K I N G S O L O M O N The Temptations of Money, Sex, Power and P H I L I P G R A H A M R Y K E N LEADER'S GUIDE Leader’s Guide to K I N G S O L O M O N The Temptations of Money, Sex, and Power P HIL IP GR A H A M RY K E N Leader’s Guide Answers by Buz Graham WHEATON, ILLINOIS NOTE TO LEADERS This guide is intended to equip you with helpful material for individual or group study. There is more in each chapter than you can cover in one hour of group discussion. It is not expected that every word be read or every point made. Buz Graham Director of Congregational Care Christ Presbyterian Church Nashville, Tennessee Leader’s Guide to “King Solomon: The Temptations of Money, Sex, and Power” Copyright © 2013 by Philip Graham Ryken Published by Crossway 1300 Crescent St. Wheaton, Illinois 60187 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided for by USA copyright law. First published 2013 Based on the book King Solomon: The Temptations of Money, Sex, and Power, first printing 2011 Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway. 2011 Text Edition. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked kjv are from the King James Version of the Bible. Scripture quotations marked nasb are from The New American Standard Bible®. Copyright © The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission. Scripture references marked niv are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added by the author. ISBN: 978-1-4335-3940-4 Crossway is a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. C O N T E N T S 1 Long Live the King! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2 Putting the Kingdom First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 3 Solomon’s Wish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4 The Wisdom of Solomon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 5 The Peaceable Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 6 Inside Solomon’s Temple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 7 Better Homes and Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 8 The Ark of the Covenant and the Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 9 Solomon’s Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 10 Solomon and the Queen of Sheba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 11 Sic Transit Gloria Mundi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 12 A Royal Tragedy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 13 The Fall of the House of David . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 1 L O N G L I V E T H E K I N G ! We’ve all seen pictures of the glorious coronation of 32King David said, “Call to me Zadok the priest, Queen Elizabeth II or previous monarchs. In recent Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Je- hoiada.” So they came before the king. 33And the history, the blood lines are usually undisputed and the king said to them, “Take with you the servants of next monarch in line rises to power peacefully. But your lord and have Solomon my son ride on my in Solomon’s day, when the Israelite monarchy was own mule, and bring him down to Gihon. 34And brand new, there was a scramble for power when a let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet there monarch died. Things were up for grabs, and other anoint him king over Israel. Then blow the trum- pet and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ 35You shall members of the royal family could make a play for the then come up after him, and he shall come and throne. That’s what was happening at the beginning sit on my throne, for he shall be king in my place. of 1 Kings, when King David was near death. And I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.” 36And Benaiah the son of Je- 1) Think back to pictures you’ve seen of coronations. hoiada answered the king, “Amen! May the Lord, What are some of the necessary props and ceremonies the God of my lord the king, say so. 37As the Lord of a coronation? has been with my lord the king, even so may he be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.” • A royal head • A crown for the royal head 38So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, • Someone (a churchman) to crown the regent and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Chere- • Words to confer authority and responsibility; thites and the Pelethites went down and had Solo- oath by the regent mon ride on King David’s mule and brought him • Citizens of the kingdom to Gihon. 39There Zadok the priest took the horn • Oath of royal subjects to loyalty and homage of oil from the tent and anointed Solomon. Then • A grand setting, finery, pageantry, ceremony, they blew the trumpet, and all the people said, music “Long live King Solomon!” 40And all the people • A parade went up after him, playing on pipes, and rejoic- ing with great joy, so that the earth was split by Check out Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 on their noise. YouTube and the New York Times: 41Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished feasting. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, http:// www .youtube .com/watch ?v = ORMN48 “What does this uproar in the city mean?” 42While SdQJE he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son http:// www .nytimes .com /learning /general /onthisday /big /060 2.html of Abiathar the priest came. And Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a worthy man and bring good news.” 43Jonathan answered Adonijah, “No, 2) Read 1 Kings 1:32–53. Just before these verses, in for our lord King David has made Solomon king, 1 Kings 1:5–10, Adonijah son of Haggith set himself 44and the king has sent with him Zadok the priest, up as king. Beginning in verse 32, we see what David Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Je- did when he found out what Adonijah had done. hoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites. 4 5 And they had him ride on the king’s mule. 45And 3) What signs did David arrange to show that Solo- Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have mon was the new king (see vv. 32–35)? anointed him king at Gihon, and they have gone up from there rejoicing, so that the city is in an • David’s own royal mule. Riding a mule or don- uproar. This is the noise that you have heard. 46 key was an ancient symbol of royal office. Solomon sits on the royal throne. 47Moreover, the • Anointing. He was anointed just as Israel’s first king’s servants came to congratulate our lord King two kings had been anointed (Saul in 1 Samuel David, saying, ‘May your God make the name of 10:1 and David in 1 Samuel 16:13). It is impor- Solomon more famous than yours, and make his tant to note who anointed Solomon: Nathan, throne greater than your throne.’ And the king God’s prophet, and Zadok, God’s priest. bowed himself on the bed. 48And the king also • Parade, trumpets, celebration. The new king said, ‘Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who was publicly displayed and joyously, noisily cel- has granted someone to sit on my throne this day, ebrated by the people. my own eyes seeing it.’” • Enthronement. He was seated on David’s royal 49Then all the guests of Adonijah trembled throne and acclaimed as king by Israel’s leaders. and rose, and each went his own way. 50And Adon- ijah feared Solomon. So he arose and went and 4) What did Benaiah pray for Solomon in verses 36–37? took hold of the horns of the altar. 51Then it was told Solomon, “Behold, Adonijah fears King Sol- omon, for behold, he has laid hold of the horns of • Benaiah asked God to be with Solomon as he the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me had always been with David. first that he will not put his servant to death with • Further, he asked God to “make his throne the sword.’” 52And Solomon said, “If he will show greater than the throne of my lord King David.” himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, What did his prayer show about his heart response to he shall die.” 53So King Solomon sent, and they Solomon’s kingship? brought him down from the altar. And he came and paid homage to King Solomon, and Solomon Benaiah’s prayer revealed: said to him, “Go to your house.” (1 Kings 1:32–53) • His acknowledgement of God’s unfailing faith- What does David’s response to Adonijah’s efforts to fulness to David. God had always been with usurp the throne tell us about David? David. • His recognition that God’s blessing extended • David was old and cold, feeble and impotent, to him personally (and to all Israel) through but he was not dead yet! The text makes much David the King. Benaiah refers three times to of his diminished physical capacity, but nothing David as “my lord the king . . . my lord the king in the text suggests senility. His mind was still . . . my lord King David.” Notice the personal sound. pronoun my. • His whole being—heart, head, and hands— • His expectation that God would likewise be were quickened by faith in God’s promise and with Solomon and extend God’s blessing zeal for God’s kingdom. David was to the end through Solomon to Benaiah personally and to of his days “a man after [God’s] own heart” all of Israel. (1 Sam. 13:14, Acts 13:22). • His desire for the continuation and growth of David’s kingdom as a display of the rule of Da- • He responded to the reminder of God’s vid’s God in the world of men and nations. He promise of an everlasting kingdom through saw it as the expansion of God’s kingdom. Solomon (1 Chron. 22:8–10). • He was aroused to decisive action against 5) When the people of Israel saw Solomon on David’s Adonijah’s threat to that promise. mule and saw the anointing by the priest and heard • He deployed three godly men of strate- the trumpet, they had no doubt who David thought gic, symbolic importance to see to the the next king should be. According to verses 39–40, anointing of Solomon as king: Nathan the how did they respond? What does their response tell prophet, Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the king’s representative. us about their hearts? 6 ered the whole battalion before him. 28And they Their Responses Their Hearts stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29and They shouted “Long live . . . celebrated his rule twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it King Solomon!” over them. on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, They went up after him. . . . longed to be near him, to follow him. “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. They played pipes. . . . overflowed with 31And when they had mocked him, they stripped music. him of the robe and put his own clothes on him They celebrated with . . . delighted in the royal and led him away to crucify him. (Matt 27:27–31) great joy. office and the man. Solomon’s Jesus’s “The earth was split by their noise” (v. 40)—it sounded Coronation Triumphal Entry like an earthquake! Mode of mule donkey Transportation 6) Jesus is the ultimate king of Israel, and his story has Anointing God’s prophet God the Holy many parallels to the coronation scene in 1 Kings 1. and priest Spirit Read Matthew 21:1–11 and Matthew 27:27–31, then Reaction of adoration, cel- adoration, cele- fill in the chart below with the similarities and differ- the Crowd ebration, joy bration, joy ences you see between these two stories. Celebration a royal crown a crown of of Crowning of honor mockery 1Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus 7) In this chapter we noted one key difference between sent two disciples, 2saying to them, “Go into the Solomon’s coronation and the ascent of Jesus to his village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them throne in heaven. What is so unique about Jesus’s ex- and bring them to me. 3If anyone says anything to altation? What had to happen first, and why? you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4This took place to fulfill Jesus’s exaltation was infinitely higher than Solomon’s what was spoken by the prophet, saying, which prefigured it. Jesus was exalted (Phil. 2:9) to the everlasting throne of David (Isa. 9:6–7), which is a 5“Say to the daughter of Zion, heavenly throne at the Father’s right hand (Heb. 1:3; ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; Ps. 110:1). Jesus’s exaltation (his re- and on a colt, the foal of a beast of turn to his rightful, royal, eternal place at God’s right burden.’” hand) was preceded by his incarnation (Phil. 2:5–7) and his death (Phil. 2:8). He had to condescend to be- 6The disciples went and did as Jesus had di- come a man and to suffer humiliation and death at the rected them. 7They brought the donkey and the hands of his enemies as payment for sins of his people. colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on The king had to give his life as ransom for his subjects. the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9And the crowds 8) Like the people of Solomon’s day and the people of that went before him and that followed him were Jesus’s day, we have a choice to make about who our shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed king will be. If we choose Jesus for our king, what are is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10And when he entered Jerusalem, some effects this will have on the way we live our lives? the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11And the crowds said, “This is the prophet • We will want Jesus to rule as king in our hearts, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” (Matt. 21:1–11) in our homes, and in our churches. • We will exalt and adore him by finding satis- 27Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus faction in him above all earthly pleasures and into the governor’s headquarters, and they gath- pursuits. 7 • We will pray and work for the increase of his feared reprisals for his attempt to usurp the throne. He kingdom. sought refuge with the only thing he thought might • We will worship him with serious exuberance in possibly save him, and he pleaded for his life. This the company of his people. was at best an expression of true repentance and sub- • We will love him by loving others. mission, at worst a resentful heart concealed by thin Have you made that choice? veneer of remorse for his unfortunate circumstances. Answers will vary according to participants. 10) How would you describe Solomon’s response to Adonijah in verses 52–53? 9) When Adonijah learned that Solomon had been anointed king, he realized that his own reign was over. He accepted Adonijah’s pledge at face value and laid What did he do (v. 50)? before Adonijah a clear choice by which his character and his life would be judged. If Adonijah showed him- He feared Solomon and took hold of the altar, i.e., he self a worthy man, he would live. If he was found to took refuge at the altar in the tabernacle court. be wicked, he would die. Why did he do this? (See Ex. 21:12–14.) What character traits does he show here? 12Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put a) fairness—by communicating clearly what was to death. 13But if he did not lie in wait for him, but expected of Adonijah God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint b) righteousness and justice—by attaching high for you a place to which he may flee. 14But if a man cost to rebellion willfully attacks another to kill him by cunning, c) mercy—by allowing Adonijah the opportunity you shall take him from my altar, that he may die. to live as a worthy man (Ex. 21:12–14) 11) What lessons has God laid on your heart as you Adonijah had attempted to hoist himself onto David’s have meditated on this story of Solomon’s ascent to throne which was set apart for Solomon. Now that the throne and looked at the contrasting responses of Solomon was firmly seated there, Adonijah faced Adonijah and those who supported the rule of Solo- his own choice with regard to Solomon’s reign as mon? How will you respond to your king? king—submission or rebellion. He had not com- mitted manslaughter (per Exodus 21:12–14), but he Answers will vary according to participants. 2 P U T T I N G T H E K I N G D O M F I R S T Any time a new politician comes to power, he or she • When the general welfare of the citizenry is has to choose how to deal with opposition. In the case threatened. of a newly elected president, he simply makes a few What crimes might warrant imprisonment? What comments about how his opponent ran a good race. crimes might warrant the death penalty? The election is over, and it is clear who the winner is. The losing candidate poses no threat to the new Appropriate measures to protect the nation, any president and has to wait for another opportunity to nation, would be determined by the law or custom run for office. In the case of ancient monarchies, there of the land. These will differ from nation to nation, were usually continued threats to the throne. The one from age to age, from culture to culture. What was who lost the throne did not usually give up without a appropriate or acceptable (i.e., lawful) in Solomon’s fight. Once Solomon’s kingdom was established, he tenth-century BC theocratic monarchy may differ had to decide what to do with the enemies who were from our twenty-first-century American democratic still threatening his rule within the kingdom—Adon- republic. In any case, when capital crimes have been ijah, Abiathar, Joab, and Shimei. committed, the criminals may justly be punished by death. Imprisonment or other limitations of freedom PRONUNCIATION GUIDE may be appropriate as long as they are effective for Abiathar uh BIGH uh thahr the protection of the nation. If limitation of freedom Abishag AB ih shag proves ineffective, a stronger response is warranted as Adonijah ad oh NIGH juh Benaiah bee NIGH uh deterrent; if limitation of freedom is violated, a stron- Jehoiada jih HOY uh duh ger response is warranted as punishment. Joab JOH ab Shimei SHEM ih igh (eye) 2) Read 1 Kings 2:12–46. Zadok ZAY dahk Zeruiah ZER uh IGH (eye) uh 12So Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established. 1) When do you think revenge is appropriate and jus- 13Then Adonijah the son of Haggith came to tified in a political setting? Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, “Do you come peacefully?” He said, “Peacefully.” 14Then he said, “I have something to say to you.” This question intends to engage participants in She said, “Speak.” 15He said, “You know that thought and discussion. It calls for an opinion. The the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel fully answer is not found in the book. expected me to reign. However, the kingdom has turned about and become my brother’s, for it was • When crimes have been committed. his from the Lord. 16And now I have one request • When the stability, security, or strategic purpose to make of you; do not refuse me.” She said to of the nation is at stake. him, “Speak.” 17And he said, “Please ask King 8 9 Solomon—he will not refuse you—to give me righteous and better than himself, Abner the son Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.” 18Bathsheba of Ner, commander of the army of Israel, and said, “Very well; I will speak for you to the king.” Amasa the son of Jether, commander of the army 19So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to of Judah. 33 So shall their blood come back on the speak to him on behalf of Adonijah. And the king head of Joab and on the head of his descendants rose to meet her and bowed down to her. Then he forever. But for David and for his descendants sat on his throne and had a seat brought for the and for his house and for his throne there shall be king’s mother, and she sat on his right. 20Then she peace from the Lord forevermore.” 34Then Bena- said, “I have one small request to make of you; do iah the son of Jehoiada went up and struck him not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Make down and put him to death. And he was buried your request, my mother, for I will not refuse you.” in his own house in the wilderness. 35 The king 21She said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada over the army in to Adonijah your brother as his wife.” 22King Sol- place of Joab, and the king put Zadok the priest omon answered his mother, “And why do you ask in the place of Abiathar. Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for 36Then the king sent and summoned Shimei him the kingdom also, for he is my older brother, and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusa- and on his side are Abiathar the priest and Joab lem and dwell there, and do not go out from there the son of Zeruiah.” 23Then King Solomon swore to any place whatever. 37For on the day you go out by the Lord, saying, “God do so to me and more and cross the brook Kidron, know for certain that also if this word does not cost Adonijah his life! you shall die. Your blood shall be on your own 24Now therefore as the Lord lives, who has estab- head.” 38And Shimei said to the king, “What you lished me and placed me on the throne of David say is good; as my lord the king has said, so will my father, and who has made me a house, as he your servant do.” So Shimei lived in Jerusalem promised, Adonijah shall be put to death today.” many days. 25So King Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Je- 39But it happened at the end of three years hoiada, and he struck him down, and he died. that two of Shimei’s servants ran away to Achish, 26And to Abiathar the priest the king said, son of Maacah, king of Gath. And when it was “Go to Anathoth, to your estate, for you deserve told Shimei, “Behold, your servants are in Gath,” death. But I will not at this time put you to death, 40Shimei arose and saddled a donkey and went to because you carried the ark of the Lord God be- Gath to Achish to seek his servants. Shimei went fore David my father, and because you shared in and brought his servants from Gath. 41And when all my father’s affliction.” 27 So Solomon expelled Solomon was told that Shimei had gone from Je- Abiathar from being priest to the Lord, thus ful- rusalem to Gath and returned, 42the king sent and filling the word of the Lord that he had spoken summoned Shimei and said to him, “Did I not concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh. make you swear by the Lord and solemnly warn 28When the news came to Joab—for Joab you, saying, ‘Know for certain that on the day you had supported Adonijah although he had not go out and go to any place whatever, you shall supported Absalom—Joab fled to the tent of the die’? And you said to me, ‘What you say is good; I Lord and caught hold of the horns of the altar. will obey.’ 43Why then have you not kept your oath 29And when it was told King Solomon, “Joab has to the Lord and the commandment with which fled to the tent of the Lord, and behold, he is I commanded you?” 44The king also said to Shi- beside the altar,” Solomon sent Benaiah the son mei, “You know in your own heart all the harm of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down.” 30So that you did to David my father. So the Lord will Benaiah came to the tent of the Lord and said bring back your harm on your own head. 45But to him, “The king commands, ‘Come out.’” King Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of But he said, “No, I will die here.” Then Benaiah David shall be established before the Lord for- brought the king word again, saying, “Thus said ever.” 46Then the king commanded Benaiah the Joab, and thus he answered me.” 31The king re- son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck him plied to him, “Do as he has said, strike him down down, and he died. (1 Kings 2:12–46) and bury him, and thus take away from me and from my father’s house the guilt for the blood that At the opening of this story, Adonijah goes to Bath- Joab shed without cause. 32The Lord will bring sheba requesting that she ask Solomon if he can have back his bloody deeds on his own head, because, Abishag for a wife. What can you tell about Adonijah without the knowledge of my father David, he attacked and killed with the sword two men more from this request?