The exaltation of Solomon is a significant event in biblical history, marking the transition of leadership from King David to his son Solomon, who would become one of Israel's most renowned kings. This event is characterized by divine selection, prophetic fulfillment, and the establishment of a kingdom marked by wisdom, wealth, and peace.

Divine Selection and Anointing

Solomon's rise to the throne was not merely a matter of royal succession but was orchestrated by divine will. The Lord had chosen Solomon even before his birth, as indicated in 1 Chronicles 22:9-10, where God promises David that his son Solomon would build the temple and that God would establish his kingdom. This divine choice is further affirmed in 1 Chronicles 28:5-6, where David recounts God's words: "Solomon your son is the one who shall build My house and My courts, for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his Father."

The anointing of Solomon as king is a pivotal moment, ensuring the continuation of David's lineage and the fulfillment of God's covenant. In 1 Kings 1:39, Solomon is anointed by Zadok the priest, and the people proclaim, "Long live King Solomon!" This anointing signifies God's blessing and the people's acceptance of Solomon as their rightful king.

Wisdom and Understanding

One of the most defining aspects of Solomon's reign is his unparalleled wisdom, a gift from God. In 1 Kings 3:5-12, Solomon famously asks God for wisdom to govern the people, and God grants him "a wise and discerning heart," making him the wisest man of his time. This wisdom is demonstrated in various ways, including his judicial decisions, such as the famous judgment involving two women claiming to be the mother of a child (1 Kings 3:16-28).

Solomon's wisdom extends beyond governance to include profound insights into nature, science, and literature. As recorded in 1 Kings 4:29-34, Solomon's wisdom surpassed that of all the men of the East and Egypt, and he spoke 3,000 proverbs and composed 1,005 songs. His understanding of the natural world and his ability to articulate complex truths contributed to his fame and the exaltation of his kingdom.

Wealth and Prosperity

Solomon's reign is also marked by unprecedented wealth and prosperity, a testament to God's favor and the fulfillment of His promises. Under Solomon's leadership, Israel experienced peace and economic growth, becoming a center of trade and culture. 1 Kings 10:23-25 describes Solomon's wealth: "King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart."

The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental achievement of Solomon's reign, further exemplifies the prosperity and divine blessing upon his kingdom. The Temple, described in detail in 1 Kings 6-7, became the central place of worship for Israel and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

Challenges and Legacy

Despite his exaltation and the blessings upon his reign, Solomon faced challenges that tested his faithfulness to God. His marriages to foreign women and the subsequent introduction of idolatry into Israel (1 Kings 11:1-8) led to divine displeasure and the eventual division of the kingdom after his death. Nevertheless, Solomon's legacy as a wise and prosperous king endures, and his writings, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon, continue to impart wisdom and insight.

The exaltation of Solomon is a profound example of God's sovereignty in establishing leaders and fulfilling His promises, demonstrating the importance of wisdom, obedience, and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments.