Community on Columbia

King Solomon’s fall from being a wise and righteous ruler to a deluded, foolish, idolatrous doormat to his many wives’ demands is both puzzling and tragic. His sin caused God to later rip away 10 tribes from his son Rehoboam and split the kingdom in two. It’s unclear whether Solomon changed his ways in his old age, but hints in scripture including the Book of Ecclesiastes point to his eventual repentance.

Notes on 1 Kings 11:1-43

The Queen of Sheba is intrigued by stories of the wisdom and riches of King Solomon, and travels from Yemen to his court. She tests him with riddles, and according to tradition converts to worship the true God. Christian commentators have seen her as a type of the Gentile believers who come “from the uttermost parts of the earth” to join with Israel.

Notes for 1 Kings 10:1-29

God replies to Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple with a warning of the dire consequences of falling away from obedience and going after idols.

Notes on 1 Kings 9:1-28

At the dedication of the new Temple, King Solomon addresses the people, focusing on humility, and then offers a prayer invoking God’s acceptance of His new dwelling place and pleading for God to forgive his people when they repent.

Notes on 1 Kings 8:12-61

At the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, the Ark is brought into the Holy of Holies, heavenly fire descends to consume the sacrifice and the Shekinah glory fills the Temple, causing the priests to fall down on their faces before a holy God. These events also prefigure what happens in the heart of every new believer. (Also read 2 Chronicles 7:1-22).

Notes on 1 Kings 8:1-11