And Solomon loved the LORD and walked in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. And Solomon loved the LORDThe phrase begins with a profound declaration of Solomon's devotion. The Hebrew word for "loved" is "אָהַב" (ahav), which conveys a deep, covenantal love. This love is not merely emotional but is rooted in commitment and obedience. Solomon's love for the LORD reflects the foundational commandment in Deuteronomy 6:5, to love God with all one's heart, soul, and strength. This sets the stage for Solomon's reign, indicating his initial alignment with God's will. walking in the statutes of his father David
The term "walking" in Hebrew is "הָלַךְ" (halak), which implies a continuous, habitual action. It suggests a lifestyle or manner of living that is consistent and faithful. The "statutes" refer to the decrees and commandments given by God, which David, Solomon's father, followed. David is often remembered as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), and Solomon's adherence to these statutes indicates his desire to emulate his father's faithfulness. This phrase underscores the importance of generational faithfulness and the impact of parental guidance in spiritual matters. except that he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places
The word "except" introduces a significant caveat to Solomon's otherwise commendable devotion. The "high places" were elevated sites often used for worship, which, although initially permissible, became associated with idolatrous practices. The Hebrew term for "high places" is "בָּמוֹת" (bamot). While Solomon's actions here might have been culturally acceptable at the time, they reveal a compromise in his worship. This phrase serves as a cautionary note, highlighting the dangers of syncretism and the importance of pure worship. It foreshadows the challenges Solomon would face in maintaining exclusive devotion to the LORD amidst external influences. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building the First Temple in Jerusalem. At this point in his life, he is a young king who has just begun his reign over Israel. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, whom Solomon loved and sought to serve, following the example of his father, David. 3. DavidSolomon's father, the second king of Israel, known for his heart for God and his establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. 4. High PlacesThese were locations often on elevated ground where people worshiped and offered sacrifices. While some high places were used for worshiping Yahweh, they were often associated with pagan practices, which later became a point of contention in Israel's history. 5. Statutes of DavidRefers to the commandments and ways of living that David followed, which were in alignment with God's laws and commands. Teaching Points Love for God as a FoundationSolomon's love for the LORD is foundational to his early reign. Our love for God should be the basis of our actions and decisions. Walking in Godly StatutesFollowing the example of godly predecessors, like David, can guide us in living a life pleasing to God. The Danger of CompromiseSolomon's use of high places, though initially tolerated, foreshadows future compromises. We must be vigilant about small compromises in our spiritual lives. The Importance of Worship LocationWhile God met Solomon at the high places, the ideal was centralized worship in Jerusalem. This teaches us the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, as emphasized in John 4:24. Legacy and InfluenceDavid's influence on Solomon highlights the impact of a godly legacy. We should strive to leave a spiritual legacy for those who follow us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's love for the LORD in 1 Kings 3:3 inspire your personal relationship with God? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship practices align with God's desires, as seen in the contrast between high places and centralized worship? 3. Reflect on a time when a small compromise led to larger issues in your spiritual life. How can Solomon's account help you address these compromises? 4. How can the example of David's statutes guide us in our daily walk with God, and what other biblical figures inspire you similarly? 5. Considering Solomon's later life, what steps can you take to ensure that your love for God remains steadfast throughout your life? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 12This chapter discusses the centralization of worship in the place that God would choose, which contrasts with the practice of sacrificing on high places. 1 Kings 11Later in Solomon's life, his heart turns away from God due to his foreign wives and their gods, showing a departure from his early devotion. Psalm 119:97This verse reflects a love for God's law, similar to Solomon's early love for the LORD and His statutes. 2 Chronicles 1:3-6Describes Solomon's worship at the high place in Gibeon, where God appeared to him, showing that God met Solomon even in imperfect worship settings. People David, Gibeon, Pharaoh, SolomonPlaces Egypt, Gibeon, JerusalemTopics Burned, Burnt, David, Except, Incense, Kept, Laws, Love, Loved, Loveth, Making, Offered, Offerings, Perfume, Places, Sacrificed, Sacrifices, Sacrificing, Showed, Smoke, Solomon, Statutes, Walk, WalkingDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 3:3 7386 incense 1 Kings 3:2-3 7374 high places 1 Kings 3:2-5 7442 shrine Library A Young Man's Wise Choice Op Wisdom
'In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 6. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto Thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before Thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with Thee; and Thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that Thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7. And now, O Lord my God, Thou hast made Thy servant king instead of David my father: and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," &c. This is a part of Christ's long sermon. He is dissuading his disciples and the people from carnal carefulness and worldly mindedness. The sermon holds out the Christian's diverse aspects towards spiritual and external things. What is the Christian's disposition in regard to the world, how should he look upon food, raiment, and all things necessary in this life? "Be careful for nothing." "Take no thought for your life, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Whether the Degrees of Prophecy Change as Time Goes On?
Objection 1: It would seem that the degrees of prophecy change as time goes on. For prophecy is directed to the knowledge of Divine things, as stated above [3690](A[2]). Now according to Gregory (Hom. in Ezech.), "knowledge of God went on increasing as time went on." Therefore degrees of prophecy should be distinguished according to the process of time. Objection 2: Further, prophetic revelation is conveyed by God speaking to man; while the prophets declared both in words and in writing the things …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Letter Lxxiv. To Rufinus of Rome.
Rufinus, a Roman Presbyter (to be carefully distinguished from Rufinus of Aquileia and Rufinus the Syrian), had written to Jerome for an explanation of the judgment of Solomon (1 Kings iii. 16-28). This Jerome gives at length, treating the narrative as a parable and making the false and true mothers types of the Synagogue and the Church. The date of the letter is 398 a.d. …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome Love is the Touchstone by which the Reality of Truth is Perceived...
1. Love is the touchstone by which the reality of truth is perceived, and by it shall all men know that ye are My disciples (John xiii.35). I also make use of the sword of justice, so that at first sight some are inclined to think that, like Solomon, I intend to finish My work without mercy (1 Kings iii.16-28), but My object, like his, is to apply the touchstone of love which will bring out the truth, and show that you are the children of that God of Love who gave His life to save yours. You ought …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet The Song of Solomon.
An important link in the chain of the Messianic hopes is formed by the Song of Solomon. It is intimately associated with Ps. lxxii., which was written by Solomon, and represents the Messiah as the Prince of Peace, imperfectly prefigured by Solomon as His type. As in this Psalm, so also in the Song of Solomon, the coming of the Messiah forms the subject throughout, and He is introduced there under the name of Solomon, the Peaceful One. His coming shall be preceded by severe afflictions, represented …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful.
IN ANSWER TO A BOOK WRITTEN BY THE BAPTISTS, AND PUBLISHED BY MR. T. PAUL AND MR. W. KIFFIN, ENTITLED, 'SOME SERIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THAT PART OF MR BUNYAN'S CONFESSION OF FAITH, TOUCHING CHURCH COMMUNION WITH UNBAPTIZED BELIEVERS.' WHEREIN THEIR OBJECTIONS AND ARGUMENTS ARE ANSWERED, AND THE DOCTRINE OF COMMUNION STILL ASSERTED AND VINDICATED. HERE IS ALSO MR. HENRY JESSE'S JUDGMENT IN THE CASE, FULLY DECLARING THE DOCTRINE I HAVE ASSERTED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'Should not the multitude of words be answered? …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 3:3 NIV1 Kings 3:3 NLT1 Kings 3:3 ESV1 Kings 3:3 NASB1 Kings 3:3 KJV
1 Kings 3:3 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
