Here we see another great advantage and blessing of Solomon’s wisdom. As he started work on the Temple of the Lord, he followed the plans prepared by his father. David himself could not construct the temple for he was too busy fighting wars to win the peace that Israel now enjoyed. Solomon had no intention of messing up that peace to get what he needed to build the temple. Instead he relied on reputation first, the Lord’s for He was a mighty warrior. Then he relied on Israel’s status as His chosen vessel and on David’s renown as an honesty ruler who possessed integrity. Finally Solomon promoted his own famed wisdom and justice. Nations who negotiated with him benefited from the peace that his friendship offered.
When faced with a need for natural resources, many nations, ancient and modern have seen any negotiations and compromise as weak. They may use negotiations to force others to accede to their demands with threats of violence, often followed by outright war. One of the main reasons for Japanese aggression which started WWII was an interest in acquiring oil, rubber and other resources they deemed to be vital to their Empire. War, however, is often far more costly than the things that are sought. Solomon’s friendly offers and alliances were a blessing to other nations for they too perceived the folly of war. Thus Israel’s God blessed them.
The lesson we learn is one we ought to teach others too. When we try to get what we want may people find that fighting and arguing are the first choice even though it usually turns ought to be a costly way of living. Rather we ought to be willing to negotiate and make promises we intend to keep as well as accept compromise except of course when it comes to sin and injustice.
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