Solomon and the divided kingdom
1 Kings 3; 10-11
This week our children are learning about King Solomon and the division of Israel into a northern and southern kingdom. Solomon is a complicated character in the Bible. Few people in Scripture have the type of narrative arc that Solomon has. He goes from enjoying God’s amazing blessing and peace in the kingdom, to seeing the nation divided and fractured due to his disobedience to God’s commands. Solomon was offered by God anything he wanted to lead the people. He could have asked for fortune, power, greater authority, or literally anything. But he asked for wisdom. He wanted the ability to lead God’s people according to God’s way. He wanted to cultivate a culture of obedience among the people entrusted to him to lead and protect. His request revealed great humility and a heart towards justice. So God granted his request and rewarded him with all that he did not ask for: riches and international influence. Visitors from all over would come to hear Solomon’s wise and just rulings. They would sit at his feet and learn. The kingdom grew exponentially in power and wealth. Solomon built a magnificent temple for the worship of the Lord. But with his increased wealth and influence, he grew proud and was drawn away from the Lord to worship false gods. He depended more and more on his own talents and less on the power and promises of God. In the end, because of his disobedience, the kingdom split into two. The northern tribes broke away and continued to worship false gods and idols. The southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained more faithful to the covenant established by God with his people, but even they strayed into idolatry. Below are some questions and themes to help you with your Bible discussions this week.
- What did God offer Solomon and what did Solomon ask for? God offered to give him anything he desired to help him rule in Israel. Solomon chose to ask for wisdom.
- How did Solomon use the wisdom he was given? Solomon ruled the people with a sense of justice and righteousness. He also became famous for his wisdom and knowledge. Other rulers wanted to come and learn from him and listen to his wise sayings.
- What happened to Solomon? Did he remain humble and obedient? No. Solomon disobeyed God’s commands and began worshipping false gods and idols. Because he sinned, God allowed the kingdom of Israel to split into two kingdoms.
Character Trait: Wisdom
I want to live according to the ways and laws of God.
Memory Verse:
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
Proverbs 2:6
