2 Samuel 11, 12; 1
Kings 1:1-37; 2:10-2
Solomon, born to Bathsheba, to whom David had no
right, and though not in line for succession, was chosen by David and approved
of God to be David’s successor. Solomon had inherited the throne of the most
powerful kingdom at a time of great peace and prosperity. Solomon had vast
business enterprises, and was famous for his literary works. He wrote 3000
proverbs, 1005 songs, and scientific works on botany and zoology. He wrote
three books of the Bible; Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon.
For all of
his good qualities, for all of the great things Solomon accomplished he will
also be remembered for his sin of compromise. His father David won the peace
through war and conquest. Solomon held the peace through diplomacy and
negotiation. He married the daughters of foreign kings to secure goodwill
between Israel and other nations. These wives introduced different gods to the
people and over time, their worship was commonplace in the nation.
In Lent, we
are called to return to the Lord, to worship Him with pure hearts. In Lent, we
are given opportunity to witness of Him who has redeemed and saved us. May we
be found faithful; faithful to the Lord, faithful to His Word, faithful to each
other.
Almighty
God, grant us a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy,
and a sincere love for You and one another, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Schnorr
von Carolsfeld Woodcut used with permission © WELS
Halley’s
Bible Handbook An Abbreviated Bible Commentary Twenty-Third Edition, © 1962
Zondervan Grand Rapids
Collect
for Faith, ho, and love, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing
House, St. Louis
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