundation. Some rightly question Solomon’s use of “forced labor” here. Many details are omitted (for a more positive take on “forced labor,” see Provan, 1 and 2 Kings, 65, and Davis, 1 Kings, 56–57). The men of Gebal (north of Tyre) also assisted them.

Solomon negotiates with Hiram but also ignores him. Solomon’s rule over the nations mentioned in 4:21 applies here, for Solomon is dominant over the king of Tyre. While his integrity is questioned at various points, Solomon’s wisdom to build such a place is truly impressive.

Solomon’s wisdom and glory are spreading in numerous ways. His proverbs, songs, building project, diplomacy, economic success, organizational skills, and leading national prosperity all attract worldwide attention.

Someone Greater than Solomon Is Here

We have the sacred calling to make the wisdom and glory of our King known among the nations. Our King and His kingdom deserve all that we can give.

In Matthew 12 Jesus, referring to Himself, says that “something greater than the temple is here” (12:6); “something greater than [the prophet] Jonah is here” (12:41); and, regarding the wisdom of Solomon, “something greater than Solomon is here” (12:42). Jesus elevated Himself above the three greatest institutions of Israel—prophet, priest, and king.

Jesus is superior to Solomon. He never drifted into idolatry or made foolish decisions that led Him into sin. He was the sinless King. He always did that which pleased the Father, being the ultimate example of the proverb, “A wise son brings joy to his father” (Prov 10:1).

Jesus also had superior wisdom. In Isaiah the Messiah has the “spirit of wisdom” resting on Him. In Nazareth they marveled at Jesus’ wisdom (Mark 6:2). The same word for “parables” is the word for “proverbs.” Jesus spoke with infinite wisdom in these parables. Not only did He astonish people with His teaching, but His work on the cross has also “become our wisdom”; it is “folly to some,” but to us who believe, it is “the power of God” (1 Cor 1:18-25,30).

Jesus’ temple is greater than Solomon’s since He is our temple! He is the place we go to for worship (Mark 14:58).

Jesus’ kingdom is more glorious. It’s better organized, as the Spirit of God works to create order, not chaos (demonstrated at Pentecost, a reversal of Babel). He creates in us the fruit of the Spirit that leads to harmonious relationships. Jesus’ kingdom is bigger than Solomon’s kingdom, with people from all nations coming into it all the time. This was the promise given to Abraham. It was partially seen in Solomon’s reign, but in Christ it is coming entirely true. Jesus’ kingdom consists of greater happiness and peace, for we know His kingdom cannot be shaken (Heb 12:28).

As the King’s people, we spread the wisdom and glory of our King by proclaiming the gospel and doing deeds of mercy and justice. We are called to spread His glory among the nations (Ps 96:3).

The biblical vision of Christ’s kingdom is awe inspiring. It will extend from shore to shore until it finally covers the earth with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea (Hab 2:14). We want to see the nations swept up in this glory. Phil Ryken says it well: “Our desire is for the Lord Jesus Christ to receive as much honor as possible, from as many people as possible, in as many places as possible, for he alone deserves all the glory” (1 Kings, 107).

The wisest act one can do is repent of sin and put faith in King Jesus. Pay true homage to Him. Say, “You are my King. I am Your servant. I will submit to Your will. I will listen to Your wisdom in Your Word.”

If you have received Christ as your Savior-King, then seek our gracious God for wisdom. Seek wisdom to help you lead your family, make wise decisions in your vocation, serve others in the church, and spread the King’s wisdom and glory among the nations.

Reflect and Discuss