Today we begin 1st Kings Chapter 11.
For the Complete Jewish Bible, click HERE.
For the King James Version, click HERE.
After reading this chapter, I’m gonna say something that may surprise you.
This is one of those chapters that Judaism has tried its darndest to sidestep in many ways.
Why?
Because they don’t want Solomon being portrayed as a bad king in any way.
They’ll go out of their way to call the Lord’s judgments against Solomon mere “criticisms.”
I find that quite amazing, actually.
Because this chapter makes it pretty clear that Solomon fell deep into idolatry big time.
So this idea that Solomon remained righteous but was just a naughty boy at times who was lovingly spanked by his Papa in the celestial sphere…
Well, that homie ain’t gonna hunt with me.
Yes, the Lord kept His promise to Solomon to bless him with great wealth.
But He told Solomon He blessed him with wealth precisely because Solomon did NOT ask for it.
The problem was Solomon became addicted to all of the cash coming into his coffers.
And he wanted more and more to the point where no matter how much he amassed, it wasn’t enough.
He had become possessed by the greedy spirits of lust and greed.
Ya feel me?
Solomon also seemed to overlook one other important thing.
His blessings depended on obedience to the Lord’s Torah.
Solomon started strong.
Actually, because his father David had conquered most of Israel’s enemies…
Solomon got a head start in that he inherited the kingdom during a time of peace.
Filled with Godly zeal, Solomon was determined to build a BAYIT, or house for the Lord.
He devoted much time and energy to that project.
But after that was completed, his kingdom began to fall apart piece by piece.
So what’s the takeaway for today?
Here’s what’s coming to me.
No matter how many blessings you have received…
And no matter how strong you think you are spiritually…
If you don’t guard your mind from attacks from the evil one…
You too can easily descend a path of wickedness.
The descent may be so slow that it’s almost imperceptible at first.
But it’s happening.
So be on guard.
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“Put to death, therefore,
whatever belongs to your earthly nature:
sexual immorality, impurity, lust,
evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
-Colossians 3:5
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