Dear Nir,
Samuel was dead by the time of Solomon by about 45 years (cf. I Samuel 28:3).
It was prior to the Battle of Gibeah with Philistines. Kings and Chronicles
was, most likely, written by Ezra; although one of the prophets, e.g. Jeremiah,
could have written it also. Considering the information included within Samuel
- Chronicles there would be continual referral to court records.
Moses in Dueteronomy 18:14-20 describes what was going to happen later in the
life of the nation of Israel when the people asked for a king. The following
stands out:
1. The people would want a king like the other nations (18:14).
a. It is interesting to note that God had given the laws found
in the Torah to separate, to distinguish the Israelites from the attitude and
actions (behavior) of the Canaanites. This land was forfeited by the
Canaanites because of their idolatry and immorality and was being given to the
Israelites.
b. The land of Canaan was also given by God, who is the owner of
the land (also the earth), to the Israelites because of the promise made by God
to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel). See revelant passages in Genesis.
2. The king was to NOT to be
a. A foreigner. He was to be an Israelite; one who is native
born (18:15).
This is the reason behind the requirement for the President
of the United States to be native born; also see the problem with King George
III who was NOT and native born Englishman.
b. Multiplication of horses (18:16).
As symbol of military might or power, the multiplying of
horses, hence also chariots, placed reliance upon the material instead of God.
It was a sign of UNBELIEF.
The command of going to Egypt was also a reminder of that
power that had subjugated the Israelites. Remember the constant refrain my the
Israelites about what they had in Egypt during the Wandering in the Wilderness.
c. Multiplication of wives (18:17; cf. I Kings 11:1-13)
Violations of the 7th and 10th Commandments.
Leads to violations of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
Commandments.
d. Mulitplication of, or hoarding of, gold and silver.
A very potent symbol of "money," "wealth."
Replaces God as the source of sufficiency. It is UNBELIEF.
In fact, it becomes idolatry.
3. The kIng was to write out a copy of the Law.
a. The Torah (18:18).
b. Most likely Deuteronomy, but could refer to ALL of the Torah,
Genesis - Deuteronomy.
c. To be taken from the Levites copy (18:18).
d. For the purpose of "fearing the LORD, "to revere the LORD"
(18:19).
e. To be read continually during his life and reign as king
(18:19-20).
It is obvious that Solomon is being condemned in the latter half of I Kings 10
(as you so noted in your reply to Jim).
Rev. Bryant J. Williams III_______________________________________________
b-hebrew mailing list
[email protected]
http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/b-hebrew
