So the Lord became angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned from the Lord God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods; but he did not keep what the Lord had commanded. Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, “Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant. - 1 Kings 11:9-11

In the past few days, we have read about how Solomon comported himself into an encounter with God and thereafter became a recipient of such great wisdom and massive wealth. He achieved these by putting the people’s needs ahead of his own.

However, Solomon abused the opportunity given him and could have been stripped of everything he had, but for the grace enjoyed by David, his father, in the eyes of God.

To achieve the heights of his opulence, Solomon had asked for things that would enable him to be a blessing to others: “…Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:6-9)

In this passage, apart from “you” and “your” - two words that draw attention away from the self - one other word that recurs the most is “people.” Solomon positioned himself in the favour of God by seeking for ways to cater to what matters most to God – people. And God gave him more than he asked so that he could adequately fulfil his mission.

But then, his focus changed, and with that his agenda; and he started to displease God.

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

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