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Men of the Old Testament: Solomon I Kings 3 & I Kings 11  The Cambridge Five were some of the most infamous double agents in history. These give men, all alumni of Cambridge University became spies for Soviet Russia while working as British espionage agents on various operations during World War II. The most well-known of the Cambridge Five, was Kim Philby. Philby began to spy for the British while employed as a foreign correspondent for the London Times. It was some time later, while working for the British spy agency MI6 that he became a double agent for the Russians. Amazingly when he was recruited by the Russians Philby was in charge of the Soviet desk for the British; the man overseeing all spying on Russia was a Russian spy himself. Eventually Philby’s treachery was found out, but by that time he had defected to Russia and been responsible for untold losses by Britain and her allies. It is almost inconceivable how the same person could be a spy for the British and the Russians at the same time. For a while Philby was useful to the British, for a while he was useful to the both the British and the Russians, and eventually he was only useful to the Russians. In some ways his spy story resembles the spiritual story of King Solomon. On one hand Solomon gained lasting fame for his famous wisdom. The “Judgment of Solomon” in I Kings 3 is one example of how his wisdom was more than just the insights of an ancient ruler. This particular incident has spawned numerous artistic representations and has inspired episodes of the television series Seinfeld and Law and Order. Far from being outdated many consider this incident as a strategy for discerning the truth in certain situations. Yet, for all of his wisdom I Kings 11 finds Solomon on the wrong side of the law that he had once wisely judged by. Instead of wisely following the law’s of God Solomon instead spiritually defects. What may have begun a slow descent away from the light of God’s word eventually turned into a raging plummet into darkness. If nothing else Solomon’s example should teach us to be careful. Rather than bashing Solomon for his apparent lack of wisdom his fall should cause us to take a long look into the closest mirror that we can find. Within each of us, even as believers in Christ, lies the ability to do some great works through the power of God, or to do the most despicable acts through the temptation of our own flesh. The same man that was wise and built the temple for God would later on act foolishly and build temples to many other gods. Sin was always there, lurking, waiting on its opportunity. Wisdom and foolishness are only a moment away. Questions for Discussion/Reflection 1. Solomon exhibited susceptibility to some of the same sins as his father. What sins are their in your ancestors that you may be susceptible to? 2. How do you think that the same man, who was once so wise, could fall so far so fast? 3. Compare I Kings 11:2 to James 1:14-15. What can we learn and put into practice about ourselves and temptation from Solomon? Further Study on Solomon Bible Dictionary Entries on Solomon The Reign of King Solomon Article on Bible.org Staff Writer: Aaron Sharp |
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