Take Another Look

The Solomon narrative presents an overwhelming portrait of plenty, peace, and prosperity. Right at the heart of the account lie 4 chapters which detail the building of a temple to YHWH. All this forms a jarring juxtaposition with the downfall of Solomon narrated in chapter 11, leaving readers to wonder, “How did it all come to this?” Yet, sprinkled through chapters 3-11 are a host of disconcerting details, which the author uses to invite us to take another look at Solomon. When we do, even that which seemed glorious is rendered hollow. Solomon’s entire story, like that of the nation, is a tale of misplaced loyalty from the beginning.