Lesson 21: Solomon’s Story
The biblical story of King Solomon leaves readers with many questions. It exalts him as the epitome of wisdom, but you have to ask why, if he was so wise, did his policies lead to the revolt of ten tribes and the breakup of the united kingdom.
It also praises him for building the first temple as if he was extremely religious. However, you have to wonder about his faith when he later turns away from the Lord and allows all sorts of pagan practices.
There’s nothing terribly profound in these questions. Scholars have been asking them for some time. They note the primary evidence for his wisdom is one story about two mothers claiming the same child. They also observe the three books usually attributed to him hardly even mention God and cannot be considered theology.
Proverbs is basically a bunch of common sense clichés which most people hear from their parents. Ecclesiastes is a fatalistic comment on the delusions of success. And the Song of Solomon is little more than a romantic love letter.
It’s about here that I begin noticing all sorts of similarities with Donald Trump. Both men engage in self-promotion. Solomon became king, because he and his mother, Bathsheba, manipulated a senile King David. Trump certainly attempted to rig elections and continually talks about how great he is.
The first thing Solomon does when he has the power is to purge his administration of anyone who is not completely loyal to him. That includes Joab who led David’s Men and continually saved the beloved king. Trump purges anyone who does not show complete loyalty.
During his 40 years reign (970- 932), Solomon focused on trade that enabled him to live in luxury. Like Eastern monarchs, he surrounded himself with gold. This is is what seems to have impressed the Queen of Sheba rather than his wisdom. Trump also lavishly furnishes his residences, often gilding everyday appliances with gold.
The king had 700 wives and 300 concubines, many of them foreign women who brought pagan idols with them. Trump continually expresses his love for beautiful women and has married more than one of them.
Of course, I was reading Solomon with Trump in mind. Nevertheless, I was not ready for all the similarities. It began with how much people differ in their interpretations and proceeded with all sorts of characteristics I find shameful.
All of this reinforces the claim that our current president is a dangerous man. His misuse of power should be resisted as it can lead to terrible problems for us all.
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