Solomon became king of all Israel. He made an alliance with Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Egypt was not part of the promised land. Egyptians were not Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:1-4). Egyptians had made slaves of the Israelites over a century after Joseph and his brothers’ families moved to Egypt (Exodus 1:8-11). Now, 500 years later, Solomon married an Egyptian, just as Joseph had done.
Sealing the alliance between Egypt and Israel culminated in the marriage between Solomon and Pharaoh’s daughter. This marriage resulted in the writing of Psalm 45 and the Song of Solomon.
Was this marriage wise and blessed by God? Some say yes. Others say no. The Bible, though not directly saying that God blessed the marriage, does seem to, with the writing of Psalm 45 and the Song of Solomon.
Jesus often used marriage in parables to describe the relationship between him and the church. Psalm 45 and the Song of Solomon also reflect that relationship. Whether blessed or not, God did use it according to his good and wise purpose.
Solomon showed his love for the LORD by walking according to the Lord and his father David’s statutes in his youth. However, he was not infallible. His wives led him to worship false idols. He did not practice religion as the LORD prescribed in the Pentateuch. He offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places (3).
I don’t understand Solomon. He seems to be a man of contrast and inconsistency. Then again, I do not understand myself for the same reason. I too am a man of inconsistency. Yet, I have faith that God is able to accomplish in me what he has started.
