“His own living quarters, in the other courtyard, set back from the Hall, were similarly designed. He also made a house like this Hall for Pharaoh’s daughter, whom Shlomo had taken as his wife.” – 1 Kings 7:8
Back in chapter 3, we heard that Solomon took Pharaoh’s daughter to be his wife.
Well, she makes another appearance here in Chapter 7.
In verse 8, we’re told Solomon built a special house for her.
In those days, men and women, even if married, were usually kept apart in separate quarters.
This was especially convenient for royalty given their multiple wives and concubines.
Now, from a human, worldly perspective, Solomon’s marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter was a brilliant diplomatic move.
It allied Solomon with Egypt, one of the most powerful kingdoms at the time.
This gave Israel international prestige and security and opened the door to increased trade.
However, spiritually speaking, this was a big no-no.
In His Torah, the Lord had instructed His People that they were never to return to Egypt in any way, shape, or form.
We can see that Solomon completely ignored these instructions.
When I say “completely,” I ain’t exaggerating, homie.
He was basically bending over backwards to ensure Pharaoh’s daughter’s every need was met luxuriously.
She wasn’t officially called a queen.
But given how Solomon treated her, she might as well have been one.
Ya feel me?
Alrighty, the takeaway here should be pretty clear.
There is the world’s way of doing things.
This way often seems to be the most practical and socially approved way of doing things.
And then there’s God’s way of doing things.
This way often doesn’t make sense and seems impractical.
However, as worshippers of the God of Israel…
We are called to obey the Lord’s commands…
No matter how politically incorrect…
No matter how impractical…
And no matter how inconvenient.
Ya feel me?
This seems to be the biggest challenge the body of believers has faced in every era.
That’s why Israel has always been hated by the GOYIM (gentile nations).
Because they are a nation the Lord has marked as different.
Separation, not assimilation, has always been one of the Lord’s chief guiding principles.
I’ll just leave it at that for today.
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“If you belonged to the world,
it would love you as its own.
As it is, you do not belong to the world,
but I have chosen you out of the world.
That is why the world hates you.”
-John 15:19
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