The world of national governments and politics in the ancient world was filled with intrigue and was often bloody. Which son would become king and how would he deal with rival kings? Which advisors should one listen to and which ones were only out for self gain?
Into this world Solomon was thrust when David named him king. Scripture does not tell what training Solomon had been provided but it does record some final advice that David, his father, gives… a house cleaning of sorts.
It is difficult for me to read about all the executions that should take place. My 21st century sense of justice (where are the trials) and my turn the other cheek mentality bristles at David’s words and Solomon’s tasks. Yet there they are in the text.
Solomon, in no way a ‘slave’ to his father’s advice, shows immense wisdom and integrity in dealing with these kingdom ‘loose ends.’
Integrity… dealing with Abithar the priest, a crown conspirator yet a priest. He is stripped of his priestly duties but allowed to live because he ‘stood before the Lord.’ And Shimei who cursed David was given fair stipulations. If he fulfilled them he would live, but breaking them meant death. And Adonijah, his older brother who tried to usurp the throne, was given an opportunity to live but would be watched carefully for any wrong move.
Wisdom… Understanding Adonijah’s proposal for marriage was a second attempt to gain the throne. Understanding that Joab was somehow connected with Adonijah’s requests and would be a continual threat, Solomon executed both men. And Solomon remembered his agreement with Shimei even after 3+years and had him executed when Shimei broke the agreement and did what he knew would lead to this death.
These are difficult days but Solomon handled them with wisdom and integrity, two character traits that will serve anyone one well who enters a new job or new situation. Wisdom and integrity; wisdom is knowing the right thing to do and integrity is doing it from honest and pure motives. Solomon displayed both, allowing him to remain righteous in a ruthless world. I pray that I (you) do as well.
O, Lord, wisdom and integrity. Lord, these traits are not a given with us as humans. We carry the stain of Adam and Eve, sin abounds in our lives. Help me to develop these in increasing measure, O, Lord. And, Lord, show me how to apply them in all arenas of my life: work and home, child rearing and friendships, even in my community involvements. Lord, may I be a man graced with wisdom and integrity… Amen.
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