👉🏾👉🏾👉🏾A Homily on the #Righteous and #Glorious #King #Solomon, #Prophet of #Israel
(Commemorated on Sene 23)
Grace and peace to you, beloved brethren in Christ, followers of the Orthodox way, disciples of the Apostles, and children of the ancient Church. Today, we gather not to hear novelty nor idle tales, but to contemplate deeply upon the God-appointed life of King Solomon, son of David, a vessel of wisdom, a prophet, and righteous ruler of Israel. Let us tread reverently upon the memory of this holy man, that we may glean heavenly wisdom and walk in the counsel of the Lord.
The Birth of a King Foretold by Grace and Repentance
Solomon was not born of a union that began in purity, but of one that was redeemed through bitter repentance. His mother, Bathsheba, had been the wife of Uriah, and through David’s grievous sin, her husband was slain. Yet the Lord, who is rich in mercy, chastened His servant David and drew from him a contrite heart. David wept and fasted, his soul crushed by guilt. The Lord, seeing his sincere return, forgave him. It was after this repentance that Solomon was born not as a sign of wrath, but of divine mercy. The name "Solomon," which means peace, is a testament to the peace that follows repentance, and the promise of a covenant renewed.
The Anointing of the Young King
At just twelve years old, Solomon was not yet girded with the wisdom for which he would become known, but he was chosen by God through his father. In those days, Adonijah, David’s other son, sought to usurp the throne. With Joab and Abiathar, he planned a false coronation. But the Lord, who does not forget His promises, moved the heart of Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet, and they reminded David of his oath. David, though frail in body, stood firm in the spirit and proclaimed: "As the Lord lives... Solomon shall reign after me."
Solomon was anointed at Gihon, not in secret but before the nation. Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet poured sacred oil upon his head. A trumpet sounded, and the people cried, "May Solomon reign a thousand years!" Joy filled the land, and David, from his bed, gave thanks to the God of Israel who allowed his eyes to see his successor crowned.
A Prayer for Wisdom — Not Riches or Revenge
Let us marvel now at Solomon’s prayer at Gibeon, for it reveals the soul of a true king. In a dream the Lord appeared to him and said, "Ask what I shall give thee." How many today would cry out for riches, vengeance, or immortality? But Solomon, humbled before the multitude of God’s people, asked only this: “Give your servant an understanding heart to judge your people, to discern between good and evil.”
The Lord, who searches the hearts of men, was well pleased. And He said, "Because you did not ask for long life, nor riches, nor the death of your enemies, I have granted you a wise and discerning heart — and also riches and honor such as no king before or after shall possess."
Oh what a reward for humility! Let every ruler, priest, and parent learn from Solomon: the heart that seeks wisdom above power shall receive both wisdom and honor.
A Judgment that Echoed Through Israel
Soon after, the Lord confirmed His gift with a matter of justice. Two women came before Solomon, both claiming the same child. No witness could be found. But Solomon, discerning the hearts, called for a sword not to harm, but to reveal. “Divide the child,” he said. One mother remained silent, the other cried out, “Give her the child, but do not kill him!” Then Solomon said, “She is the mother.”
All Israel feared and revered him, for they saw not a mere man judging, but the wisdom of God manifest in his rule. Brethren, how often are we blind in judgment, swayed by passion or pride? Let us pray for the spirit of discernment as given to Solomon, that we too may judge rightly in our homes, our churches, our hearts.
Continues 👇🏾