Solomon's Sin Divides the Kingdom
READ IT TOGETHER
Read all or parts of 1 Kings 10-12 and/or watch the Bible story video below.
FAMILY DEVOTION
God blessed Solomon with wisdom, riches, fame, and power; yet Solomon still wanted more. Solomon turned away from God and worshiped idols. The people of Israel followed Solomon, and they began to worship false gods. Solomon built the temple for God, and now he was building altars to worship false gods!
Solomon’s sin had major consequences for him and his children. God gave most of Solomon’s kingdom away to his servant. The punishment for sin continued into the next generation as Solomon’s son saw the kingdom of Israel split into two parts. The sin of Solomon was passing down with each generation.
In the garden, God gave Adam and Eve everything they could possibly need; yet they still wanted more. They chose to disobey God, and the curse of their sin has been passed on to every generation since.
We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. The good news is that God sent a better King—Jesus—to bring people back to God. Jesus perfectly obeyed God. His righteousness is credited to all those who believe in Him!
King Solomon’s sin led to the division of the kingdom. God’s people needed a better king. Through David’s family, God would send His own Son, Jesus, to be a perfect King over God’s people forever. Jesus is greater than Solomon. Jesus brings His people together and leads them back to God.
TALK ABOUT IT TOGETHER
- What was it that distracted Solomon so that he took his eyes off of God? (Solomon worshipped the fake gods that his many wives worshipped.)
- What takes your attention away from God?
- How is Jesus better than Solomon? (Solomon's sin divided the kingdom; Jesus the true and better king brings us back to God!)
PRAY TOGETHER
God, forgive us for the ways we turn away from You. Remind us that there is no one like You and nothing will ever be more satisfying than knowing You. Help us to trust in Jesus as the Perfect King who shows us how to honour You.