From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 3—Prosperity and Pride Bring Disaster

At first, as wealth and worldly honor came to him, Solomon remained humble. He “reigned over all kingdoms from the river [Euphrates] unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt.” “He had peace on all sides round about him.” 1 Kings 4:21, 24. SS 26.1

But after a morning of great promise Solomon's life was darkened by apostasy. He who had been honored with tokens of divine favor so remarkable that his wisdom gained him worldwide fame, he who had led others to ascribe honor to the God of Israel, turned from Jehovah to bow before the idols of the heathen. SS 26.2

The Lord, foreseeing the perils that would beset those chosen as rulers of Israel, gave Moses instruction for their guidance. “He shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them; that his heart may not be lifted up above his brethren, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left; so that he may continue long in his kingdom.” Deuteronomy 17:19, 20, RSV. SS 26.3