Lesson five: The beginning of Solomon’s reign.

1.         Read I Kings 3:1 – 3. What is Solomon’s first move as king? What might have been the political impact of the people sacrificing at the “high places”?

2.         Read I Kings 3:4 – 15. What things might Solomon have been likely to ask God for (vs. 11)? Is there any reason to believe that Solomon would have been seeking the death of his enemies (review chapter two)? Does this represent a change of attitude for Solomon? Does Solomon have an appreciation for the legacy his father, King David, left to him? Does Solomon seem arrogant or humble? Does Solomon have his priorities in order? How does this compare with his attitude later in life?

3.         Read I Kings 3:16 – 28. What do we learn about Solomon in this passage? Since the two women were prostitutes would they have had a family living with them? Would there have been any witnesses? Was there any other form of evidence? How would you characterize Solomon’s wisdom: “book learning” or “street smart”?

4.         Read I Kings 4:1 – 20. Was Solomon well organized? Was Solomon a “team builder”, i.e. did he know how to recruit reliable people and train them for the work he wanted done? Did everyone know what was expected of them? Does this imply that Solomon communicated well? What was the result for the nation of Israel (vs. 20)?  Is the staff and “org chart” of any other king in the Bible documented as well as Solomon’s?