During the weeks of Advent, we’re looking at some of the stories of Jesus’ ancestors. Today: Solomon.
Today’s scripture: Matthew 1:1-7, I Kings 3:1-15 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Keith Phillips):
Our sanctuary is fortunate to be graced by a trio of exquisite paintings, created by Tony Melendez at the time of his baptism. The paintings illustrate three of the great love stories in the Bible: Ruth and Naomi, David and Jonathan, and Solomon and the Shulamite (shown at right).
In 1 Kings 3, Solomon has just become king of Israel, following the death of David, his father. The passage reminds us that Solomon’s reputation was three-fold:
- He was a master at international political alliances. To solidify his relationship with his neighbor to the south, Egypt, Solomon married one of pharaoh’s daughters. Apparently, Solomon wanted to solidify a lot of political relationships. 1 Kings 11:3 tells us that he was married to seven hundred princesses, and he also had three hundred concubines. He could tell each and every one of them, “You are one in a thousand!”
- Solomon built the Temple, the earthly dwelling place of God.
- Solomon was known for his wisdom. The next verses (1 Kings 3:16-28) relate the story of the solomonic decision whereby the mother of a baby was determined by threatening to cut him in half. Solomon wisely dealt out justice for all, including the marginalized.
But Solomon’s picture hangs in our sanctuary, celebrating a most extraordinary book in the Bible, the Song of Songs, traditionally credited to Solomon and sometimes entitled the Song of Solomon. The book is a detailed description of Solomon’s passionate love for the Shulammite, and her reciprocated and passionate love for him. There’s a lot of erotic passion here! (I had quite a time, some years back, leading a Bible study of the book with senior high youth at church camp.) The love presented is between equals; the love is freely shared and explored; and the love has nothing to do with procreation. It is full-bodied, sensual love, with each wholly enjoying the other’s beauty and sexiness.
Solomon’s father was David, and David’s grandmother was Ruth. All were direct ancestors of Jesus. Yes, love came down at Christmas, but it sure had a firm but rather queer foundation to build on.
Thought for the day: God came into our world as love. Does any more need to be said?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.