A King’s Desire for His Young Son
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding” (Proverbs 3:13).
As King David approached the end of his life, he was to give a final admonition to his people and to his son Solomon, the designated heir to the throne of Israel. Having called all the princes, officers, and valiant men to Jerusalem, David spoke his last official words to the thousands assembled there.
He began by saying it was in his heart to build a temple where the Ark of the Covenant could rest. However, being a man of war, he was not allowed to do so. It would fall to Solomon to build the house of Jehovah. He then turned to his son and gave his parting advice:
“Now Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off forever. Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong and do it” (1 Chronicles 28:9-12).
David went on to give Solomon the detailed plans for building the temple. This passage describes one of the most precious scenes in the recorded history of Israel. The beloved king, now an old man, conveyed a message to his son that summarized a life of learning. It described the core values that could help Solomon become a faithful king and servant of the Lord.
David’s own wisdom emanated from of a lifetime of experience, through victories and failures alike. He learned that the personal conduct of a king should be pure and above reproach. His dominion should be subservient to the rules and principles of God’s higher dominion. He should be open minded and willing to listen to God’s directions. A vital sentiment conveyed to his son was, “Have a pure heart and a willing mind.” It was simple advice from a knowledgeable king trying to help his young son do right in the eyes of the Lord, and therefore to the people he led.
Solomon’s Temple
Psalm 72 is David’s final prayer for Solomon, and it paints a picture of great expectations and hope for every citizen:
“(1) A Psalm for Solomon. God, help the king be like you and make fair decisions. Help the king’s son know what justice is. (2) Help the king judge your people fairly. Help him make wise decisions for your poor people. (3) Let there be peace and justice throughout the land, known on every mountain and hill. (4) May the king be fair to the poor. May he help the helpless and punish those who hurt them.
“(6) Help the king be like rain falling on the fields, like showers falling on the land. (7) Let goodness grow everywhere while he is king. Let peace continue as long as there is a moon. (8) Let his kingdom grow from sea to sea, from the Euphrates … to the faraway places on earth.
“(11) May all kings bow down to our king. May all nations serve him. (12) Our king helps the poor who cry out to him — those in need who have no one to help them. (13) He feels sorry for all who are weak and poor. He protects their lives. (14) He saves them from the cruel people who try to hurt them. Their lives are important to him.
(15) Long live the king! Let him receive gold from Sheba. Always pray for the king. Ask God to bless him every day.(16)May the fields grow plenty of grain and the hills be covered with crops. May the fields be as fertile as Lebanon, and may people fill the cities as grass covers a field.
“(17) May the king be famous forever. May people remember his name as long as the sun shines. May all nations be blessed through him, and may they all bless him. (18) Praise the LORD God, the God of Israel! Only he can do such amazing things. (19) Praise his glorious name forever! Let his glory fill the whole world. Amen and Amen! (20) (This ends the prayers of David son of Jesse.) – Psalm 72:1-4, 6-8, 11-20 (Easy-to-Read Version).
These are magnificent words which lifted a standard so high that Solomon was never able to reach them. Such power as Solomon possessed tends to corrupt, and Solomon was not immune to its influence. But as prophetic words, they convey the true grandeur of our Lord who does, and will continue to, live up to them. They speak of the purity of a righteous ruler who cares for every individual under his care. Only through his kingdom rule will lasting peace and universal justice be achieved. Only in his wisdom will all the helpless be helped and the poor raised up. He will be like rain, bringing refreshment upon the field of every open heart and those fertile fields will blossom under his reign. That is our hope. That is our prayer. That is our expectation.
To be associated with our Lord in such a glorious work would be inconceivable if not for such clear promises from God to that effect (2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 5:10, 20:4, 21:2-6). This should inspire us to seek the wisdom that eluded Solomon.
The qualities David desired for his son are now attainable through the assistance and guidance of the holy Spirit. With such amazing prospects before us, let us bend every effort in preparing for the reign of the antitypical Solomon.
— Bro. Tom Ruggirello