A WISE PERSPECTIVE IN LIFE

A SHORT INTRODUCTION ABOUT THE AUTHOR OF ECCLESIASTES

What is said about the lineage and dignity of the writer of this book? What is said of his wisdom wealth, riches, and grandeur? What is said of his virtues and his vices? Everything that is described at the start of this book speaks of none other than the Greatest King who ever lived. King Solomon. First of all, how do we define greatness? Let us take a look at his overall profile as a King. At the same time let us try to compare him with our everyday life and try to reflect.

THE GREAT PRIVILEGE AND POWER

(1 King 2:2-3)

Before David dies, he appoints as king his son Solomon, who was 12 years old at the time. His father David spoke these words to him:

"I go the way of all the earth. You shall be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes and His commandments and His testimonies. As it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn."

SELF REFLECTIONS:

What would we do to have a chance of inheriting something great at a very young age? Talk about a whole-kingdom-kind of great. If so, do we know how to use this kind of privilege wisely? Will we be satisfied with life?

THE GREAT RESPONSIBILITY AND REQUEST

(1 Kings 3:7-13)

Shortly after Solomon was anointed King over all Israel, God appeared to him in a dream in which He invites Solomon to request himself. Solomon answers:

"I am but a small child ... Give therefore your servant an understanding heart to judge your people..."

His request pleases God who tells Solomon:

"Because you have not requested riches and honor but only that which would benefit all the people, I will give you not only an understanding heart like none other before or after you ... but also riches and honor like no other king in your days."

SELF REFLECTIONS:

What would we do to have a chance to ask anything from God? Where will we spend it? Would we find meaning and satisfaction?

THE GREAT KINGDOM AND RULE

(1 Kings 4:1)

Israel reached its zenith during Solomon's reign as King over all. All men throughout the Kingdom consented and were united in abiding under king Solomon. No one, was against him, no one revolted, no one tried or even dared to harm him. There were no pestilences, no famines, no wars, during his reign. It was a perfect reign in a perfect kingdom.

SELF REFLECTIONS:

What would we do to have such an opportunity to rule a great Kingdom with all its glory, riches, and splendor? If so, how would we do it? Will we find a sense of fulfillment?

THE GREAT MEN AND SUBJECTS

(1 Kings 4:2-19)

Solomon had great men as leaders in his Kingdom. These men were the best of the best! Not only were these men great, but they were completely loyal and devoted subjects to the King himself.

SELF REFLECTIONS:

What would we do to have great men by your side, supporting, giving advice, and being devoted to us? Will we feel secured and comforted?

THE GREAT PROSPERITY AND RENOWN

(1 Kings 4:20-23)

Under Solomon as king, Israel prospered exponentially. The Kingdom's wealth increased to the point that gold was a common thing while silver became almost worthless!

The Royal Provisions (provision for the people living in the palace) for just one day are as follow:

• 30 cors of fine flour ( 9,780 kg ) That would be like having 195 sacks of the best flour just for one day.

• 60 cors normal flour ( 19,560 kg ) That would be like having 391 sacks of normal flour just for one day.

This amount of flour was enough to feed more than 70,000 people for one day. That doesn't even include the daily provision of meat. For one day the royal provision of meat was

• 10 Fattened Oxen ( 20,000 lbs ) of the finest Ox meat just for one day.

• 20 Pasture-fed Oxen ( 20,000 lbs ) of organic Ox meat just for one day.

• 100 Sheep ( 20,000 lbs ] of Sheep meat just for one day.

• Deers ( 300 ] each of meat just for one day.

• Gazelles ( 165 lbs ) each of meat just for one day.

• Roebucks ( 77 lbs ) each of meat just for one day.

• Fattened Fowls ( 40 lbs ) each of meat just for one day.

Throughout the reign of King Solomon, Israel was being widely acclaimed and highly honored. There were constant presents and gifts given to the King every day from other rulers from all over the world.

SELF REFLECTIONS:

What would we do to taste all the finest delicacies and food? If so could is it enough to satisfy our cravings?

THE GREAT DOMINION AND AUTHORITY

(1 Kings 4:24-28)

Solomon had complete DOMINION [Hebrew word "râdâh" meaning to rule, dominate, tread down]. Rabbinical Legend even says he had dominion over demons.

His military force was one of the most technologically advanced of that time. And all his armies were loyal to him. No one dared to fight against Solomon. The result of this was an absence of war. During his entire reign and it was peaceful throughout the land.

SELF REFLECTIONS:

What would we do to have complete dominion and authority? If so, would we feel complete? Would it make us happier?

THE GREAT WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING

(1 Kings 4:29-34)

Solomon had great wisdom and knowledge. The Hebrew words "me'ôd râbâh rôchab lêb" which means exceedingly great, and beyond measure, as innumerable and vast as the sand in the seashore is of the highest adjective attributed to his wisdom and understanding. But what are wisdom and understanding in view of the readers of the past?

I. Wisdom [Hebrew word is "chokmâh"] meaning:

a. Skill in war (warfare was a way of life, therefore skill in warfare would be of great importance in his day)

b. Shrewdness (mentally sharp, intelligent and able to learn things quickly)

c. Prudence (ability to understand difficult ideas and situations and to make good decisions in administrative, ethical, religious affairs)

II. UNDERSTANDING [Hebrew word is "tâbûn"] meaning:

a. Intelligence in all studies

b. Knowledge of everything that can be learned

c. Ability in all kinds of art, literature, and music

Solomon's wisdom was greater than the ancient near Eastern civilizations who were already acquainted with mathematics and numerical data and had accurate natural History. Greater than the wisdom of Egypt that had geometry, medicine, astronomy, architecture, literature, mystical philosophy, magical arts. Greater than the sons of Mahol [Hebrew word mâchôl]- known for music, piping, and dancing. We could argue that Solomon was the greatest moral philosopher, the greatest poet, the greatest botanist, the greatest zoologist, the greatest naturalist, and the greatest physician. Rabbinical legend even goes on to say that Solomon wrote a book of medicines for all kinds of diseases, which was fixed to the entrance of the temple. But that the prophet Hezekiah took away, because sick people applied to that for the cure of their disorders, people revered the book more than the Word of God and neglected to pray and trust in Him.

SELF REFLECTIONS:

What would we do to achieve and learn all knowledge? To achieve wisdom and intelligence? Would it give fulfillment in life? Would we be contented?

THE GREAT WEALTH AND RICHES

(1 Kings 10:14-29)

The annual Gold income of Solomon's Kingdom was around 666 Talents not counting the income from traders, merchants, and tax from all the governors of the land. Today's experts estimate Solomon's wealth to be around 2 trillion USD. But we are talking in terms of 900 BC quality and income. So Solomon could have easily surpass 2 trillion and would maybe be around the quadrillions.

SELF REFLECTIONS:

What would we do to gain great wealth? To achieve wisdom and intelligence? Would these make us the best version of ourselves? Will we be completely satisfied not wanting more?

THE GREAT PLEASURES AND DELIGHTS OF A MAN

(1 Kings 11:1-3)

Solomon had 700 wives (Legally married) and 300 concubines (relationship without marital benefits). He was fond of all his wives. He dedicated and devoted much time to them. His lust was very great for he had 1000 of the finest women from different races and cultures. All whom he lusted and desired upon, he did not withhold himself from having them.

SELF REFLECTIONS:

What would we do to have all the finest women or men? To be the object of desire? And to satisfy our lusts? Will that give us a perfect life?

WHAT WISE PERSPECTIVES CAN WE TAKE AWAY FROM ALL OF WHAT WE DISCUSSED?

How about listening to what the greatest King who ever lived had to say. Looking at him through our own perspectives, we could truly say he had everything right?! Well yes, but this is what he tells his readers in his book:

"The vapor of vapors and futility of futilities, says the Preacher. The vapor of vapors and futility of futilities! All is vanity (emptiness, falsity, and vainglory). What profit does man have left from all his toil at which he toils under the sun? Is life worth living?"

Ecclesiastes 1:2-3

Maybe we want everything that Solomon ever had and experienced?

Maybe we think that things under the sun are all that will satisfy us?

Maybe we strive very hard to achieve even a small amount of these things?

Then let us please take the advice of the Greatest King who ever lived.

"All things are weary with toil and all words are feeble; man cannot utter it. the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing."

Ecclesiastes 1:8

Even though possessing and experiencing all the best and finest things under the sun, Solomon never was satisfied!

I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity, a striving after the wind and a feeding on wind.

Ecclesiastes 1:14

Everything Solomon has seen under the sun. In all his Wisdom, Wealth, Power, Dominion, Pleasure, and Desire. He but realized that all is like chasing and striving to catch the wind. We all know for a fact that we certainly couldn't catch the wind right?

He then concludes his wise perspective for all his readers in the last portion of his book:

"The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

Ecclesiastes 12:13