1 Kings 9:24:-28 is of the same subject. Three subject matters are addressed; Solomon’s Egyptian wife, sacrificed burnt offerings, and entrepreneurial entourage.
Men and women have many issues and matters that we believe and feel are important and so implore our attention. Some have to do with honor and pride, while others have to do with interdependence and society. While these need to be incorporated into my life the three universal human subjects that Solomon centered his attention to at the beginning of his reign are spouse and family (11), God and spiritual life (12-16), and self-sustained finance (17-18).
Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt and married his daughter shortly after he became king before he started to build the temple (1 Kings 3:1). Although the Bible does not record their son, Rehoboam succeeded Solomon as king it is understood he was. Twenty years after they married Solomon was still concerned about the well-being of his wife. However, Solomon considered one thing more important than his spouse at this time in his life, the holiness of the Lord his God (11). The solution was to build her a new palace, one adjacent to his and the temple.
Solomon’s relationship to the Lord God, the spiritual well-being of his nation, and religious ceremony were also important to Solomon. Solomon followed the laws and decrees the Lord established through Moses and David (12-16).
Solomon supported himself and his family through trade with other nations. He formed a political and financial relationship with Hiram (Huram), the king of Tyre on the Phoenician coast who were maritime experts. Solomon took a risk. Yet the Lord granted him success as he had promised.
Solomon kept his priorities right during the first twenty years of his reign. Life was good and all were happy. When Solomon ignored all three of these in the second half of his reign his life, his family, and the nation slid into meaningless anxiety and anguish. He records this in his book, “Ecclesiastes” shortly before his death. His conclusion is, “Fear God and keep his commandment, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Eccl. 12:13-14) Judgment is not only afterlife but during life as well. My decisions have consequences for me, my family, and my society. I need to keep my priorities wise and clear.
