"And David was the father of Solomon" - Matthew 1:6b

Solomon was born in Jerusalem, the second-born child of David and Bathsheba. Solomon became the third king of Israel, who reigned around 970-931 BC. He wrote multiple books of the Bible, including much of what we find in the book of Proverbs, and he knew thousands of proverbs and songs. Solomon built God’s Temple and had a great nation of people under his care during a prosperous time in Israel's history. God gave Solomon abundant wisdom and understandings and allowed him to do great things. He was considered the wisest king of Israel, yet his pursuit of wealth, foreign women, and idolatry led him away from his devotion to the Lord.

In Matthew 12:42, as Jesus was being criticized and judged by the Pharisees, he responded “The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, someone greater than Solomon is here.”

As we look at the life of King Solomon compared to the birth, life, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we see so many differences. Solomon was born in a palace; Jesus was born in a stable. Solomon was born in Jerusalem; Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Solomon had many servants to wait on him; Jesus had none. Solomon wore kingly robes; Jesus wore the garments of a peasant. Solomon drank from golden vessels; Jesus drank from the cup of a Samaritan harlot. Solomon was rich; Jesus was a pauper. Solomon lived in mansions and traveled by horse and chariot; Jesus had no place to lay his head. Solomon seemed to have so much, but Jesus was greater. Whatever Solomon possessed, Jesus has it all, from eternity through His Father. In Christ, we see the truly wise king who never fell into disobedience like Solomon and who always lived to please his Father.

God gave Solomon a throne, but Solomon no longer sits on that throne. There is another throne, and King Jesus sits upon His Throne forevermore. And He is preparing a place in Heaven for all those who accept and follow Him. That is the King we celebrate this Advent seaon. Someone greater than Solomon is here!