Introduction: Solomon isn’t one of my favourite Bible heroes. He started well but ended up badly. ‘But no one is perfect’ I can hear you say, and certainly I’m not. On the positive side there are such things as this prayer for Solomon which certainly I find a blessing! The leaders prayed this prayer as he began his life’s work. I’m at the end of mine, but there are still things which were asked for Solomon that are extremely important for me and will be until I pass from this world, however long that will be! Solomon started well but sadly ended badly! The bible keeps stressing ‘persistent faithfulness until the end!’
1 Give the king your justice, O God,
and your righteousness to the royal son!
2 May he judge your people with righteousness,
and your poor with justice!
3 Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,
and the hills, in righteousness!
4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
give deliverance to the children of the needy,
and crush the oppressor!
5 May they fear you while the sun endures,
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!
6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
like showers that water the earth!
7 In his days may the righteous flourish,
and peace abound, till the moon be no more!
8 May he have dominion from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth!
9 May desert tribes bow down before him,
and his enemies lick the dust!
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands
render him tribute;
may the kings of Sheba and Seba
bring gifts!
11 May all kings fall down before him,
all nations serve him!
Comment about things that I would like to claim for myself, things for which the leader prayed for Solomon as he began his rule. 1. Justice and righteous judgement: I hope that as the leader prayed Solomon was praying the same things for himself. I hope that he was praying that he might prove to be a king who ruled justly and was found declaring righteous judgements. We are not kings and we are told ‘not to judge’, but certainly we have to assess situations and thus judge how we will act! 2. They prayed that his rule might be marked with justice. Justice starts at a basic level. Do I treat my spouse and children justly? Does the government display justice? I find it easy to criticize others for not being just, but when I want the best of everything for myself and my family and see an orphanage struggling to keep going, am I practicing justice? 3 The sentence ‘May they fear you while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!’, suggests that the pray-er wanted Solomon’s people (Israelis) to be true to Jehovah. Obviously the King should set the example! A very good thought, but sadly Solomon himself later followed other gods, and led his people astray! Whilst it is a prayer of mine for Australia, certainly very few are truly committed to Jehovah God! Am I a good example? 4 The introduction of the pronoun ‘he’ in v 6 makes me think that the prayer strongly turns from being Solomon centered, to centre on Solomon’s reign as he ruled over individuals. That his reign would be productive of great godliness and also of earthly success for the common person. They prayed for him to be successful in both wealth production and to keep the kingdom of Israel intact! David had been a great expansionist and they didn’t want Solomon to lose this expanded powerful kingdom! Thus far it is a magnificent prayer. It continues on somewhat for us to consider tomorrow!
1 Timothy 2: 1-2 – First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
Prayer: Teach me to love my neighbour as myself, O Father!
As I read it! 