Children’s Bible Program – Level 3: Lesson 37 “Solomon’s Legacy”
Featured Passage: 1 Kings 8-11
Solomon started his reign as king with fear and reverence for God. God blessed him, and Solomon prospered. His wisdom and accomplishments became famous. Sadly, human beings often forget about God when life goes well. Would Solomon fall into that trap? God warned Israel not to multiply wives, horses (for battle), and riches (Deuteronomy 8:11-18). As a powerful king, Solomon had the opportunity to do all these things. What would Solomon’s legacy be? Would he continue to follow God just like his father King David had done…or would he turn his back on God?
Discuss:
- Solomon had the opportunity to build and dedicate the temple.What kind of attitude does Solomon show toward God in his prayer for the dedication of the temple? How did God respond to his prayer?
- God told the Israelites not to marry foreigners. Why did God give this command? (Deuteronomy 7:1-4)
- Solomon ignored God’s command, and married hundreds of women from a variety of different countries. Why did Solomon do this? What were the results?
- After Solomon died, God allowed the kingdom of Israel to fracture into two parts, just as it had been before the time of David. What were these two parts called and why did God allow this to happen?
- What important lessons can we learn from Solomon’s life?
Memory Challenge:
1 Kings 8:61
Let your heart, therefore, be loyal to the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes and keep His commandments, as at this day.
