MONDAY May 23, 2022
Keep God’s Commandments
Then David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in to her and lay with her. So she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. Now the LORD loved him, and He sent word by the hand of Nathan the prophet: So he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.
2 Samuel 12:24-25
David and Bathsheba had another son––Solomon. When David grew old and he neared death, despite Solomon’s brother Adonijah’s attempt to steal the throne, he announced Bathsheba’s son King:
“...just as I swore to you by the LORD God of Israel, saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your [Bathsheba’s] son shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place,’ so I certainly will do this day” (1 Kings 1:30).
David instructed Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet to anoint Solomon king in Gihon (1 Kings 1:32-34). Although unknown, some scholars believe Solomon was very young, only about 15 years old, when he began his reign. God appeared to Solomon in a dream at night and said: “Ask! What shall I give you?” (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon replied:
“...give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:9).
Good choice! God gave Solomon a wise and understanding heart. He became one of the greatest and wisest kings of Israel. God gave him honor and riches. Solomon built the Temple, and his reign was one of peace. Yet Solomon disobeyed God; he married the daughter of Pharaoh, and it is further recorded: He married seven hundred wives, princesses, had three hundred concubines (1 Kings 11:3). These foreign wives turned his heart to worship their gods, and he was no longer loyal to his God.
Sadly, we see the progression and the digression of Solomon’s reign. He was blessed so much. When Solomon reflected back on his reign, he knew his life had become vain––empty. How he must have regretted not obeying God’s commands. A life without God is without a doubt, empty.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.
~Ecclesiastes 12:13~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
