Parent and Family Background
I Kings provides a historical account of the end of David’s reign, the reign of Solomon, and the division of Israel into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah. Although the Book of Kings contains quite a bit of historical information, we must keep in mind that the overall purpose of the book is religious, not historical. The theology of Kings is made evident in the critical evaluations of each king and in the comments made about crucial historical events.
Solomon was the son and successor of King David. In this well-known story, the very young King Solomon asks God to give him the wisdom and understanding that could make him a good king.
Solomon
1 Kings 8
In those days, Solomon was King of Israel. He was the son of King David. Solomon, like his father wanted to build a permanent home for the Ark of the Covenant. So he built a temple in Jerusalem.
When the temple was finished, all the people of Israel gathered to dedicate the temple. It was a celebration. The priests carried the ark into the temple. Inside the ark were the two stone tablets that Moses had put there. When the ark was in place, a dark cloud filled the entire temple.
Solomon said, “The Lord dwells in the dark cloud.” Then Solomon spoke to the Lord, “I have truly built you a princely house, a dwelling where you may abide forever.”
Solomon turned and spoke to the people of Israel, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel!”
Then Solomon faced the altar and began to pray. He prayed for an understanding mind so that he could lead the people of Israel as God wanted.
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