The Wisdom of Solomon and Jesus

Christ Jesus undoubtedly knew about the sins of King Solomon and their causal conditions. As Nehemiah wrote, "Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of such women? Among the many nations there was no king like him, and he was beloved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, foreign women made even him to sin." (Nehemiah 13:26 ESV)

Solomon is identified as "king of Israel" because he ruled all twelve tribes before the split happened in the days of his son, Rehoboam. The language, "there was no king like him" and "he was beloved by his God" implies that Solomon had a good start in toto: he initially governed wisely and Jehovah blessed his reign. But then something happened--"foreign women made even him to sin." Solomon's wives (plural) worshiped numerous gods and they led him astray. However, could Solomon consequently stand before God, then use these women as scapegoats? I don't think Nehemiah was trying to make that point although he reasons a fortiori that if foreign wives by their idolatry caused Solomon to sin, then how much more will foreign women lead other men astray. Compare Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 7:39; 15:33; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

Nevertheless, one point I want to make from today's reflection is that Jesus spoke about Solomon's wisdom, implying that he started out good before things went south. See Matthew 12:42; Luke 11:31.