Topical Bible: The Joy of God Over his People: Solomon

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Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of God's joy over His people. Solomon's reign is marked by peace, prosperity, and the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, which became the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Proverbs.

Divine Appointment and Wisdom

Solomon's ascension to the throne was divinely orchestrated. In 1 Kings 3:5, God appeared to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon, offering him anything he desired. Solomon's request for wisdom to govern God's people pleased the Lord greatly. The Berean Standard Bible records God's response: "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be" (1 Kings 3:11-12). This divine gift of wisdom was a source of joy for God, as it demonstrated Solomon's prioritization of God's will and the well-being of His people over personal gain.

The Construction of the Temple

One of Solomon's most significant achievements was the building of the Temple in Jerusalem, a project that fulfilled God's promise to David. The Temple symbolized God's dwelling among His people and was a focal point of worship and national identity. In 1 Kings 8, during the dedication of the Temple, Solomon offered a prayer of dedication, acknowledging God's faithfulness and expressing a desire for His continued presence. The Berean Standard Bible captures the moment when the glory of the Lord filled the Temple: "When the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD" (1 Kings 8:10-11). This event was a profound expression of God's joy and approval, as His presence visibly manifested among His people.

Solomon's Reign and God's Favor

Solomon's reign was characterized by unprecedented peace and prosperity, which were seen as signs of God's favor and joy over Israel. The wisdom and wealth of Solomon attracted international attention, as seen in the visit of the Queen of Sheba, who marveled at his wisdom and the splendor of his kingdom (1 Kings 10:1-9). The Berean Standard Bible records her words: "Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, He has made you king to carry out justice and righteousness" (1 Kings 10:9). This acknowledgment from a foreign dignitary highlights the joy of God over His people, as Solomon's reign brought glory to God and demonstrated His covenantal faithfulness.

Solomon's Legacy and God's Joy

Despite Solomon's later years being marred by idolatry and disobedience, his early reign remains a testament to God's joy over His people when they walk in His ways. The wisdom literature attributed to Solomon, including Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, continues to reflect the divine wisdom granted to him and serves as a guide for righteous living. Solomon's life and reign illustrate the joy of God when His people seek His wisdom, honor His presence, and uphold His covenant.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 10:9
Blessed be the LORD your God, which delighted in you, to set you on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he you king, to do judgment and justice.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Over the Mountains. "My Beloved is Mine, and I am His: He Feedeth ...
... It is far easier to lose joy in God than to find ... on Him, and cries, "Behold the Lamb
of God!" At this ... He saith, "The winter is past, the rain is over and gone ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/over the mountains my beloved is.htm

Solomon's Repentance
... For him there was no longer any joy of life ... He does not gloss over his wayward course,
making his ... a shadow; because he feareth not before God." Ecclesiastes 8 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 5 solomons repentance.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... God would bestow with the greatest joy, and what ... and righteousness." With these
petitions God was well ... his option, riches, glory, victory over his enemies; and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

The Children's Bible
... GOD THE ALL-SEEING. GOD WHO ALWAYS WATCHES OVER HIS PEOPLE. GOD WHO PROTECTS FROM
ALL DANGER. ... SAFETY IN GOD'S CARE. GOD OUR REFUGE. THE JOY OF WORSHIPPING GOD. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/

The Psalter of Solomon.
... They come from the north in the joy of their God; from ... complains urgently of the
heathen who lord it over Israel, and expresses a hope that God would raise ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the psalter of solomon.htm

Visions of Future Glory
... stars will sing together, and the sons of God will shout for joy, while God ... As the
bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 60 visions of future.htm

Christ's Estimate of his People
... my soul, to contemplate a moment, and let thy joy wait awhile. ... when the day was ended,
give thyself to God again; I have marked thee mourning over the sins ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christs estimate of his people.htm

Under the Apple Tree. "I Sat Down under his Shadow with Great ...
... you that, if you were making a day's march over burning sand ... enemy to God; but He
who reconciled me to God by His ... that I was once an enemy in the joy of being ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/under the apple tree i sat.htm

With the Opening of this ChapterWe Come to Quite a Different Theme ...
... say, His flesh,"and having a High Priest over the house ... that is distinctly the voice
of God,"the God who speaks ... as He says, in order "that our joy may be ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter v with the opening.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... up any in their errors; nevertheless God's people, even in ... be room for the beautiful
temple, the joy of the ... and there brought a short distance over land for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm