Friday, March 8, 2013

Bathsheba


 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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