Topical Bible: Solomon: Their Influence Over Him

◄ Solomon: Their Influence Over Him ►

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Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is one of the most renowned figures in the Bible, celebrated for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign, which is detailed primarily in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, was marked by both divine favor and human frailty, influenced by various individuals and circumstances throughout his life.

David, His Father

King David, Solomon's father, played a significant role in shaping Solomon's early life and reign. David's instructions to Solomon before his death were pivotal, as recorded in 1 Kings 2:1-4 : "As the time drew near for David to die, he charged his son Solomon, saying, 'I am about to go the way of all the earth. So be strong and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in His ways and keeping His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as it is written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn.'" David's emphasis on obedience to God's commandments laid the foundation for Solomon's initial devotion to the Lord.

Bathsheba, His Mother

Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, also had a significant influence on him. Her role in securing Solomon's succession to the throne is evident in 1 Kings 1, where she approaches David to remind him of his promise that Solomon would be king. Bathsheba's advocacy for Solomon ensured his place as David's successor, highlighting her influence in the royal court and over Solomon's early reign.

The Lord God

The most profound influence on Solomon was the Lord Himself. Solomon's request for wisdom, as recorded in 1 Kings 3:9 , "Give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil," pleased the Lord, who granted him unparalleled wisdom and understanding. This divine gift became the hallmark of Solomon's reign, attracting leaders from around the world, including the Queen of Sheba, who marveled at his wisdom and prosperity (1 Kings 10:1-13).

Foreign Wives and Idolatry

Despite his wisdom, Solomon's heart was turned away from the Lord due to the influence of his foreign wives. 1 Kings 11:1-4 states, "King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women... They were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, 'You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.' Yet Solomon clung to these women in love... and his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been." This deviation led to the introduction of idolatry in Israel, which had lasting consequences for the kingdom.

Prophets and Advisors

Throughout his reign, Solomon was also influenced by prophets and advisors. Although specific prophets are not named during Solomon's reign, the presence of Nathan the prophet earlier in his life and the general role of prophets in Israel suggest that divine counsel was available to him. Additionally, advisors and officials, such as those listed in 1 Kings 4:1-19, played roles in the administration of his kingdom, contributing to its prosperity and organization.

The Queen of Sheba

The visit of the Queen of Sheba, as described in 1 Kings 10:1-13, highlights the international influence and reputation Solomon garnered due to his wisdom. Her visit not only affirmed Solomon's fame but also demonstrated the far-reaching impact of his God-given wisdom, as she praised the Lord for placing Solomon on the throne of Israel.

Solomon's life and reign were marked by a complex interplay of divine favor and human influence, leading to both the zenith of Israel's united monarchy and the seeds of its eventual division. His account serves as a profound reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God amidst the myriad influences that can sway a leader's heart.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 11:4
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Pride of Prosperity
... His wives exerted a strong influence over him and gradually prevailed on him to
unite with them in their worship. Solomon had disregarded the instruction that ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 3 pride of prosperity.htm

David Appointing Solomon
... Nathan's plan of bringing the double influence of Bathsheba and ... have left the actual
entrance of Solomon on office ... from his mane, goes beyond their wishes, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david appointing solomon.htm

What Happened to Solomon
... We do not think that we shall yield to any influence that will draw us away from
the Lord. But alas, how many, like Solomon, are having their hearts turned ...
/.../naylor/heart talks/talk twenty-seven what happened to.htm

The Rending of the Kingdom
... able to exert a strong molding influence for good ... under the oppressive measures of
their former ruler. The extravagance of Solomon's reign during his apostasy ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 6 the rending of.htm

Solomon's Repentance
... Solomon's repentance was sincere; but the harm that his ... remained true to their trust,
maintaining their purity and ... His influence for good was greatly weakened. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 5 solomons repentance.htm

David's Charge to Solomon
... consecrates and limits the rule of Solomon, making him ... when they forgot it, they
destroyed their kingdom and ... applies to all forms of influence, authority, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/davids charge to solomon.htm

The Subsequent Influence of Christ's Death in the World Predicted ...
... The Subsequent Influence of Christ's ... any other than Him through whom they have their
accomplishment ... nothing of these things is compatible with Solomon, but only ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xx name subsequent influence.htm

Summary view of the Pre-Existence and Divinity of Our Saviour and ...
... herself, who reveals most clearly through Solomon the following ... upon a wild forest
spread over the whole ... men, as a result of their influence the dispositions ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter ii summary view of the.htm

The New Garment Bent
... which at once stir ambition, and give prominence and influence which seem ... and the
cause of so much misery to their subjects, had grown on Solomon; and as ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the new garment bent.htm

Three Youths Save Constantinople
... Ga??nas had miscalculated his power and influence, and that ... their wisest as well as
their worthiest policy ... Wise as Solomon,' said Philip, smiling to reassure him ...
/.../chapter xxxii three youths save.htm