700 Wives & 300 Concubines
Monday, January 9, 2023
“Not every man can carry a full cup. Sudden elevation frequently leads to pride and a fall. The most exacting test of all to survive is prosperity.” – Os Hillman
Solomon was hand-picked by his father, King David, to succeed him (after some strong lobbying by his mother, Queen Bathsheba). And so, when David died, Solomon ascended to Israel’s throne, but not before his brother Absalom launched an unsuccessful coup and another brother, Adonijah, tried to usurp his crown.
King Solomon started his reign extremely well, asking only for wisdom when God offered him whatever he desired. Because of his humble request, God granted Solomon great riches and power, too. Unfortunately, that unlimited wealth and authority was the beginning of Solomon’s decline.
Before very long, Solomon had become so prideful and materialistic that he disobeyed God by marrying foreign women as part of various peace treaties. He also violated God’s direct commands by importing horses from Egypt.
Eventually, Solomon’s foreign wives led him astray and he was soon found worshipping false idols instead of the One True God. Solomon also denied himself nothing: building multiple houses and reservoirs; planting orchards and vineyards; and acquiring massive amounts of gold and silver along with servants, herds, and flocks.
Clearly – and very sadly – Solomon could not “carry a full cup,” as Os Hillman puts it in today’s quote. But Jerry McDevitt could… and did.
My friend Jerry was the same guy when he was earning six figures in the early 1980s as when he was unemployed for more than a year. His devotion to God and his family didn’t waver when he landed another lucrative position with an investment firm in Philadelphia, nor did that promotion go to his head. Want proof? Jerry eventually retired early so he could spend more time with his family… and drive a school bus.
I don’t know if Solomon will be in heaven, but I am positive that Jerry will be. I sure hope he waves to me from the front row.
“And he [Solomon] had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart.” I Kings 11:3 (NKJV)
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 (NKJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
