Today’s passage: 1 Kings 11:9-43
Helpful thoughts:
- The Lord had spoken to Solomon twice before. Both times, Solomon was told that if he followed the Lord, his throne would continue to be established. The third time Solomon heard from the Lord, it was to tell him the throne would be taken away.
- Jeroboam is told exactly why the kingdom would be taken away from Solomon’s son and given a similar promise should he walk in the Lord’s commands. Try to keep this in mind as we read into the next chapter.
- Solomon saw Jeroboam as guilty of treason against his own throne. In truth, Solomon was guilty of treason against God.
Questions to consider:
- In what ways does this chapter compare with many of the accounts during the period of the judges? When did things seem to be going so well? What happened that made things go poorly? How did God respond to Solomon’s rebellion? (Hebrews 12:3-11) How does it seem Solomon often responded to God’s discipline?
- What is wisdom if it is not coupled with worship and submission? How did Solomon view his own pursuit of wisdom (Ecclesiates 1:12-18)?
- Whose strength, love, and grace will ensure that you finish the race that is set before you? Whose power enables you to run the race? (Ephesians 2:8-10, Philippians 1:6)