The temple is completed in Jerusalem, and a descendant of king David is on the throne (Solomon). Truly a high point in God’s redemptive plan! It all started with God asking Adam and Eve to obey and enjoy abundance in the garden, and they chose their own wisdom over God. This was the theme in the book of Judges, that everyone did what was right in their own eyes. King Solomon asked for wisdom to lead God’s people. God was pleased with this request and gave him wisdom and so much more. King Solomon would be the wisest man on the planet, with a promise of blessing. Solomon could enjoy the abundance and security God has given his people in the promise land...but tragedy strikes again. Solomon will prove to be the man sought out for his wisdom and the foolish king. Solomon will have a divided heart serving many gods, unlike his father David. Solomon's example leads his son, Rehoboam, into splitting the Kingdom of Israel through foolish decisions. 1 Kings 12:15 says this division brought about by Rehoboam was sovereignly brought about by the LORD. How could an all-wise God’s plan include these foolish choices?
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Plan Reading - Week 31
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell us. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of Chronicles or Kings, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
Read 1 Kings 8:59-61. What kind of heart does Solomon ask the people to have? Why is this surprising considering Solomon’s own behavior?
Read 1 Kings 11:9-10. Deuteronomy 17:14-20 outlines God’s expectations for a king of Israel. Compare Deuteronomy 17:17 with 1 Kings 10:23, 27 on wealth and 1 Kings 1 Kings 11:3-4 on wives.
Read 1 Kings 11:11-13. When is God’s judgment against Solomon going to happen? Read 1 Kings 12:15. Who ultimately brought about the split in the kingdom?
Read 1 Kings 12:3-7. What did the old men counsel to Rehoboam concerning the people’s request? Read 1 Kings 12:8, 14-15. Who did Rehoboam listen to, and what was the outcome?
Read Exodus 5:6-9. How is Rehoboam in the southern kingdom of Judah like Pharaoh? Read 1 Kings 12:26-28. How is Jeroboam in the northern kingdom of Israel like King Saul in 1 Samuel 13:8-13 and Aaron in Exodus 32:7-10? How do you see the leaders and people becoming more or less wise?
SHARE IT.
Read Proverbs 16:16. What is wisdom?
How much do you value or seek wisdom? (See Proverbs 4:7-8)
Read Proverbs 3:13. How do you get wisdom? (See Proverbs 2:4-6, 9:10, Psalm 19:7-11)
How does the world’s wisdom compare to godly wisdom? Read 1 Corinthians 1:20-25. How are you tempted to listen to unwise counsel in unwise friends or peer-pressure, instead of wiser counsel like Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12:8?
How are Christians to view being called foolish by the world? (See 1 Peter 4:12-19)
FINAL THOUGHT
During Solomon’s reign, silver became common place because rulers came from all over the world to experience his wisdom. This wisdom was given to Solomon in order that he might lead God’s people well by discerning what was right. John Piper writes in an article that through Jesus Christ a person can have wisdom that does not fail...wisdom "that will succeed in attaining full and everlasting happiness.” Christ is the true and better Solomon, who gathers the nations to Himself as they willingly give their earthly treasure for something better. That something better is eternal wisdom; Christ Himself. Jesus Christ is the wisdom that draws people to Himself. Unlike those in Solomon’s day who traded their treasure for an answer to life’s question, those who trade their treasure for Christ receive the answer to life now and eternally. John 1:14 says Jesus is the Word, Logos or the Logic to life, made flesh, and He dwelt among us. A right relationship with Jesus is the answer to your life and the only answer that could satisfy you eternally.
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