1Ki 11:43 | KingComments | STEP | Finally, Solomon dies. The man who started so well, died so sadly. Yet here we are reminded of his wisdom. He ruled for forty years, from 971-931 BC. He is not old when he dies, not yet sixty. He did not have a long life because of his unfaithfulness. What a contrast with for example the life and the end of Jacob. It is about the end. Blessed is he, who runs well and does so until the end. Paul can say this ( ). The man who was most able to lead a successful life has lost it. Success in life does not originate, according to God’s judgment, through the possession of wisdom, but through its application in life. Spiritual success depends not only on wisdom, but also on certain decisions and choices a person makes. The death of Solomon is described in a single word, while the death of his father David is described in detail. From David’s deathbed resounds literally and spiritually a blessing ( ). From Solomon’s deathbed doesn’t resound a last word, but a serious warning. It is possible that something is written about it in other writings ( ), but in God’s Word at least there is no room for it. His son Rehoboam becomes king in his place. With him begins another history, that of responsibility.

‏ 1 Kings 11:43

The Death of Solomon

Finally, Solomon dies. The man who started so well, died so sadly. Yet here we are reminded of his wisdom. He ruled for forty years, from 971-931 BC. He is not old when he dies, not yet sixty. He did not have a long life because of his unfaithfulness. What a contrast with for example the life and the end of Jacob. It is about the end. Blessed is he, who runs well and does so until the end. Paul can say this (2Tim 4:7).

The man who was most able to lead a successful life has lost it. Success in life does not originate, according to God’s judgment, through the possession of wisdom, but through its application in life. Spiritual success depends not only on wisdom, but also on certain decisions and choices a person makes.

The death of Solomon is described in a single word, while the death of his father David is described in detail. From David’s deathbed resounds literally and spiritually a blessing (2Sam 23:1-7). From Solomon’s deathbed doesn’t resound a last word, but a serious warning. It is possible that something is written about it in other writings (2Chr 9:29), but in God’s Word at least there is no room for it.

His son Rehoboam becomes king in his place. With him begins another history, that of responsibility.