Okay, I Get It Now

Now King Solomon loved many foreign women. Besides Pharaoh’s daughter, he married women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from among the Hittites. The LORD had clearly instructed the people of Israel, “You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods.” Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway. He had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines. And in fact, they did turn his heart away from the LORD. [1 Kings 11.1-3]

Okay, I get it now.

If Song of Solomon (see yesterday's post: That's About That) seemed void of God, today's reading in 1 Kings reveals why.

First off, there is great irony in the seemingly 'special' relationship between Solomon and his lover in Song of Solomon (SoS). As SoS is compared to 1 Kings 11.1-3, that 'special' relationship appears truly to be nothing more than Solomon's current infatuation. I mean, how special can any one woman be in a man's harem of 700 wives and 300 concubines?

Then, it is no wonder God is not mentioned in SoS. Solomon was out of God's will in his love life and naturally, there would be no mention of God in the story of his love life.

As the book of Ecclesiastes is also introduced in today's One Year Chronological Bible reading, I cannot help but consider all the 'stuff' Solomon possessed including his knowledge and wisdom that lost all value in Solomon's eyes in his rebellion regarding his love life.

Rebellion sucks the life out of living.

Father, help me to see that my love life, knowledge, and money all truly are meaningless without obedience to You.