The books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles do more than cover 500 years of history, they provide character sketches giving spiritual lessons for all time.
The history of Solomon’s reign is a case in point. Historical detail is given as to how he secured the throne, constructed the temple and prayed at its dedication (I Kings 1-3, 5-8). The daily provision for his servants and his great wealth are recorded (I Kgs. 4, 10). Yet interwoven with the history are insights into his character which afford us lessons useful for our lives. One of these spiritual lessons is seen in the impact on Solomon of the company he kept.
The principle is expressed in Solomon’s own words: “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise” (Prov. 13:20), and is noted by Paul when he confirms the opposite effect: “Bad company ruins good morals” (I Cor. 15:33 RSV). The lesson is also noted in the lives of later kings Rehoboam, Joash and Uzziah.
The 20 chapters describing Solomon’s life (I Kings 1-11; II Chronicles 1-9), can be divided into two sections: the first marked by a love for the Lord where he walked in the ways of David his father (I Kgs. 3:3), followed by a second period when his heart was turned away after other gods (I Kgs. 11:4). In each section of his life, Solomon does not function alone; his actions are influenced by his companions.
Solomon’s good start
Of the chapters devoted to Solomon’s life, the majority paint a picture of a prosperous and wise king whose reign was blessed by the Lord. Seven and a half years he devoted to the building of a house for the God of Israel. Employing close to 200,000 laborers, his endeavor would bring the nation together in the service of their God. Solomon’s dedicatory prayer displays his intimate knowledge of God’s working among them.
The fame of his wisdom spread abroad resulting in worldwide acclaim and a visit from the queen of Sheba. Apparently, from the moment he asked the Lord for “an understanding heart to judge thy people,” Solomon was living a life following the will of God.
David’s good influence
The wonderful start to the reign of Solomon can be attributed in part to the influence of his father David, a man after God’s own heart. When asked by God in a dream, “Ask what I shall give thee” (I Kgs. 3:5), Solomon’s reply echoed the words of his father: “I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies” (Psa. 119:125). David had no doubt coached Solomon in this very matter for Solomon would later write: “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother” (Prov. 1:8).
David’s influence extended still further so that he aided his son to obey God even after David’s death. Having been disallowed by God to build Him a house, David set in order all the provisions for his son to build the temple. The great work that would occupy the early part of Solomon’s reign would keep his mind on the ways of his God.
The bad influence of others
Unfortunately the influences over Solomon’s life changed and so did his character. As the years went by and the memory of David dimmed, Solomon’s wives inspired him to forsake the Lord. “King Solomon loved many strange women” and “when Solomon was old, his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as [was] the heart of David his father” (I Kgs. 11:4). Interestingly, his building activities once again betrayed his true interests. His efforts were spent building high places for Chemosh, Molech and the gods of his various wives (v.7).
Responsible for himself
Despite the influential effects of others, Solomon ultimately was responsible for his own decisions. Every king of Israel or Judah, in fact every person, has associates who sway him toward good or evil. The principle is clearly illustrated in the life of Rehoboam, Solomon’s son.
In the first test of his kingship, Rehoboam wisely consulted his father’s counselors regarding the level of national taxation (I Kgs. 12:6). Still he refused their wisdom and hearkened to the advice of his contemporaries, threatening to increase the taxes considerably. Despite the presence of others, the choice was Rehoboam’s alone.
Choosing the wrong influence
All men choose to surround themselves with specific influences, whether friends in the present or examples from the past. By taking Jezebel as his wife, King Ahab of Israel made a decision that led to his downfall. In condemning Ahab, the Lord denounces his wicked wife by saying: “There was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up” (I Kgs. 21:25). Perhaps without the influence of Jezebel, Ahab would not have killed Naboth for his vineyard. Instead, the positive influence of Elijah may have prevailed and Ahab would have been remembered for good.
Tragically, the short synopsis of each king of Israel connects him with a poor role model by saying: “For he walked in all the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin” (I Kgs. 16:26). By contrast it was said of Jehoshaphat that “he walked in the first ways of his father David” (II Chron. 17:3). This means of summarizing a man’s life, used by the Lord, points to the consequence of a person’s companions.
Choosing our right influences
Influences in life come in many forms. The daily Bible readings make it clear that a servant of God must surround himself with positive ones.
The word of God was a constructive influence with which each king was commanded to become familiar. They were to write out a copy of the law and read therein all the days of their lives (Deut. 17:18).
The Bible warns men and women everywhere to avoid being “unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (II Cor. 6:14). Instead, friends and associates must be sought out that will “provoke unto love and to good works” (Heb. 10:24).
The apostle warns believers to be followers of Christ, thus making Jesus their role model (I Cor. 11:1). Only by becoming surrounded by righteous companions (sound believers) and positive influences (the scriptures) is it possible for a man to have this summary of his life: “You have walked in the ways of your father David.”
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