Solomon is a very interesting paradox for the biblical authors, they must have wondered how to portray him. In 1 Kings 3, we see this struggle. Solomon seeks out marriage to the daughter of the Pharaoh of Egypt. Now stop for a moment, God had really forbidden the Israelites from mixing too much with other nations and peoples, God wanted them to remain unique and unblemished by other peoples and behavior. So the fact that Solomon marries an outsider was rather daring, but then to marry the daughter of the ruler of Egypt, is bordering on treason.
Then consider that Solomon, himself, went to high places to offer sacrifices, which is a no no. The authors go out of the way to say that he is offering the sacrifices because the temple is not yet built but til this time, we are not told of others who have gone to high places to offer sacrifices since the Exodus. The Ark of the Covenant and the Tent of Meeting are the location for sacrifices.
So right off the bat, we can see that Solomon is going to be different but we are not sure if it is different bad or different good. However, Solomon does have a vision in which he is offered the traditional glory of kings of the earth or he can live by a different standard. To his credit, Solomon wishes to live by a different standard, he seeks wisdom that he might rule as God would desire. God is pleased that Solomon makes this choice and not only grants him the wish, but also provides riches and glories to Solomon because he did not ask for them.
But how is Solomon wise? Well the authors do not waste any time showing us how wise he is as they tell the story of the two mothers fighting over one child. At times it is difficult to determine which mother is which but what we do know is that Solomon employs a different style of judging the case. By demonstrating her love of her child, the first mother is willing to lose her child even if it means he will live, as opposed to the other mother who is willing to have half a baby, not sure what she is thinking. This ploy of Solomon demonstrates that is rule will be guiding by wisdom and justice.
With wisdom comes greatness, at least that seems to be what 1 Kings 4 would tell us. The chapter lays out the structure of Solomon's governance, and the people who administered it for him. While the districts and people might not be important, the sheer size of the government and the extent of its reach is supposed to demonstrate how glorious Solomon's empire was. Even the nations around flocked to Solomon to see his wisdom and his glory.
This wisdom and wealth are seen in his army, his chariots and his provisions. It is all talked about on a grand scale. There was no skimping going on here. And if you can think of someone smarter than Solomon, the bible would like a word with you for they list out any pretenders to that throne. No one is wiser than Solomon.
With peace and prosperity, Solomon turns to David's unfinished business, the building of a temple for God. King Hiram of Lebanon was a vassal of David's and now becomes a vassal of Solomon's. He agrees to provide the timber for the temple and the negotiations are laid out in 1 Kings 5. It is clear that this will be a glorious building, but at what costs? As we read about the splendor and the stones, we also notice how the people are being enslaved to build such a temple. We hear how taxes are not collected equally. The dark side of empire are beginning to show, how will this conflict be resolved?
1 Corinthians 11
Not sure where to start with this passage. The opening statement about Christ being the head of the church and then the conversation about the household are informative in that Christ as head of "man" is the example that we are to use if we are heads of households. This means, yes that is right, husbands are to be servants, just as Christ is servant. This is not some authoritarian interpretation, this is the reality that husbands are called to follow in Christ's example.
Of course from there, the passage goes a little haywire. Why, because we really have no idea what the issue is with women and covering hair. It is not a cultural thing, unless one views it as a gender role and Paul wants to preserve the gender roles in the same way that married people should stay married until Christ returns. There is no biblical mandate for covering ones head. It would seem that this was a pastoral problem that was asked about in the letter to Paul that he is responding to. More than that, it is only conjecture.
Now Paul turns to a greater issue, the abuse of the Lord's Supper. When he references the Lord's Supper, Paul is not speaking to some liturgical rite, but a way of life. At this time worship involves the Lord's Supper as a feast, not the passing of wafer and some bad grape juice. The act of eating together, with no barriers is the sign of this new community. But what is happening in Corinth? Some people are coming to the feast early, eating and drinking to excess and then leaving nothing for other members of the community. This is another division between the rich and the poor. The rich, with time on their hands, gather early and become gluttons. The poor, who are out working, come late to the feast and are given nothing.
In vs. 23, Paul reminds all why the Lord's Supper is celebrated and the words he uses are the very words we use today in our Words of Institution. Finally, Paul warns the community about preparing oneself for partaking of this meal. To be unworthy of celebrating in the life, death and resurrection of Christ is place oneself in jeopardy.
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