Year of the Bible: Part Six of Twelve Exemplo

Even the Wisest Can Fall to Temptation

When David passed the kingdom to Solomon, he was confident Solomon would lead the people in the ways of the Lord. Solomon did not ask God for any of the worldly possessions that most kings would have wanted. He asked God for wisdom to lead Israel. God was so impressed that He blessed Solomon with all the extras—wealth, honor, and long life—in addition to wisdom. The title of “Wisest Man Who Ever Lived” still belongs to Solomon.

Remember, David was not allowed to build the Temple of the Lord because he was a man of war, so Solomon was given that honor. Yet even the wisest man was a human with sinful tendencies and the capability to be deceived! The problem with deception is that it’s difficult for us to spot. Solomon was no different.

Solomon finished the temple and started marrying the daughters of other kings for political alliances. To please his wives, he adopted their gods and allowed idol worship in Israel. In addition, he violated the guidelines Moses had given regarding how Israel’s kings should behave. Instead of following after God’s heart like his father David, Solomon broke God’s heart because he ended up looking just like the pagan kings around him.

Solomon’s betrayal of God ripped Israel in two. God pledged to keep His promise to David, but Solomon led Israel into idolatry and left his nation in need of reparation.

God’s faithfulness to us when we are unfaithful is astounding. David sinned greatly and yet was closer to God than any other king. Solomon had a promising start but yielded to a temptation that caused hundreds of years of harm to God’s people. Despite all this betrayal, God continued His plan to redeem and rescue His people. He does the same for you and me. When we are faithless, He remains faithful. It may take decades or centuries to see God’s faithfulness, but He will never be anything else!

Question: How has God shown faithfulness to you even when you were not faithful? Where are you still waiting to see His faithfulness unfold?

Prayer: Ask God to show you whom He wants to be for you today. He does not want us to walk in shame if we have been unfaithful. Ask Him for forgiveness and how to live today in peace. For those waiting to see faithfulness unfold, ask God to reveal His goodness and look for that goodness throughout today. Thank Him for each revelation, and ask Him to help you trust that His great faithfulness will come.