Biblical Kingship, Wisdom, and Idolatry: Deuteronomy, Kings, and Israel's Rebellion

What are the rules for the king in Deut 17 - What must he NOT do and what MUST he do

Must not: acquire many horses, send people to Egypt, take many wives, accumulate excessive gold/silver. Must: be chosen by God, be an Israelite, write a copy of the law, read it daily, fear the Lord, obey His commands, not exalt himself.

Who is Adonijah and what does he do

(1 Kgs 1) He is David's son who tries to make himself king while David is still alive.

Who supports Adonijah

Joab and Abiathar the priest.

Who does NOT support Adonijah

Nathan, Zadok, Benaiah, Bathsheba, Solomon's supporters.

What happens to Adonijah and his supporters

Solomon initially spares him conditionally, but later has him executed; his supporters lose influence or positions.

When the Lord appears to Solomon in a dream, what does Solomon ask for

He asks for wisdom—an understanding heart to govern the people.

What does the Lord give Solomon

(1 Kgs 3) Wisdom, wealth, honor, and long life (if he obeys).

What does 1 Kgs 3:28 associate wisdom with

Wisdom is associated with justice—Solomon had God's wisdom to administer justice.

Who provides provisions for Solomon's court

(1 Kgs 4) The twelve district governors, each providing for one month.

How does Solomon's reign relate to Deut 17:14-20

He breaks the commands: takes many wives, accumulates wealth, acquires horses, and his heart turns away.

What phrase does Solomon repeat in his temple dedication

(1 Kgs 8) "Hear from heaven."

Why does the LORD get angry with Solomon

(1 Kgs 11) His foreign wives turned his heart to other gods and he worshiped idols.

What is the consequence for Solomon's behavior

(1 Kgs 11) God will tear most of the kingdom from his line, leaving only one tribe.

What do Jeroboam and all Israel ask Rehoboam for

(1 Kgs 12) To lighten the harsh labor and heavy yoke Solomon placed on them.

What is Rehoboam's ultimate response

(1 Kgs 12:13-14) He rejects the elders' advice and responds harshly—he will discipline them with "scorpions."

Who does Israel make king instead of Rehoboam

Jeroboam, king over the northern tribes.

What is Jeroboam's first act as king and why

(1 Kgs 12:25-29) He makes two golden calves so people won't go to Jerusalem and return loyalty to Rehoboam.

How does this remind you of Aaron in Exodus 32:4

Both make golden calves and present them as the gods who brought Israel out of Egypt.

What are the 4 W's that characterize Solomon's reign

Wisdom, Wealth, Works, Wives.

What is true wisdom

Listening to God and living according to His instruction.

What are the high places and why are they forbidden

Pagan worship sites on hills; forbidden because they promote idolatry.

How was Israel supposed to interact with the high places

Destroy them and worship only where God chose.

What's the main problem with building the golden calves

Breaks the commandments, repeats Israel's past idolatry, creates false worship, and leads Israel into sin.