Theory question 102
Solomon and the Divided KingdomDiscuss the sources of Solomon's wisdom and how he misused it. Mention any four lessons we can learn from this misuse.
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Sources: Solomon loved the Lord and offered a thousand burnt offerings at Gibeon (1 Kings 3:3-4).
God appeared to him in a dream and told him to ask what he wanted (1 Kings 3:5).
He humbly asked for an understanding mind to govern and to discern good and evil (1 Kings 3:7-9).
God was pleased and gave him wisdom, plus riches and honour he had not asked for (1 Kings 3:10-14).
His wisdom was shown in judging the two harlots and in his proverbs and knowledge (1 Kings 3:16-28; 4:29-34).
Misuse: he married many foreign wives (700 wives, 300 concubines) against God's command (1 Kings 11:1-3).
In old age his wives turned his heart to other gods; he built high places for Chemosh and Molech (1 Kings 11:4-8).
He used forced labour and heavy taxes for his building projects (1 Kings 5:13; 12:4).
God was angry and said the kingdom would be torn from his son (1 Kings 11:9-13).
Lessons (any four): wisdom is a gift to be used for God; success can lead to pride and apostasy; marriage should be with fellow believers; disobedience brings punishment; leaders should not oppress the people; we must remain faithful to the end.
Separate the sources, the misuse and four lessons.