|
|
|
Solomon as a
Type of Christ
|
Dictionary:Type - That by which something is prefigured; a prophetic similitude. (theology) In spite of his shortcomings, King Solomon is often labelled as a type of Christ. a. Peace David fought many battles, Solomon did not. His reign was noted for the lack of warfare during his reign (1 Kings 4.24,25) For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzar, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him. And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon. Isa.9.6,7 For unto us a child is born.. and he shall be called.... the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. We know our Lord Jesus is seen in this scripture. b. David's Line Christ, the anointed, had to come
from the line of David. ( Isaiah 11.1‑3) And there shall come forth a
rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and
understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge
and of the fear of the Lord; and shall make him of quick understanding in
the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes
and after the hearing of his ears.....
c. Wisdom Solomon had asked for wisdom in 1 Kings 3, rather than riches, long life, or the death of his enemies. He demonstrated wisdom, for example in judging who was the mother of the child that died in the night (vv.16‑28). The queen of the south... came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon (Matthew 12.42) Jesus continued 'behold, a greater than Solomon is here'. Jesus was known to speak with authority. He had perfect knowledge of God's commandments, and always, always had an excellent answer. It must have galled the Pharisees that he was always able to do this when they could not. Even at age 12 (Luke 2.47) 'all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers'. Think also of the Isaiah 11 prophecy above. d. Servant 1 Kings 3.7,8 Solomon describes himself as 'thy servant' - king instead of David his father, in the midst of a great people. Solomon seems to have had the right attitude to his role as king, it was to serve rather than to dictate. Dictators in recent history seem to have done limited amounts of good, and getting them to end their period of control has many times been bloody for those involved. We only have to view the recent events in Libya to see where it can end. Jesus said, 'whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant , and whoever wants to be first must be your slave, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many' (Matthew 20.26‑28 NIV). NAC |
