Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Rev. Bryant J. Williams III" <bjwvmw AT com-pair.net>]

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