He was a brilliant man. Those who knew him well and those who only knew him by reputation said he had more than merely “raw” intelligence. He had been given a particular gift and of course it was from God (1 Kings 3:5-15).He was handed the kingdom on a platter. His father had already defeated the principle opponents in the struggle for the land. Now he had to build the temple to God to secure the borders of the kingdom and keep the peace.
Of course I’m writing about Solomon. Because of God’s gift of wisdom, he was considered to be the wisest of men (1 Kings 4:29-34; cf. 1 Kings 10:1-7). We don’t really know when Solomon decided to write some his “books” or reflections on life. He wrote many of the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.
For this study I will be reflecting on his writings in Ecclesiastes. In Hebrew this is called “Quoheleth”…. which can be translated as “wise ways or one who speaks to an assembly.” We can call it writing of the Preacher. He wants to teach us about life and a warning for those who forsake their faith. That’s the job of a Preacher.
It is the realism of his words that is striking. They are brutally honest. What Solomon seems to be showing us is that life can be experienced from two distinct points of view …. one who fears the Lord and one who does not (Ecclesiastes 7:16-18; Ecclesiastes 8:12-13).
As I read his words, I know that he has experienced what he is teaching. He isn’t pulling any punches. He knows what these two choices mean in one’s life and he is sharing his world view.
See here.
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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