essay
SOLOMON - A MAN OF PEACE
- SOLOMON - A MAN OF PEACE David, as you know, was forbidden to build the temple because he was a man of war (1 Chron. 22:8). His son, Solomon, however, did build the temple because he was a man of peace. The Scriptures put it like this: “But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.” (1 Chr 22:9-10). The name “Solomon” comes from the Hebrew word “shalom” which means “peace”. It is important to note, however, that the peace experienced during the days of King Solomon came as a result of decisiveness and strength. Please consider:
- Solomon’s brother, Adonijah, tried to usurp the throne of David. Solomon had Adonijah put to death (1 Ki. 2:23-25).
- When David was dying he gave warnings to Solomon about Joab and Shimei (1 Ki. 2:5 - 9). Solomon had Joab killed (1 Ki. 2:34) and also had Shimei killed (1 Ki. 2:42-46).
- After taking 20 years to build the temple and his own palace Solomon began rebuilding the country with a view toward national security (See 2 Chron. 8:1-10).
- He rebuilt the villages that Hiram had given him and settled Israelites in them (vs 2).
- Solomon captured Hamath (vs. 3).
- He also built Tadmor in the desert and all the store cities in Hamath (vs. 4).
- He rebuilt Upper Beth Horon and Lower Beth Horon as fortified cities (vs. 5).
- He rebuilt Baalath and all his store cities (vs. 6).
- He also rebuilt cities for his horses and chariots (vs. 6).
- He had 250 officials supervising his fighting men and his chariots (vss. 9 -10).
- Solomon also built a navy (1Ki. 9:26). As we said before, the peace experienced during the reign of Solomon came as the result of decisiveness and strength. As the nation experienced financial prosperity they wisely invested a substantial portion of that wealth on a strong army and military preparations. In the animal world predators invariably attack the weak. The reason is obvious, the weak are easier to catch and easier to kill. The same is true with predator nations. Moses reminded the Hebrews of this: “Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and cut off all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God.” (Deut 25:17-18) The Hebrews numbered several million people and as they journeyed they must have been strung out over many miles. Invariably, as you know, the elderly, weak, and sick would be at the rear. These that were “lagging behind” became easy prey for their ruthless enemy. Kuwait is one of the richest countries in the world. They have 10% of the world’s oil supply. Their average citizen makes over $60,000 per year and pays no income tax. Their tiny country, as you know, was easily conquered by Saddam Hussein. Obviously, they did not spend enough on national defense. The tiny nation of Israel, by contrast, bristles with military might. Saddam did not dare attack them. It seems that any nation attacking Israel has lived to regret it. Solomon, the man of peace, would be proud of them. Paul wrote Timothy: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim 2:1-4) Unfortunately, it seems that the best way to guarantee peace, is to be ready for war!