Solomon and Jesus

The Bible is the “art of approximation”: it shows how God attracts those who have turned away from Him, those who reject Him, and ultimately unites with them in perfect harmony. In order to depict this process, the Scripture is full of references. It essentially consists of complementary mosaic cubes that independently very rarely cover the whole truth. Comparing or intertwining them, even in a limited form, they express all that God’s love wants to communicate to humanity in relation to our salvation.

This is why there are countless people who in some respect portray Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Although almost all of them are imperfect, sometimes even with distorted character, yet, the rightful owner and future ruler of the Earth shines through or behind them. Among them we find King Solomon, one of the sons of David, who in some respect is different from everyone else and far surpasses his father, who was also a “man according to God’s heart”. (Incidentally, the diversity of the Almighty’s ability to work on the faces of perfection in each of his creatures is thought-provoking, …) In addition, everyone has probably heard of Solomon one way or another and everyone is fascinated by his greatness. Yet, he and his fleeting work are only tiny models to reflect reality. With Solomon and his deeds, God presents to us, albeit in a partial and imperfect form, a hopeful future, making the invisible spiritual reality, events that have not yet taken place, more perceptible and understandable. His most important central act was the construction and consecration of God’s abode, the temple, which is one of the evident moments in the process of salvation in order to manifest God’s infinite and tender love.

It is important to note that the details of Solomon’s story, in terms of their order, are not always parallel to the chronology of Jesus Christ’s the ministry. However, they shed light on its essence and hidden beauties.

Precursor and Reality

Geographically and temporally, there was a point where the precursor and the reality it projected was able to meet in a sense. Moreover, Jesus himself referred to Solomon, linking himself to the greatest king of Israel:

  • And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.(John 10:22-23)
  • And, behold, there was a man which had [his] hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. (Matthew 12:10)
  • The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon [is] here. (Matthew 12:42)

Jesus consciously called himself greater, mightier even wiser than the creature that in some ways was mightier and richer than any man who ever lived on Earth. These words meant provocation and challenge particularly for the leaders of Israel. But this was the way the Lord wanted to make them aware of their blindness, their deafness or their danger they presented to themselves. Jesus unreservedly implied that He was in a creator-creature relationship with a king glorified by both Jews and Gentiles. For us alive now, Solomon shed a ray of light on the power, glory, and goodness of Christ. He depicted him in a way we can’t find a reference to anywhere else. We should look through Him as if looking through a prism, as one capable of resolving “complex light”.

The Kind Boy

One of Solomon’s names became the ‘Jedidiah’, which means the beloved of the Lord. This name referred to the upcoming arrival of the Son of God to Earth as the Messiah, who was the beauty, the apple of the Father’s eye. He meant everything to Him. He came to convey divine love to mankind sacrificing his life. By the way, Solomon, apparently not by chance, became the ancestor of the Son of Man as Maria was his descendant

  • And David comforted Bath–sheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the Lord loved him. And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the Lord. (2Samuel 12:24-25)
  • A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain. [It is] vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth his beloved sleep. Lo, children [are] an heritage of the Lord: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward. (Psalms 127:1-3)
  • And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:17)
  • While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. (Matthew 17:5)

Solomon, the Son of Peace

The other, more well-known name, Solomon, also has a meaning and draws a parallel between the two protagonists of this study. In this regard David received a promise:

  • Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. (1Chronicles 22:9)

The name Solomon occurs 276 times in the Scripture. It indicates the importance of the message conveyed by his person in the history of salvation. The name Solomon means ‘peaceful’. It is derived from the Hebrew word ‘salom’, which has at least as complete a meaning as the Greek word ‘soteria’, meaning, salvation: wholeness, health, completeness, integrity, prosperity, prosperity, peace, tranquillity, contentment, peace, friendship, undisturbedness and silence. So much goodness condensed into a single name! Of course, it is reflection of the One who loves us and who is working to create eternal peace and tranquility:

  • For every battle of the warrior [is] with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but [this] shall be with burning [and] fuel of fire. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:5-7)

Your Name is Spilled Oil

From the above, the significance and meaning of the names given by God is clear. It is confirmed by one of the most beautiful hymns in the Bible. A name covers destiny and character, sometimes power and strength, which is why it has either appeal or repulsive effect. Moreover, this line concerning Solomon can fully be understood as prophecy.

  • Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name [is as] ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. (Song of Solomon1:3)
  • And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call. (Joel 2:32)
  • But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:20-21)
  • Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
  • But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts 8:12)
  • Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)

The name of Jesus Christ is a socket of committed love. Eternity deserves to be permeated by remembrance of Him.

Live Connection

One of the most important elements in common is the loving father-son, God-man relationship, which “reflect on each other” in the case of Solomon and the Lord, but even more so in the case of Jesus and the Almighty. In both cases, the constant and fruitful dialogue, complete trust, and intense expression of love are perceivable. The heart of God the father is filled with joy at the requests of His children, their longing for good. He delights in fulfilling all that is in harmony with His perfect plans. The joy of the certainty of Him listening is one of the main engines of a confidential relationship.

  • And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God [was] with him, and magnified him exceedingly. (2Chronicles 1:1)
  • In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee..And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead Now, O Lord God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, [that is so] great?.And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: Wisdom and knowledge [is] granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that [have been] before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like. (2Chronicles 1:7-12)
  • And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment [was] white [and] glistering…And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. (Luke 9:28-29.35)
  • And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said [it], that they may believe that thou hast sent me. (John 11:42)

The Socket of Wisdom

The birth from God, the blessed state we obtained from him, inevitably manifests in some form, both in character and skills. One of its most important consequences is wisdom, which is not merely substantive knowledge, but includes knowledge of how to use scientific knowledge in all aspects in a practical and sustainable way. The knowledge of a man without God is therefore dangerous: in our civilization, for the most part, it has a short-term, self-serving use. Solomon’s amazing science, which attracted the leaders and commoners of the world at the time, is apparently only a fragment and a faint copy of the divine wisdom that is (was) capable of creating and sustaining the universe. Divine wisdom from above is coupled with complete goodwill as well as the transforming power of love. That is, it is the manifestations of divine character: pure, peace-loving, full of mercy and good fruits, as the apostle James wrote (James 3:17).

The passages quoted from the book of Proverbs present the Son of God himself as the embodiment of wisdom. His wisdom is the wisdom of the Father, the source of eternal life, not a set of knowledge to satisfy vain desires. Strength and power accompany a vision of love that takes all aspects into account. Just as the wisdom of Solomon was indirectly manifested in the smallest details, such as the food, the behaviour of his servants, even his sacrifices, so was the wisdom of Jesus Christ practically reflected in his conduct, teachings, healings, as well as his children and disciples. When we read the particulars concerning Solomon, we should consider how much more our Savoir was …The treasure trove of wisdom hidden in Christ for those who trust in him still awaits discovery to this day.

  • And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that [is] on the sea shore. And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that [is] in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom. (1Kings 4:29-34)
  • And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions. And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not [any] thing hid from the king, which he told her not.And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon’s wisdom, and the house that he had built,And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord; there was no more spirit in her.And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen [it]: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.Happy [are] thy men, happy [are] these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, [and] that hear thy wisdom Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the Lord loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice. (1Kings 10:1-9)
  • For wisdom [is] better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the Lord [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel [is] mine, and sound wisdom: I [am] understanding; I have strength. (Proverbs 8:11-14)
  •  And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as [one] having authority, and not as the scribes. (Matthew 7:28-29)

Author of Parables

Just as with light, wisdom cannot be hidden awayy: it wishes to shine through a person for the benefit of other people. That is what we can see in the case of Solomon. Jesus Christ came to earth to share the heavenly knowledge with us, the spiritual reality that our lives lack. He came to make it desirable, dressed in a form and words and images that even the simplest man could understand.

  • The words of the wise [are] as goads, and as nails fastened [by] the masters of assemblies, [which] are given from one shepherd. And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books [there is] no end; and much study [is] a weariness of the flesh. (Ecclesiastes 12:11-12)
  • And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five (1Kings 29:32)
  • Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, [to] my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.We will not hide [them] from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know [them], [even] the children [which] should be born; [who] should arise and declare [them] to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: (Psalms 78:1-7)
  • All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. (Matthew 13:34-35)
  • And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. (Matthew 13:3.10-11.)

The Anointed One

The anointing oil was first poured by Moses on Aaron’s head, thus illustrating that he would perform a service consecrated to God and he needed heavenly power, supremacy and the spirit of God to do so. (See 2 Moses 29: 7) The olive oil itself was prepared for this special purpose, determined exactly by the Lord. It contained three spices with a delicate, characteristic odor and a fourth spice: myrrh. (Exodus 30: 23-33) Pouring the oil symbolized a dimension otherwise invisible to the human eye. Pouring the oil meant that the spirit of God filled the anointed person. The powerful scent that emanated everything hinted at God’s presence and dominion. In the case of Solomon, the anointing ceremony was carried out by priest of Zadok. In the case of Jesus Christ, a dove-shaped glow descended before the eyes of the people after being baptized by John the Baptist. (See John 1: 32-33.) This miracle was not simply a demonstration of the close relationship between the Almighty and his Son. This act foreshadowed the heavenly intention, that is, the perfect God would descend and sanctify the imperfect human beings, establishing a living relationship with them so that His goodness and truth might be expressed in mortal beings.

It is an interesting and obviously deliberate coincidence that God ordered the same ordination procedure for kings. Moreover, according to Moses, oil and royal heads can almost be equated. In connection with the high priest, Moses wrote that for the crown of the anointing oil of his God is upon him (Leviticus 21:12). Both tasks can only be performed perfectly with a heavenly mission and a heavenly qualification, that is, it requires the presence, guidance, power, and wisdom of God. God gave them his own spirit so that instead of the imperfect human character, the perfect divine character could gain dominion and expression in them. The greater the divine presence in them, the more fully and powerfully they were able to show the person who would become king and high priest representing mankind. The two tasks are actually two sides of the same coin: providing love, also physical and mental care.

  • So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David’s mule, and brought him to Gihon. And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon. (1 Kings 1:38-39)
  • The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19)
  • For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. (Acts 4:27-28)
  • But unto the Son [he saith], Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness [is] the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, [even] thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. (Hebrews 1:8-9)
  • One of the two which heard John [speak], and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. (John 1:40-41)

The True Judge

Fair judgment in complex cases has always been a measure of the “goodness” of a ruler. Among the Hungarian people, “Mátyás, the fair” became a common expression in connection with the younger son of János Hunyadi, although, the stories about him were more like dream-fulfilling imaginations than reality itself. In contrast, one of the truly striking signs of being permeated with the divine spirit is the gift of the ability to make true judgments and to make pure decisions. One famous example of this is related to Solomon. Again we may say: if Solomon so, then Jesus Christ is even more…

  • Then came there two women, [that were] harlots, unto the king, and stood before him. And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we [were] together; [there was] no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the houseAnd this woman’s child died in the night; because she overlaid itAnd she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear. And the other woman said, Nay; but the living [is] my son, and the dead [is] thy son. And this said, No; but the dead [is] thy son, and the living [is] my son. Thus they spake before the king. Then said the king, The one saith, This [is] my son that liveth, and thy son [is] the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son [is] the dead, and my son [is] the living. And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king. And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. Then spake the woman whose the living child [was] unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, [but] divide [it]. Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she [is] the mother thereof. And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God [was] in him, to do judgment. (1Kings 3:16-28)
  • For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. (John 5:22-23.)
  • Jesus.. .And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with [his] finger wrote on the ground, [as though he heard them not]. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard [it], being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, [even] unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. (John 8:1-11)
  • I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2Timothy 4:7-8)
  • And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes [were] as a flame of fire, and on his head [were] many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. (Revelation 19:11-13)

The King

God expressed His intention in advance in both cases. That is, His Son in heaven and on earth would be ruler one day. Although Solomon did not remain faithful to the Almighty all the way through, and in the second half of his reign he increasingly more embittered the hearts of the Israelites with hard yoke and cruel taxes, Jesus Christ clearly expressed that reign according to God’s wishes is in reality a constant service. It is mediation of His blessing, constant responsibility for the lives of His subjects. The higher the position in the heavenly order, the more responsibility it comes with, which means more “work” needs to be done that makes the lives of the other creatures. This of course, is radically different from, in fact, it is in stark contrast to present day events. Nevertheless it will not always be so… Most of the biblical prophecies concerning the kingdom of peace are yet to be fulfilled.

  • And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them. (1Kings 1:40)
  • And king Solomon [shall be] blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the Lord for ever. (1 Kings 2:45)
  • So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. (1 Kings 10:23)
  • And the Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him [such] royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel (1 Chronicles 29:25)
  • And the Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him [such] royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in IsraelOf the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)
  • Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. (Zechariah 9:9)
  • On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed [is] the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt. (John 12:12-15)

Two Coronations

There is a very special resemblance in terms of the kingdom between the reign of Solomon and that of Jesus Christ. In both cases, the implementation was endangered from the very beginning. Because of Solomon’s half-brother, Adonijah’s claim to the throne, David was forced to take action from his sickbed to fulfil the divine promise so that he could repel the rebel. Then came the moment when the “real” coronation could take place in full public, with the participation of the people. Similarly, Jesus ‘first entry into Jerusalem did not bring about his reign: although he arrived in Jerusalem as king, he received a crown of thorns and ended up on the cross following the work of the jealous usurper, Satan. Thus, he fulfilled an important point in the divine plan. The second and final glorification that concerns the universe is still lost in the future when contemplated from the cross… But the wonderful moment will soon come when the inhabitants of the Earth can see and greet Him in all His royal splendour. In both cases, self-love, envy, and jealousy were the driving forces behind the coup attempts, which, however, were doomed to failure precisely because of their nature.

  • And did eat and drink before the Lord on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed [him] unto the Lord [to be] the chief governor, and Zadok [to be] priest. (1Chronicles 29:22.)
  • Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11)
  • And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes [were] as a flame of fire, and on his head [were] many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.And the armies [which were] in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.(Jelenések 19:11-16)

Riches

When we think of Solomon, we will surely recall his immeasurable wealth, which is, of course, only worthless petty money compared to the wealth of Jesus. After his death, it turned out that he could only maintain splendour by taxing his people. However, Jesus, the Son of God, as the creator of the universe, was selfless in his own rank, truly sharing everything, including himself, and his throne with the plundered inhabitants of the earth so that they could survive…

  • … and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that [have been] before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like. (2 Chronicles 1:12b)
  • Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold, Beside [that he had] of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country. And king Solomon made two hundred targets [of] beaten gold: six hundred [shekels] of gold went to one target And [he made] three hundred shields [of] beaten gold; three pound of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon. Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold.The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne [was] round behind: and [there were] stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays. And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom. And all king Solomon’s drinking vessels [were of] gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon [were of] pure gold; none [were of] silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon. For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year. And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.And the king made silver [to be] in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he [to be] as the sycomore trees that [are] in the vale, for abundance.And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king’s merchants received the linen yarn at a price.And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred [shekels] of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring [them] out by their means. (1Kings10:14-29)
  • And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem [as plenteous] as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that [are] in the vale for abundance.And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king’s merchants received the linen yarn at a price.And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred [shekels] of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so brought they out [horses] for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, by their means. (2Chronicles 1:14-17)
  • For every beast of the forest [is] mine, [and] the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field [are] mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world [is] mine, and the fulness thereof. (Psalms 50:10-12)
  • And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air [have] nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay [his] head. (Matthew 8:20)
  • For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. (2Corinthians 8:9)
  • Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with GodBut made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men… (Philippians 2:9)

The Prince of Peace

The longest and most blessed period of peace in the Old Testament history of Israel is related to Solomon. After him, we could say, hell broke free, and only short period, a decade or two of peace came in the lives of kings faithful to God. War followed war, until the complete destruction of Israel. However, Jesus Christ came as a messenger of lasting peace to bring about reconciliation between God and man, nation and nation. However, it became especially visible after the recreation. We should be grateful to the Savoir that the wound of sin will be healed forever and the peace of the universe will be perfectly restored. This will first and foremost be completed in the earthly children of God, followed by a visible takeover.

  • For he had dominion over all [the region] on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him. And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beer–sheba, all the days of Solomon. (1Kings 4:24-25)
  • Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. (1Chronicles 22:9)
  • Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest. Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. (Isaiah 32:15-18)
  • Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid! (John 14:27)
  • For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us] (Ephesians 2:14)
  • But in the last days it shall come to pass, [that] the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make [them] afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken [it].For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.In that day, saith the Lord, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted; And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the Lord shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever. And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem. (Micah 4:1-5)
  • Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet [that were] of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth…. And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. (Daniel 2:34-35.44)
  • Then [cometh] the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy [that] shall be destroyed [is] death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under [him], [it is] manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. (1 Corinthians 15:24-28)
  • And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. (Revelation 19:6)

Perhaps just as the Moon is a faint image of the Sun, so does Solomon’s incomplete being and reign reflect the glory, the beauty, the perfection of God, and the infinite, unchanging benevolence of mankind. The words of the Queen of Ethiopia are especially valid for the Heavenly Son and can permeate the souls of all believers in Christ with blessed hope:

  • Happy [are] thy men, and happy [are] these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom. Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, [to be] king for the Lord thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice. (2 Chronicles 9:7-8)