Topical Bible: Courage: Solomon

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Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is a prominent figure in the Bible known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, most notably the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. While Solomon is often celebrated for his wisdom, his life also provides insights into the theme of courage, particularly in the context of leadership and governance.

Early Reign and Courageous Decisions

Solomon's reign began with acts of courage that were necessary to establish his kingdom securely. Upon the death of his father David, Solomon faced immediate challenges to his rule. Adonijah, his older brother, attempted to usurp the throne. Solomon's response required both wisdom and courage. In 1 Kings 2:24-25 , Solomon decisively dealt with Adonijah, saying, "As surely as the LORD lives, who has established me and set me on the throne of my father David and who has made me a house as He promised, Adonijah shall be put to death today!" This action demonstrated Solomon's courage to uphold God's promise and secure his God-given position as king.

Courage in Seeking Wisdom

Solomon's request for wisdom is another example of his courage. In 1 Kings 3:9 , Solomon prays, "Give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?" Asking for wisdom instead of wealth or long life required humility and courage, acknowledging his own limitations and the enormity of the task before him. God honored this courageous request, granting Solomon unparalleled wisdom and understanding.

Courage in Building the Temple

The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem was a monumental task that required significant courage and faith. Solomon undertook this project in obedience to God's command to his father David. In 1 Kings 5:5 , Solomon declares, "Behold, I intend to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, as the LORD told my father David, saying, 'Your son, whom I will put on the throne in your place, will build the house for My Name.'" The courage to embark on such a grand endeavor, involving vast resources and labor, was rooted in Solomon's desire to honor God and fulfill His promises.

Courage in Leadership and Governance

Solomon's reign was marked by peace and prosperity, but it also required courage to maintain justice and order. His famous judgment involving two women claiming to be the mother of a child (1 Kings 3:16-28) is a testament to his courageous and wise leadership. Solomon's ability to discern the truth and render a just decision earned him respect and solidified his authority.

Challenges and Failures

Despite his early acts of courage, Solomon's later years were marked by challenges that tested his faithfulness to God. His marriages to foreign women led him to idolatry, as recorded in 1 Kings 11:4 : "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of his father David had been." This deviation from God's commandments required courage to confront and correct, yet Solomon struggled in this area, leading to consequences for his kingdom.

Legacy of Courage

Solomon's life, with its triumphs and failures, offers a complex portrait of courage. His early reign exemplifies the courage needed to lead and make difficult decisions, while his later years serve as a cautionary tale about the courage required to remain faithful to God's commands. Solomon's account encourages believers to seek wisdom and courage from God, recognizing the importance of steadfastness in faith and obedience.

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1 Chronicles 22:13
Then shall you prosper, if you take heed to fulfill the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.
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1 Chronicles 28:20
And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
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Library

"When Solomon was Old. "
... Who would have expected Moses to fail in his temper, or Elijah in his courage? Solomon
must have hated himself when he bowed before these graven images, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxiv when solomon was old.htm

Solomon's Words, "The Lord Created Me," Etc. ...
... Solomon's words, "The Lord created Me," etc., mean that Christ's Incarnation was ...
beginning" is the Lord's Cross"the beginning of strong courage, wherewith a ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vii solomons words the.htm

Solomon's Repentance
... Among the many lessons taught by Solomon's life, none is more strongly emphasized
than ... it may be charged with the life-giving power of faith, courage, and hope ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 5 solomons repentance.htm

Progress (Preached Before the Queen at Clifden, June 3, 1866. )
... had lost its primaeval freedom, and the courage and loyalty which freedom gives.
It had become rich, and enervated by luxury and ease. Solomon had civilised ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon xii progress preached before.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... And lest his heart should fail before a work so vast, 'David said to Solomon, Be
strong and of good courage, and do it; fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Joy of Unbroken Communion
... Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold King Solomon,. ... Version is very significant:
"Thou hast ravished My heart," or "Thou hast given me courage." If the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/union and communion/section iii the joy of.htm

There is a Blessedness in Reversion
... It will not be amiss therefore to set the crown of blessedness before them to animate
their courage and to inflame ... King Solomon arrived at more than any man. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/2 there is a blessedness.htm

David's Prohibited Desire and Permitted Service
... rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I ... Lord
charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture g/davids prohibited desire and permitted.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... Fair and young, full of inspired song, and of gallant courage, the youth David ... of
temporal splendour were accomplished in his peaceful son, Solomon, who asked ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

The Children's Bible
... A BROKEN-HEARTED FATHER. HOW SOLOMON BECAME THE RULER OF ISRAEL. A YOUNG MAN'S WISE
CHOICE. ... AHAB THE THIEF. MICAIAH'S COURAGE IN TELLING THE TRUTH. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/