1 Kings 3:1-5 – Compromise will affect our commitment

The first two chapters of First Kings detailed for us how Solomon was coronated and firmly established as Israel’s king succeeding his father, David. First Kings 3 then continues in an unusual way to introduce Israel’s prominence through Solomon’s marriage to the daughter of Pharoah of Egypt. While this marriage would strengthen his power, it was also opening the door for the penetration of foreign religion and a different way the nation would be governed. This eventually eroded the nation’s relationship with God.

Through the marriage of Solomon to the princess of Egypt, his three-building projects were introduced. He brought his Egyptian wife to the city of David until the three building projects, namely the palace, the temple, and the wall of Jerusalem were completed. Verse 2 revealed that the people were sacrificing at high places because no temple was built for the Lord in the early days of his reign.  High places were shrines positioned on the slightly elevated ground throughout the land. They were denounced in the books of Kings once the temple at Jerusalem was built.

Verse 3 made clear that Solomon at this point loved the Lord and was walking according to the statutes of David, his father. The practice of worshipping and making sacrifices at high places was excusable for the start. However, the later part of verse 3 that says, “except that he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places” gave us the hint that it was not totally acceptable. This would be the landmine that would trip up the nation’s commitment to God and the given Law.  

We are told that Solomon would travel to the great high place at Gibeon to sacrifice there. Why Gibeon? Not much detail was given. Suffice to say that 2 Chronicles 1:1-5 revealed that the Tabernacle and the furnishings were still there. And Solomon’s willingness to travel to Gibeon was an indication that he was committed to God to the extent that he was prepared to make the effort to honor Him. There he made a thousand burnt offerings to the Lord. Solomon’s commitment and what he had done pleased the Lord, who then appeared to him in a dream. He asked Solomon what he would want God to do for him.

Solomon was firmly established in his position. Marrying the Egyptian princess would certainly enhance his power but it was a step in the wrong direction. It had opened an avenue that would cause him to compromise his commitment to God. In our commitment to God, we must be careful of the little foxes that can destroy the vine. They are the little things that seem harmless but unwittingly open doors to compromise. This is Paul’s advice in Ephesians 5:15 and 17, “…be careful how we walk not as unwise but as wise ….Do not be foolish but understanding what the will of God is.”