Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe concept of adoption in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing both spiritual and physical dimensions. In the context of Solomon, adoption is not explicitly mentioned in the traditional sense of legal or familial adoption as understood today. However, Solomon's rise to kingship and his relationship with God can be viewed through the lens of divine selection and covenantal adoption, where God chooses and establishes individuals for His purposes. Solomon's Divine Selection Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, was chosen by God to succeed David as king of Israel. This selection can be seen as a form of divine adoption, where God adopts Solomon into His divine plan for Israel. In 1 Chronicles 28:5-6 , David recounts God's words: "Of all my sons—for the LORD has given me many sons—He has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. And He said to me, 'Solomon your son is the one who will build My house and My courts, for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his Father.'" This passage highlights the unique relationship between God and Solomon, where God adopts Solomon as His son in a covenantal sense, promising to be his Father. This divine adoption is not about changing familial status but about establishing a special relationship and purpose. Solomon's Role and Responsibilities As the adopted son of God in this covenantal framework, Solomon was entrusted with significant responsibilities. He was to build the temple in Jerusalem, a task that symbolized the establishment of God's dwelling place among His people. In 1 Kings 5:5 , Solomon expresses his understanding of this divine mandate: "So 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.'" Solomon's role as king and temple builder was a fulfillment of God's promise to David, further solidifying the notion of divine adoption, where Solomon was chosen and equipped for a specific divine purpose. Solomon's Wisdom and God's Favor Solomon's adoption into God's plan was marked by the gift of wisdom, which he famously requested from God. In 1 Kings 3:9-12 , Solomon asks for "an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil." God grants this request, saying, "I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been anyone like you, nor will there ever be." This bestowal of wisdom is another aspect of Solomon's divine adoption, as it signifies God's favor and the equipping of Solomon to fulfill his role as king. The wisdom granted to Solomon was not merely for personal benefit but was intended to serve the people of Israel and to glorify God. Solomon's Legacy Solomon's reign is often remembered for its prosperity, peace, and the construction of the temple. However, his later years were marked by a departure from God's commandments, leading to idolatry and the eventual division of the kingdom. Despite these failings, Solomon's initial adoption into God's plan and his contributions to Israel's history remain significant. In summary, while Solomon's account does not involve adoption in the legal or familial sense, it exemplifies a form of divine adoption where God chooses, equips, and establishes an individual for His purposes. Solomon's life and reign reflect the complexities of human leadership under divine guidance, illustrating both the potential and the pitfalls of being chosen by God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 28:6And he said to me, Solomon your son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Solomon's Reign. Under the Apple Tree. "I Sat Down under his Shadow with Great ... The Spirit of Bondage and of Adoption. The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ... Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Whether Christ's Genealogy is Suitably Traced by the Evangelists? Faustus Objects to the Incarnation of God on the Ground that the ... Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus Christ Commerce Writing iii. But in Order that what I have Said May be Made ... Resources What is conditional election? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Family & Parenting (All) | GotQuestions.org Unconditional election - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org Adoption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Adoption is According to Promise Adoption is to be Pleaded in Prayer Adoption of Gentiles, Predicted Adoption: A Privilege of Saints Adoption: Being Led by the Spirit is an Evidence of Adoption: Entitles to an Inheritance Adoption: General Scriptures Concerning Adoption: God is Patience and Merciful Towards the Partakers of Adoption: Illustrated: Joseph's Sons Adoption: New Birth Connected With Adoption: Safety of Those Who Receive Adoption: Saints Become Brethren of Christ By Adoption: Saints Predestinated To Adoption: Saints Receive the Spirit of Adoption: Saints Wait for Final Consummation of Adoption: should Lead to Holiness Adoption: should Produce a Desire for God's Glory Adoption: should Produce a Forgiving Spirit Adoption: should Produce a Love of Peace Adoption: should Produce a Merciful Spirit Adoption: should Produce a Spirit of Prayer Adoption: should Produce an Avoidance of Ostentation Adoption: should Produce Child-Like Confidence in God Adoption: should Produce Likeness to God Adoption: Subjects Saints to the Fatherly Discipline of God Adoption: The Adopted are Gathered Together in One by Christ Adoption: The Holy Spirit is a Witness of Related Terms |
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