Solomon inherited a stable nation. He is noted not for expanding the territory of Israel, but for creating a stable government with an efficient organizational structure. If you were to create an organizational chart, it would include the following (see 1 Kings 4:1-6):
- Solomon at the top as the king.
- Azariah son of Zadok was the priest;
- Elihoreph and Ahijah sons of Shisha were secretaries;
- Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder;
- Benaiah son of Jehoiada was in command of the army;
- Zadok and Abiathar were priests;
- Azariah son of Nathan was over the officials;
- Zabud son of Nathan was priest and king’s friend;
- Ahishar was in charge of the palace;
- Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor.
Second only to the king was Azariah the priest. There were additional priests in Solomon’s organization, Zadok, Abiathar, and Zabud.
The success of Solomon’s rule was dependent on his walking in all of God’s ways. He surrounded himself with men who could discern God’s will and communicate it to him. Apparently, they heard from God, gave the message to the king, and he executed the order.
While reading of the exploits of the kings, let’s not forget that Israel was created by God to reflect his reality, character, and nature to the world. A vital connection with God was essential for that to take place.
At the bottom of Solomon’s organization was Adoniram, who was in charge of the forced labor. Solomon engaged in the largest building projects the nation had known.
Men were conscripted to serve for approximately one-third of a year. During the other two-thirds of the year, they were free to take care of their household. As he led this effort, Adoniram had an important but difficult job to perform.
We will learn in 1 Kings 12 that the issue of forced labor was one of the reasons why the 10 northern tribes broke away from the kingdom.
Feeding the Royal Household
The book, Why Nations Fail, by Acemoglu and Robinson reveal how extractive economies sow the seeds of destruction for nations. When leaders extract the wealth of a nation for their personal power, the nation is doomed to failure.
Solomon organized Israel far better than Saul or David. He constructed the temple, which was a blessing to God and the people.
On the other hand, he established a massive administrative structure to provide food for the royal household and to further consolidate his rule (see 1 Kings 4:7-27).
As we turn the pages of 1 Kings, we will discover how Solomon’s excesses brought about a divided kingdom. Before we get to the bad news of Solomon’s rule, we will examine the high points of his reign in coming blog articles and YouTube videos.
Reflections
Deuteronomy 17:16-20 set forth the responsibilities of kings. The key responsibilities include.
- Not acquiring excessive horses, wives, or wealth
- Writing and keeping a copy of God’s law
- Reading it daily
- Fearing the LORD
- Obeying God’s commandments
- Remaining humble among the people
Failure to follow these admonitions resulted in the demise of Solomon’s rule.
The royal Psalm, 72:1-4, 12-14, describes the duties that Solomon and other rulers should strive to observe.
“Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king’s son.
May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice…
For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.
The prophet Jeremiah included compassion and care, as he spoke for God concerning kings.
Thus says the LORD: Act with justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor anyone who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place.” (Jeremiah 22:3).
As we pray for leaders in government, let’s ask God to conform them to His norms of leadership.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 