King Solomon

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:35:14 EST

King Solomon or Sulayman, is a figure described in the Bible and Quran. He was famous for his wisdom, justice and welfare. He was son of King David or King Dawood. During Solomon's long reign of 40 years, the Hebrew monarchy, according to the Bible, gained its highest splendour. One of the qualities most ascribed to Solomon is his wisdom.

One day two women came to the king with a child, each claiming the child was hers and not the others. Calmly, the king asked for a sword and said "Cut the living child in two, and give half to one, half to the other." The woman who was the mother of the child pleaded: "I beg you, give her the live child; on no account kill him!" Nevertheless, the other said, "He shall belong to neither of us Cut him in half!" The king gave his decision: "Give the live child to the first woman," he said. "She is his mother."

This wisdom Solomon received from Yahweh, God. For Solomon loved Yahweh and followed, the precepts of his father David. Yahweh appeared to Solomon in a dream. God said, "Ask what you would like me to give you.'' Solomon replied, "You showed most faithful love to your servant David, my father, when he lived his life before you in faithfulness and uprightness and integrity of heart; you have continued loving him by allowing a son of his on this throne today. You have made your servant as king in succession to David my father.

However, I am young, unskilled in leadership. Moreover, here is your servant, surrounded with your people whom you have chosen, a people so numerous that they cannot be counted or reckoned. Give your servant a heart to understand how to govern your people. Though he was king, Solomon was humble and admitted his inadequacies. In all humility, he requested for an understanding heart, not to show his prowess and supremacy over his people but to be able to lead and guide those placed in his care.

Love of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom, to love God with one's heart and soul and to love one another. To attain wisdom, we have to aspire to serve the Lord. To seek counsel on our knees, through sincerity of heart and steadfastness and not being alarmed when disaster comes, but clinging to Him so that we may be honored with His Grace. Whatever happens accepts it and in the uncertainties of our humble state, be patient since gold is tested in fire and the chosen in the furnace of humiliation. Trust him and he will uphold you.

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King Solomon