Have you ever used correction fluid or tape to correct a typo in a document? How effective was it? Correction fluid can cover a mistake. However, once the mistake is corrected, you must be careful when writing over the spot so that you don't mess it up again. This is true when we make corrections in our lives regarding sin. We can ask forgiveness and it is freely given by Jesus Christ. However, we must be careful because there is the possibility that we might mess up the corrections by choosing to sin again. The Explore the Bible Study: Return, reveals how this plays out in the life of King Asa in 1 Kings 15:9-22.

1 Kings 15 is about correcting the sin of the people of God. After Solomon’s reign as king over a united Israel, his sin and unrepentant heart broke apart the kingdom. This took place during his son Rehoboam's  reign as king (1 Kings 12:1). The united kingdom of God’s people split into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Rehoboam was the king of the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

After Rehoboam died, his son Abijam became king but only reigned for three years. Sadly, he continued in his father’s evil ways rather than following the spiritual example of his great grandfather, King David. Asa became king of Judah following his father Abijam’s death (1 Kings 15:9). Asa tried correcting the sin and evil practices that had become engrained into the culture of Judah.

As you examine Asa’s corrections, you will see how repentance can stop the spiraling effects of sin, but you will also discover the cautions one must make after making these corrections.

You must be decisive and specific when making a correction (repenting)—1 Kings 15:9-15

Asa became king of Judah, the Southern Kingdom, around 910 BC. During this time, Jeroboam was still king of Israel, the Northern Kingdom.  Asa reigned forty-one years in Jerusalem, and his long reign brought stability to Judah. Notice that the biblical writer stated that Asa did what was right in the Lord’s sight (v.11). The word translated "right" also can mean “just” or “upright” and has as its root meaning the idea of straightness. Asa followed straight after the Lord for most of his reign.

Asa knew that sin had to be dealt with both decisively and specifically. He began with the practice of idolatry.

1. First, he banished the male cult prostitutes from the land. Many of the Canaanite peoples practiced sexual rites as part of their pagan worship. This was not to be practiced by God’s people, so Asa rid the land of male cult prostitutes who provided sex as part of pagan worship.
2. Second, Asa removed all of the idols that his ancestors had made. Both Solomon and Rehoboam were guilty of making idols. Asa knew that he needed to encourage the people to worship God but also to remove the sources of temptation they faced to maintain their idolatry.  
3. Third, Asa’s reforms included action against members of his own family. Asa determined that his own grandmother could no longer hold the role of queen mother because she had made an obscene image of an Asherah, a Canaanite goddess of fertility.
4. Fourth, Asa took action against the image his grandmother had made. He chopped down her obscene image and burned it in the Kidron Valley. He likely did this publicly so everyone could see his desire for the people to worship God alone. The narrow Kidron Valley lay immediately east of Jerusalem between the city and the Mount of Olives.  
5. Fifth, Asa brought his father’s consecrated gifts and his own consecrated gifts into the Lord’s temple. The word consecrated occurs twice in this verse and comes from a root that means “set apart” or “separate.” Asa desired to set these gifts apart for the Lord’s service. The king’s actions again testified to his determination to follow the Lord.

Do you consider Asa’s approach to repentance too harsh? Why or why not?  What are your thoughts on how he dealt with his grandmother? What application can we draw from Asa’s example? How would people react if this were to take place today in the church? In your home? In our country? What keeps you from responding to your own sin in this manner?

Asa was king and he needed to set the example by correcting what he could as the leader. This passage does remind us that Asa didn’t take away all the high places, yet affirms that Asa was wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord his entire life. Perhaps this is stated so that we might understand that Asa could not solve every spiritual issue in Judah, or perhaps it was intended to remind us that Asa didn’t go as far as he should have when making corrections. In either case, Asa’s forty-one-year reign did correct the sinful direction Judah was heading and positively impacted Judah’s spiritual climate.

God expects believers to follow Him wholeheartedly. Our decisive and specific actions to correct sin in our own lives can have a profound spiritual influence over others. If we aren’t willing to be decisive and specific regarding correcting sin in our lives, it is difficult for others to follow our lead.

Notice next that, while Asa was known for wholeheartedly following God, he still struggled with depending on God completely.

Difficulties can cause one to forget past corrections—1 Kings 15:16-19

2 Chronicles 14:1 tells us that Asa did experience a ten-year period of peace. However, after Baasha became king of the Northern Kingdom (Israel), conflict eventually resumed between the two kingdoms again. This passage refers to one of the occasions when King Baasha went to war against Judah, and Baasha’s attack left Asa in a vulnerable position. Baasha blocked a key passageway, cutting off trade and communication with Judah and restricting Asa’s travel northwest to the Mediterranean coast or northeast to the Jordan Valley. 

Asa could not allow Baasha to block him in. This is when he made some mistakes. 

• First, he didn’t depend on the Lord to protect him but sought protection from a pagan king. Ben-hadad, reigned over Aram (Syria) and was a strong leader.
• Second, he removed the consecrated gifts and his own consecrated gifts from the Lord’s temple that he had previously given back to the Lord (v.15) and paid them as a bribe to this pagan king along with the treasuries of the royal palace. Not only did he dishonor God, but he emptied his treasury of valuable resources.

2 Chronicles 16:7-10 tells us what was wrong with Asa’s decision: 7 At that time, the seer Hanani came to King Asa of Judah and said to him, “Because you depended on the king of Aram and have not depended on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from you. 8 Were not the Cushites and Libyans a vast army with many chariots and horsemen? When you depended on the Lord, he handed them over to you. 9 For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth to show himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to him. You have been foolish in this matter. Therefore, you will have wars from now on.” 10 Asa was enraged with the seer and put him in prison because of his anger over this. And Asa mistreated some of the people at that time.

Under what kinds of pressures might make a person resort to taking matters into their own hands? What is the danger of making desperate decisions? Do you sometimes find it difficult to trust God when faced with a challenging situation?

Believers must guard their hearts when they face difficulties. Sometimes human means of solving an issue may fall outside God’s plan. God calls on us to trust in Him rather than pursuing an action that may be less than ethical. When we face difficult decisions, we should pray, perhaps seek counsel from other believers, and only proceed when we are convinced our course of action is what God wants (Romans 14:5).

You must continue to depend on God after a correction—1 Kings 15:20-22

Ben-hadad listened to King Asa. Aram’s king sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel in Israel’s northern territory. When Ben-hadad attacked, Baasha knew his northern border was vulnerable. Asa’s strategy achieved its purpose. 

Baasha’s advance had ended, so King Asa commanded the people to come and remove Baasha’s barricade and open the highways again. Then King Asa used the stones and timbers used in the barricade to fortify Geba and Mizpah. On the surface, this appeared to be wise actions taken by a wise king. Yet, the focus was on the outcome of an agreement with a pagan king and the dependance on barricades built by the people for protection.

There is no mention of God’s protection or guidance in this situation. While Asa did make some corrections that brought about some spiritual renewal, his actions here indicated he continued to ignore God in other areas of life. Overall, Asa was a good king who wholeheartedly followed the Lord. Nevertheless, here Asa chose to trust his own strategy rather than God’s protection.

What About You?

Asa received a favorable judgment from the writer of 1 Kings for stopping the downward spiral of sin; yet it’s obvious he was continually plagued with making sinful mistakes. Repentance from sin can stop sin’s spiraling effects and turn us in the direction God desires. Yet, this doesn’t mean we stop evaluating every action after a correction. We must continually protect ourselves from making the same sinful mistakes after making a correction.

You have seen the correction Asa made with God that brought about spiritual renewal, and you have seen the sinful decisions made as well. Can you relate to Asa? How many times have you made corrections to sin in your life through repentance and confession, only to find yourself making sinful choices later? 

How can you protect yourself from making mistakes after making a spiritual course correction?

What advice would you give someone who struggles with constantly sinning after a spiritual correction is made?

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

When you are making a decision, from who do you seek advice? What motivates you to seek their advice: age, experience, success or something else? Most of the time we have a predetermined set of values that determines the kind of person from whom we might seek advice. This was the case for Rehoboam, King Solomon's son, as you will discover in LifeWay's Explore the Bible Study: Divided.

1 Kings 12 brings us to a major decision that Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, had to make, and the way he went about seeking advice and making his decision. After Solomon’s death, his son, Rehoboam became king over all Israel (1 Kings 12:1). Jeroboam, who earlier had fled from King Solomon (1 Kings 11:40) because of the prophecy regarding the divided kingdom (1 Kings 11:11-40), returned and led a delegation that brought a request to Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:2-3). They asked Rehoboam to, “lighten your father’s harsh service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you” (1 Kings 12:3-4). Rehoboam told them to return in three days for his answer (1 Kings 12:4-5).

This sets up an opportunity for Rehoboam to seek advice that would demonstrate his ability to lead wisely. As you examine who Rehoboam seeks out for advice and the decision he makes, you can learn the importance of seeking the right advice in the right manner and from the right places so that you can avoid making bad decisions. Sadly, for Rehoboam, he did not choose wisely.

Rehoboam asks for advice from older leaders outside of his inner circle – 1 Kings 12:6-7

Solomon’s reign had featured much economic prosperity for the nation, so these elders represented a vast amount of successful experience. The elders were well-seasoned and proven advisors to King Solomon. They would have been well-respected among the royal court and had probably gained a reputation for giving good advice to the king. It would be natural to seek their advice when faced with such an important decision. 

But what if their wisdom was not as respected as it should have been? 

What if they were complicit with Solomon on the decisions that led the king to place the harsh service and the heavy yoke (v.3) upon the people? Since they were part of the culture that Solomon had created during his final years as king, perhaps they were making decisions based upon spiritual compromise. Or perhaps they felt the advice they gave would keep them in power with all the comforts they had come to enjoy. These leaders, while being older, well-seasoned, and certainly capable, might have been influenced in the final years by a culture of idolatry and compromise that Solomon propagated. One must also wonder, why they didn’t talk about returning to the Lord, or turning the hearts of the people toward God? 

Their advice seems to focus on keeping the people loyal to Rehoboam and not to God or His mission.

Seeking advice from older and successful individuals is important. We should respect them and their experience, and we should seek to learn from them. This can bring some great insight, but age and success doesn’t guarantee that someone can give godly advice. 

While the Scriptures don’t indicate whether the advice was good or bad, on the surface, it seemed to be advice that was worthy for Rehoboam to consider. But that wouldn’t be the case.

Rehoboam looks for a different solution from his inner circle of peers and younger leaders – 1 Kings 12:8-11

Don’t ignore the contrast made in verses 6 and 8. 

• Verse 6 emphasizes that the elders served his father; they were outside of Rehoboams inner circle. Rehoboam appears to have not given much consideration to this counsel of experienced officials.
• Verse 8 points out that the young men had grown up with him and attended him; they were Rehoboam's inner circle. These young men represented Rehoboam’s new team of advisers; they had much less experience leading a nation and did not have the experience the elders did.

The words translated had grown up with him could be translated “had become great with him” and suggest they now carried power and authority but had little experience using it. They had little sympathy for the people’s plea. Rehoboam’s younger leaders suggested he tell the people my little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! 

This demonstrated a lack of respect for God’s covenant, God’s blessings, the history of Israel, the accomplishments of the past and much more. They didn’t care. They were arrogant and thought they knew what was best. 

How does this play out today in our culture, the church, or the work environment? What are the results when a believer only listens to others who give them answers they want to hear?

This passage does not teach that younger or less experienced people never have good counsel to offer. When Timothy served the church at Ephesus, he was a relatively young man. Paul told him he should live in such a way that no one would look down on his youth (1 Timothy 4:12). Paul recognized Timothy had much to offer the church. God can use leaders with servant attitudes regardless of their age or experience. 

Interpreters generally point out the apparently self-serving attitudes the young men expressed. They were happy to serve with Rehoboam but planned to use their new positions for their own gain and did not understand what the people truly needed. 

What if these younger leaders or the elder leaders encouraged Rehoboam to demonstrate godly leadership before the people? Do you feel Rehoboam would have listened to any of them?

Rehoboam goes with what fulfills his own desires – 1 Kings 12:12-15

Rehoboam was determined to have his way. If Israel was going to be all Rehoboam wanted the nation to be, everyone would need to work harder, and if they didn’t, they would be punished severely with barbed whips. Those present that day saw that the king desired to exalt himself at their expense, and perhaps they perceived similar motives in the young men who stood by him when he uttered his reply. The king’s harsh approach was about to cost him dearly.

These words do not suggest the Lord made Rehoboam speak harshly to the people. 1 Kings 11 helps us fully understand this statement. It describes how the Lord had spoken through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam son of Nebat (1 Kings 11:29-39). In that prophetic word, Ahijah told Jeroboam God had chosen Jeroboam to rule Israel after God tore much of the kingdom away from Solomon’s son. The Lord also promised to make Jeroboam’s reign a great one and promised him a lasting dynasty like He promised the house of David if Jeroboam would remain faithful to God (1 Kings 11:38). The Lord had seen Solomon’s spiritual compromise (1 Kings 11:1-13) and knew disaster awaited Israel.

Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he became king (1 Kings 14:21); he had seen the luxury that characterized his father’s reign and was determined to make his own life even better than his father’s had been. Thus, the Lord worked through Rehoboam’s arrogance and selfishness to fulfill the word He had spoken through Ahijah.

What dangers can come from seeking counsel from people who are self-serving or who only desire to give you the answer you want to hear? 

How can you discern people’s motives as you seek their counsel? 

How can you protect yourself from only seeking advice from those who give you the answers you desire to hear?

The Results of Acting on Bad Advice—1 Kings 12:16-19

Those who followed Jeroboam realized they no longer had a real place in the Israelite community. They felt they no longer had a voice or were joining a godly king to live as God’s people. The accompanying comment, so Israel went to their tents, implies they went home to look after their own interests and welfare—to form their own nation. They were done with David’s house—the tribe of Judah. Thus, the split between the kingdoms was fulfilled.

Rehoboam reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah – the Southern Kingdom. 

God earlier had said He would give Solomon’s son one tribe to rule for David’s sake (1 Kings 11:13,36). Thus, God had fulfilled His word, although later, the tribe of Benjamin also joined Judah for a time (1 Kings 12:21).

Next King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was in charge of forced labor, to the northern tribes. Adoram had served Solomon and perhaps Rehoboam thought sending one of his father’s officials would help ease the tension with the northern tribes. However, the people remembered the days when Adoram was in charge of forced labor, and many of them had served four months per year to accomplish Solomon’s building projects (1 Kings 5:13-14). They wanted no more of this, and they saw in Adoram’s coming more of the same, so all Israel stoned him to death. Their angry reaction reiterated that they wanted no part in the house of David any longer. 

Making Wise Decisions

This is a biblical record of two sources of advice:

• The advice of the experienced—Speak kind words and they will be your servants forever.  Being nice is something we should all strive to do, but it can lead to compromise if the only motive is to gain followers (servants).
• The advice of the inexperienced—Treat them harshly and work them harder and you will gain even more power and riches. This leads to rebellion.
• We must not forget there is a third channel of advice that isn’t mentioned at all in this passage. No one asked God for advice. Rehoboam didn’t, the elders didn’t, and the young leaders didn’t.

Many today would consider the ability to compromise a good character trait. Spiritual compromise, however, can lead to ruin because our allegiance to God and His word is non-negotiable. The Explore the Bible Study: Compromised, examines the impact of King Solomon's compromises on his personal relationship with God, his family, and the people of God, Israel.

There are several ways to view compromise. First, compromise could be used to describe an agreement, or a settlement reached to settle a dispute between disagreeing parties. However, it can take on a negative connotation when it involves accepting standards that are less than desirable.

Time after time the Old Testament reminds us of the tragic consequences when God’s chosen people chose spiritual compromise over remaining faithful to God and His word. In the New Testament and throughout church history we see examples repeatedly that should remind us of the dangers of compromising God’s standards. Yet, it seems that the history of spiritual compromise is continually repeating itself.

This was the case with King Solomon. Solomon started off his reign desiring to honor God as did his father, King David. He desired wisdom from God so he could lead well. God not only blessed Solomon with wisdom but with riches and power as well.

1 Kings 8 describes how Solomon led all Israel in dedicating the completed construction of the temple. God appeared to King Solomon after the temple dedication, affirmed His presence in the temple, and promised great blessing if Solomon followed the Lord. But He warned Solomon that judgment would come on Jerusalem and his descendants if the king failed to walk with God and keep the covenant God had made with David (1 Kings 9:1-9). 

1 Kings 10:14-29 tells us that Solomon’s wealth exceeded all the kings of his time, his influence extended far, and tribute came in from many countries and regions. However, Solomon’s reign did not end well. He compromised by taking on many foreign wives and accommodating their pagan beliefs and practices.

As God had promised, there would be consequences because of his compromise. Let’s look at Solomon’s actions and learn how to avoid the actions that led to the resulting consequences of Solomon’s compromises.

Solomon Ignored God’s Warnings – 1 Kings 11:1-3

First Kings 11 marks a turning point in Solomon’s story. Solomon already had married Pharaoh’s daughter as part of an alliance with the king of Egypt (1 Kings 3:1). However, Solomon also married additional wives (seven hundred wives and 300 hundred concubines), probably as a part of political alliances with other leaders. As we examine Solomon’s actions, one might think, “This one is easy to avoid; don’t have multiple wives.” While this is one aspect of the compromise, this isn’t the only compromise Solomon made.

Solomon’s wives were from people groups who worshiped other gods and did not share Israel’s faith convictions. Because of their ungodliness, the Lord had told the Israelites through Moses: You must not intermarry with them, and they must not intermarry with you (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). 

Consider how love for other things or people might lead to compromise. How could the following lead to compromise? - The unbelieving spouse you love. The children you love. The job you love. The sport you love. The hobby you love. The political party you love.The social group or organization you love. 

What are some boundaries or protections you can put in place to keep you from compromising in these situations?

Compromise leads to a divided heart - 1 Kings 11:4-8

Solomon’s compromise was gradual, but it culminated in the most ungodly actions as he aged. His compromise began by marrying wives who turned his heart away to follow other gods over time as he grew older. This led to the ultimate compromise. Solomon, the one God appointed to build God’s temple, was now building high places for pagan gods directly across the valley and on a hill in plain sight of Jerusalem, where God’s temple was built. This was the ultimate expression of compromise. As the scripture tells us, Solomon’s acts were evil in the Lord’s sight. Solomon did not remain loyal to the Lord.

The king who built the temple for God, who challenged the people to remain faithful to God, who was known for his wisdom that was only given to him because of God, who was given great wealth and power by God, now dishonors God by his compromise.

Solomon’s spiritual failure was contrasted with the faithfulness of his father David. To be sure, David sinned grievously when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and then ordered the murder of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband (2 Samuel 11). But he then repented deeply (2 Samuel 12:1-14; Psalm 51). David wanted to make things right when he had wronged God, but his son Solomon did not finish well.

What are some early warning signs we should identify that indicate we are tempted to compromise our faith? How can we protect ourselves from giving in to compromise?

Committing sin hardens us to sin. If we practice smaller sins, we can become calloused toward bigger sins. People do not suddenly decide one day to cheat on their spouses, nor do bankers suddenly decide to embezzle ten million dollars. Instead, such people become hardened to sin through smaller sins that they call “indiscretions” or “little sins no one cares about.” Scripture warns us not to go down this path, but to lay a foundation in our lives with God’s Word (Psalms 1:1-2). 

God’s Response to Compromise – 1 Kings 11:9-13

The passage begins with the fact that the Lord was angry with Solomon.

In today’s culture, do people get offended when someone states that God gets angry when we sin? If so, why? Why did God say His anger was justified?

The text highlights the seriousness of Solomon’s sin by reminding us that God had appeared to him twice. First, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at the beginning of Solomon’s reign (1 Kings 3:5). Second, God appeared to Solomon after the king finished dedicating the temple (1 Kings 9:2). Experiencing God’s presence in such powerful ways should have provided the incentive Solomon needed to follow the Lord; yet it did not. 

Additionally, God reminded the king about His covenant and His statutes, which He had commanded Solomon to observe. However, Solomon had failed miserably. He had yielded to temptation, and now would face the consequences.

God told Solomon, I will tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant. Solomon’s sin was disastrous and provoked God’s serious response.

God’s grace appeared to Israel’s wayward king in the words, I will not do it during your lifetime for the sake of your father David. God’s purpose would continue despite Solomon’s failures; nevertheless, Solomon’s spiritual compromise would cost him and future generations dearly.

The Lord told Solomon: I will tear it out of your son’s hand. That son was Rehoboam.

Today many people don’t want to consider God’s anger toward sin because they desire to compromise. After all, they assume, God is love and He only wants what’s best for us. This is a self-centered belief system that doesn’t honor God. He desires His best for us which means we are to strive to be holy as He is holy. Holiness includes striving to live a life deplete of compromise. When we compromise, God must exact divine discipline because He is holy and because He does love us as a father loves a rebellious child.

Avoid Compromise

Solomon’s walk with the Lord did not end well. Neighboring peoples discerned Solomon was distracted with all his wives, and so they began to assert their own independence. 1 Kings 11 continues by describing how Hadad the Edomite assumed control over the territory of Edom to the southeast and reigned there. Rezon took over Damascus in the country of Syria and asserted his own independence north of Israel. Finally, Jeroboam, son of Nebat, who had served Solomon as an important labor official, learned through a prophet that he one day would reign over many of Israel’s tribes. When Solomon heard of this, he sought to kill Jeroboam, who escaped and fled to Egypt. Finally, Solomon died after a forty-year reign and was buried in Jerusalem, but the seeds of spiritual compromise had already been sown. Solomon’s son Rehoboam assumed Israel’s throne, yet lost most of the kingdom his father Solomon had ruled (1 Kings 12:20). From that time on, Israel was divided into two kingdoms—the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

Based on an examination of this passage, how would you respond to the following?

Compromise can happen at any stage in life. Age doesn’t matter. Why is this true?

Compromise begins small but grows bigger over time if not kept in check. How does one protect oneself from compromise?

How would you explain to someone who feels spiritual compromise is acceptable, that it is not acceptable? 

What steps can one take to correct compromise?

Be on guard against spiritual compromise in your life. God’s discipline will come on you when you compromise. Compromise left unchecked or uncorrected leads to further consequences that may extend into future generations. Cling to God and God alone, trusting Him for the grace to live the life He wants you to live. Standing strong against spiritual compromise positions you well, not only to receive God’s blessing, but to be a channel of it to future generations.

One of the largest privately owned houses in the United States is the Biltmore house in Asheville, NC.  The house is a 178,926 square foot mansion that took over six-years to build. During construction, over 1,000 construction workers and 60 stone masons worked on the project. The house contains over four acres of floor space, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. The building of the Temple during King Solomons reign was equally as grand. At the "grand opening" celebration Solomon's prayer of dedication included a petition regarding the anticipated sin of the people of God. This is what the Explore the Bible Study: Repentance will examine from 1 Kings 8:46-60.

The temple in Jerusalem was a grand dream placed in the heart of King David by God and was equally as challenging to build! 1 Chronicles 17 describes David’s desire to build the temple for God. Plans were developed and David was ready to move forward, but God said no. He promised David that his son, Solomon, would be the one who would build the temple.

1 Kings 8 marks the completion of the temple. Solomon led all Israel in dedicating the temple. This included the priests and Levites bringing the ark of the covenant into the temple as the king sacrificed many animals. God showed His approval by filling the temple with His glory (1 Kings 8:10-11). 1 Kings 8 continues to record the king’s blessing upon the people, testimonies of God’s work, worship, and a prayer of dedication. Solomon’s prayer continued with him asking God to forgive and restore the people of God when they confessed their sins. Solomon also asked God to let the temple be a witness of God’s glory to foreigners who visited Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:41-43).

Yet, Solomon reveals another important revelation regarding the temple. The temple was extremely significant to God’s chosen people because it stood as a constant reminder of God’s covenant and His presence with them. The temple and their worship of God and sacrifices to God were to remind them they were to be God’s holy people. The temple was not only a reminder of the presence of God, but it was also a reminder of the power of God to judge sin. Because of this, if the people ever turned away from God, God would judge them.

His prayer talks about a time when the people would no longer be coming to the temple but would be scattered to other lands because of their sin. Here is what Solomon’s prayer reveals regarding man’s sin, repentance, and God’s forgiveness. 

Nothing Keeps Man from Sinning - 1 Kings 8:46-48

What truth does Solomon reveal about sin that points to why Jesus Christ sacrificed His life for a payment of sin?

The temple practices of sacrifice and worship would serve as a continual reminder of God’s holiness, man’s sinfulness, and God’s forgiveness through the blood sacrifices that were to be made at the temple on behalf of the people. Solomon’s prayer doesn’t mention “if” they sin, but “when” they sin. The completion of the temple did not mean the people of God were somehow immune from sin from that point forward – All men sin and “fall short of the glory of God” (Roman’s 3:23). 

We sin because we live in a sin-broken world. Even Solomon, the one praying this prayer, would succumb to sin and fail God on many fronts. Solomon’s prayer before the people at the temple reveals the greater truth that there is only one way to be saved from sin, and that’s through Jesus Christ. Man cannot save himself, not even by the building of a great temple for God.

What truth does Solomon reveal regarding how God views sin?

Solomon’s prayer reveals the fact that God cannot ignore sin, even from the people who built this glorious temple. Solomon tells us that man’s sin results in God being angry. In this case, God would judge them by handing them over to the enemy and they would be deported to the enemy’s country. 

The Bible records multiple times when God used other nations as His instrument of judgment. In this case judgment was in the form of exile.

After they had built the temple and were now celebrating God’s presence, why would they continue to sin in the future? 

Why do professing believers today continue to sin? What motivates professing believers to assume God won’t discipline them when they sin because they have done so much for Him? 

Why do people who don’t believe in Christ assume God is going to give them a pass from judgment and that everyone will one day be in a “better place”?

Do you believe God hears the prayers of one who repents? What Scriptures assure you that God does hear and forgive?

God will hear our prayers. We are never so far from God that He cannot hear our cries of repentance, and when He hears them, He will respond. The apostle John echoed Solomon’s sentiment by telling us God wants to forgive us quickly when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9).

Solomon ends this prayer with a blessing. Listen to the words of Solomon to the people of God. Consider how you would feel if Solomon blessed you in this manner.

A Blessing Offered – 1 Kings 8:54-60

Imagine you were in the crowd hearing this? First you heard Solomon pray regarding man’s sin and that God would forgive you if you repented. Now you hear him end with this very public blessing. How would you respond? What would it motivate you to do?

So That All the Peoples of the Earth Would Know That the Lord is God. There is No Other!

God did not choose Israel to be a reservoir of God’s blessing; He chose Israel to be a channel of His blessing. Likewise, God calls us today to be channels of His salvation, not to keep His salvation to ourselves. 

• We should share the good news with others and live in such a way that people desire the faith we profess -- so all the people of the earth would know that the Lord is God. There is no other! (v.60)
• We should honor God and demonstrate gratitude for our salvation by giving our lives totally to Him.

How seriously do you take the holiness of God? Is that reflected in how you live your life as a believer? 

Do the people of the earth know that the Lord is God by the way that you live? 

Do you recognize that you haven’t fully repented and turned to Christ for salvation? If so, talk with someone who can help you with this decision following this session.

Over the past several years, our country has experienced mass shootings, a rise in violent crimes, a Russian invasion of Ukraine, the death of our own soldiers in foreign conflicts, a pandemic, border issues, moral decay, blatant disregard for human life, natural disasters, and the rising cost of everything.  It’s during these times people look to leaders for decisions and actions. In return, these leaders should seek God in order to determine how to respond. The Explore the Bible Study: Granted, will focus on one leader who did seek God.

Imagine that you were the leader of our country. You felt the weight of responsibility on your shoulders because of all these events and you sought God. God responded by asking this question, “What should I give you?” How would you respond?

1 Kings reveals to us that King Solomon felt this weight when he became king of Israel. The responsibility of filling his father’s shoes and becoming the leader of the people of God was a heavy weight to bear, and he knew he needed to seek God for direction.

God Speaks When We Seek Him – 1 Kings 3:4-5

Notice that one thousand burnt offerings were brought. Additionally, we understand from other passages that many leaders were with Solomon. All this indicates that Solomon desired to hear from God and move forward with His guidance and blessing. He desired for this to not just be a private experience but a corporate experience for all the leaders of Israel to embrace.

What would go through your mind if God were to ask you, “What should I give you?” What would you ask for?

Responding to God Requires Humility – 1 Kings 3:6-9

Even though David committed grave sins, one of which resulted in Solomon being born, in the end, David’s heart had changed. David lived with a forgiven but broken and repentant heart because of his own personal sin of adultery, lying, murder, and pride. Additionally, he watched his family struggle because of sin, but, in the end, he was known as a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22)

Solomon recognized and respected his earthly father because of his walk with the Lord. David’s transformed heart and life was what drove Solomon to desire to continue fulfilling God’s plan. He desired to honor God in how he led the people of God because of the trust God had placed in him. Little did Solomon know that God’s plan extended beyond Solomon, all the way to the birth of Jesus Christ!

How would our country or churches be different if leaders sought this instead of power, fame, or financial success.

God Responds When We Seek Him with a Humble Heart – 1 Kings 3:10-15

God commended Solomon for the things he did not request. 

• Solomon did not ask for long life. A king’s reign could be short-lived, particularly if a rival sensed weakness and decided to overthrow him.  
• Solomon also had not asked for riches. Many kings accumulated much wealth, and Solomon might have desired wealth either for selfish means or to use it to bless others. Solomon recognized that other things were more important than riches.
• Solomon had also not asked for the death of any enemies. Often when kings came to power, they put to death potential rivals, including the former king’s descendants. Even though Solomon had already put to death Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei, who had opposed either him or his father David, he did not ask God to kill other enemies. 

Then God gave Solomon what he requested. 

• Solomon had asked for a listening heart, discernment, knowledge, and wisdom to lead God’s people, and God would give it to him so the world would know Solomon’s God was the true God.

Then God gave Solomon what he didn’t request! 

• God stated He would bless Solomon materially and with a great reputation. He again affirmed no king will be your equal during your entire life. 

Finally, God issued Solomon a spiritual challenge. 

• Walk in my ways and keep my statutes and commands just as your father David did. If Solomon maintained spiritual faithfulness, God assured him, I will give you a long life. God did give Solomon forty years as king over Israel (1 Kings 11:42). He promised to bless Solomon as long as Solomon aligned his heart with God’s purposes. Solomon could ensure that by following God’s statutes and commands faithfully.

How Would Your Respond?

The focus earlier was on leaders of our country and churches but what about you? How would you respond if God asked, “What should I give you?” 

What do you expect God to give you? Would you ask for what Solomon asked for?

How would your life change if you asked God to give you the things Solomon requested instead of some of the things you typically ask for? 

How would it impact how you lead your family, do your work, live in the community, or serve at church?

While Solomon began his reign demonstrating loyalty to God, in time, he began to follow the gods of his foreign wives. This should remind us that we can’t stop seeking God. We must always seek God, and He will speak. We should remain humble as we approach God with our requests. Finally, God will respond when we seek Him with a humble heart.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.