True Education

Principles Seen in David’s Character

The principles taught in the schools of the prophets were the same that molded David’s character and shaped his life. The word of God was his instructor. “Through Your precepts,” he said, “I get understanding. ... I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes.” Psalm 119:104-112. It was this that caused the Lord to pronounce David “a man after My own heart.” Acts 13:22. TEd 33.2

In the early life of Solomon also are seen the results of God’s method of education. Solomon in his youth made David’s choice his own. Above every earthly good he asked of God a wise and understanding heart. And the Lord gave him not only that but riches and honor. The power of his understanding, the extent of his knowledge, the glory of his reign, became the wonder of the world. TEd 33.3

In the reigns of David and Solomon, Israel reached the height of its greatness. The promise given to Abraham and repeated through Moses was fulfilled: “If you will diligently observe this entire commandment that I am commanding you, loving the Lord your God, walking in all His ways, and holding fast to Him, then the Lord will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and mightier than yourselves. ... No one will be able to stand against you.” Deuteronomy 11:22-25, NRSV. TEd 33.4

But in the midst of prosperity lurked danger. The sin of David’s later years, though sincerely repented of and severely punished, emboldened the people in transgression of God’s commandments. And Solomon’s life, after a morning of great promise, was darkened with apostasy. Desire for political power and self-aggrandizement led to alliance with heathen nations. The silver of Tarshish and the gold of Ophir were obtained by sacrificing integrity and betraying sacred trusts. Association with idolaters and marriage with heathen wives corrupted his faith. The barriers that God had set in place for the safety of His people were thus broken down, and Solomon gave himself up to the worship of false gods. On the summit of the Mount of Olives, confronting the temple of Jehovah, were erected gigantic images and altars for the service of heathen deities. TEd 33.5

As he cast off his allegiance to God, Solomon lost the mastery of himself. His fine sensibilities became blunted. The conscientious, considerate spirit of his early reign was changed. Pride, ambition, prodigality, and indulgence bore fruit in cruelty and exaction. He who had been a just, compassionate, God-fearing ruler, became tyrannical and oppressive. He who at the dedication of the temple had prayed for his people that their hearts might be undividedly given to the Lord, became their seducer. Solomon dishonored himself, dishonored Israel, and dishonored God. TEd 34.1

The nation, of which he had been the pride, followed his leading. Though he afterward repented, his repentance did not prevent a harvest from the evil he had sown. The discipline and training that God appointed for Israel was designed to cause them, in all their ways of life, to differ from the people of other nations. This peculiarity, which should have been regarded as a special privilege and blessing, was to them unwelcome. The simplicity and self-restraint essential to their highest development they longed to exchange for the pomp and self-indulgence of heathen peoples. To be “like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:5) was their ambition. God’s plan of education was set aside, His authority disowned. TEd 34.2

The downfall of Israel began in the rejection of God’s ways for the ways of heathen contemporaries. It continued until the Jewish people became prey to the very nations whose practices they had chosen to follow. TEd 34.3

As a nation the children of Israel failed to receive the benefits that God desired to give them. They did not appreciate His purpose or cooperate in its execution. Though individuals and peoples may separate themselves from Him, His purpose for those who trust Him is unchanged. “Whatever God does, it shall be forever.” Ecclesiastes 3:14. TEd 34.4

While there are different degrees of development and different manifestations of His power to meet the needs of people in different ages, God’s work is forever the same. The Teacher is the same. God’s character and His plan are the same. With Him “is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17. TEd 34.5

The experiences of Israel were recorded for our instruction. “All these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11. With us, as with Israel of old, success in education depends on fidelity in carrying out the Creator’s plan. Adherence to the principles of God’s Word will bring as great blessings to us as it would have brought to the Hebrew people. TEd 34.6