As we read the Bible there are many prominent figures highlighted all through it, and when we look at the book of 1 Kings one of those prominent figures is King Solomon. King Solomon was not only a prominent figure in the ancient world, but also specifically noted by Finkelstein and Silberman “his reputation as a wise and powerful ruler is unparalleled” . However, as we analyze the life of King Solomon through the breakdown of the context, meaning, and significance of this passage in 1st Kings 3:6-9 we will begin to see how and why he became such a wise ruler over the nation of Israel. Solomon’s request for an understanding mind to govern the Lord’s people in 1st Kings 3:9 was written to highlight humility which shows the direct link between
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As we begin to dive into the text we must do so with a historical lens and not one from a 21st century western point of view. No one knows the original author of the Kings however scholars do know that it was based upon written sources that are recognized worldwide and they were all compiled together by an editor of sorts . C.F. Burney sums up the time period and authorship the best by saying “that the main editor or compiler of these sources was a Deuteronomist, i.e. that his work was inspired by the religious revival which took place in the eighteenth year of Josiah (B.C. 621) under the influence of the newly discovered book of Deuteronomy, appears both from his religious standpoint and from his phraseology” . To understand what is taking place in this historical time period we see that the beginning of 1st Kings opens up with a story in progress as we see the struggle between David’s sons Adonijah and Solomon to become the rightful successor to their fathers throne . After witnessing Adonijah’s attempt to take over his father’s throne in 1st Kings chapter one we see David reject him and establish his other son Solomon as the rightful king. Then in chapter two we see David’s provisions to Solomon as King and his execution of Adonijah, Shimei, and …show more content…
King Solomon recognized what God had done for his father David and how he remained with him throughout his entire life. Solomon thus showed respect and paid homage with a humble response to the Lord. Then in verse seven we see Solomon acknowledge to God that despite his appointment to the throne he still remains as small as a child in his knowledge and ability to govern this people. Solomon admits his weakness right from the beginning of his rule and with humility decides not to hide from the Lord his true mental, emotional, and spiritual
As we begin to dive into the text we must do so with a historical lens and not one from a 21st century western point of view. No one knows the original author of the Kings however scholars do know that it was based upon written sources that are recognized worldwide and they were all compiled together by an editor of sorts . C.F. Burney sums up the time period and authorship the best by saying “that the main editor or compiler of these sources was a Deuteronomist, i.e. that his work was inspired by the religious revival which took place in the eighteenth year of Josiah (B.C. 621) under the influence of the newly discovered book of Deuteronomy, appears both from his religious standpoint and from his phraseology” . To understand what is taking place in this historical time period we see that the beginning of 1st Kings opens up with a story in progress as we see the struggle between David’s sons Adonijah and Solomon to become the rightful successor to their fathers throne . After witnessing Adonijah’s attempt to take over his father’s throne in 1st Kings chapter one we see David reject him and establish his other son Solomon as the rightful king. Then in chapter two we see David’s provisions to Solomon as King and his execution of Adonijah, Shimei, and …show more content…
King Solomon recognized what God had done for his father David and how he remained with him throughout his entire life. Solomon thus showed respect and paid homage with a humble response to the Lord. Then in verse seven we see Solomon acknowledge to God that despite his appointment to the throne he still remains as small as a child in his knowledge and ability to govern this people. Solomon admits his weakness right from the beginning of his rule and with humility decides not to hide from the Lord his true mental, emotional, and spiritual