Q5. Compromise

[Pastor Ralph]

Q5. (1 Kings 3:1-4) In what way does Solomon’s marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter enhance his status in the Ancient Near East? How does this marriage compromise him as a follower of Yahweh? How does his worship on the high places – and failure to destroy them – damage the purity of Yahweh worship for centuries to follow? In what areas do our compromises as parents and pastors impact our own discipleship and the faith of our families and congregations?

[Rolande]

Q5. (1 Kings 3:1-4) In what way does Solomon’s marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter enhance his status in the Ancient Near East?

Strategic Alliances: Marrying into the royal family of Egypt, a powerful and influential kingdom at the time, would have established a strategic alliance between Israel and Egypt. This marriage would have signaled to other neighboring nations that Solomon had secured a powerful ally, thereby strengthening Israel's position geopolitically. Diplomatic Relations: The marriage would have fostered diplomatic relations between Israel and Egypt, facilitating communication, trade agreements, and cooperation on various fronts. This diplomatic bond would have provided Solomon with access to resources, intelligence, and support from Egypt, bolstering his reign and enhancing Israel's standing among other nations in the region. Symbol of Prestige: A marriage alliance with a royal family, particularly with the prestigious lineage of Egypt's Pharaoh, would have elevated Solomon's status and prestige in the eyes of neighboring rulers and foreign dignitaries. It would have been seen as a mark of honour and distinction for Solomon and the kingdom of Israel, garnering respect and admiration from other rulers in the Ancient Near East. Stability and Security: By forming a marital union with Egypt, Solomon could have potentially contributed to regional stability and security. The marriage might have mitigated the risk of conflicts or hostilities between Israel and Egypt, fostering a period of peace and cooperation that benefited both kingdoms and their respective subjects.Overall, Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter served as a strategic move to solidify alliances, establish diplomatic relations, enhance prestige, and promote stability in the Ancient Near East. It was a demonstration of Solomon's political acumen and his efforts to strengthen the position of Israel among the nations of the region.

How does this marriage compromise him as a follower of Yahweh? How does his worship on the high places – and failure to destroy them – damage the purity of Yahweh worship for centuries to follow? Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter compromised him as a follower of Yahweh in several ways: Violation of God's Commands: The marriage to a daughter of Pharaoh went against God's explicit commands regarding intermarriage with foreign nations. In Deuteronomy 7:3-4, God instructed the Israelites not to intermarry with the people of the surrounding nations, as such unions often led to the worship of foreign gods and idols. By marrying into the royal family of Egypt, Solomon disregarded this command, opening himself up to influences that could lead him away from the exclusive worship of Yahweh. Temptation to Idolatry: Marrying into a culture that practiced polytheism and idol worship posed a significant temptation for Solomon to compromise his devotion to Yahweh. Solomon's alliance with Egypt may have exposed him to the religious practices and beliefs of the Egyptians, potentially leading him to tolerate or even participate in idolatrous rituals. This compromise undermined Solomon's commitment to Yahweh as the one true God and risked diluting the purity of worship in Israel. Regarding Solomon's worship on the high places and his failure to destroy them, these actions also had profound implications for the purity of Yahweh worship for centuries to follow:  Toleration of Idolatry: Solomon's worship on the high places, along with his failure to eradicate them, allowed idolatrous practices to persist within Israel. Despite his initial dedication to Yahweh and the construction of the temple in Jerusalem, Solomon permitted the continued existence of pagan high places where idolatry flourished. This tolerance of idol worship undermined the exclusive worship of Yahweh and contributed to a syncretistic religious environment in Israel. Influence on Successive Generations: Solomon's compromise in allowing the high places to remain had lasting consequences for the spiritual climate of Israel. Subsequent generations of kings and the Israelite populace continued to engage in idolatrous practices, perpetuating the cycle of syncretism and compromise. The failure to fully adhere to God's commands regarding worship and the eradication of idolatry set a precedent that impacted the faithfulness of Israel for centuries to come.

In summary, Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter compromised his fidelity to Yahweh by violating God's commands regarding intermarriage and exposing him to the influences of idolatrous cultures. His worship on the high places and failure to destroy them damaged the purity of Yahweh worship by allowing idolatrous practices to persist and influencing successive generations to compromise their devotion to God. These actions had far-reaching consequences for the spiritual integrity of Israel for centuries following Solomon's reign.

In what areas do our compromises as parents and pastors impact our own discipleship and the faith of our families and congregations? marriage to Pharaoh's daughter and his failure to fully adhere to God's commands regarding worship illustrate the dangers of compromising one's faith and obedience to God.

Our compromises as parents and pastors can have significant impacts on our own discipleship and the faith of our families and congregations in several areas: Personal Spiritual Integrity: Just as Solomon's compromises affected his own relationship with God, our compromises can erode our personal spiritual integrity. When we prioritize convenience, worldly success, or societal approval over obedience to God's commands, we risk drifting away from a vibrant, obedient relationship with Him. Example and Influence: As leaders within our families and congregations, our actions serve as examples that others look up to and emulate. If we compromise on matters of faith, morality, or obedience to God, it sends a message that such compromises are acceptable or even desirable. This can lead others astray and weaken their commitment to following God wholeheartedly. Impact on Relationships: Compromises in our faith can strain relationships within our families and congregations. When our actions contradict our professed beliefs, it can breed confusion, distrust, and resentment among those who look to us for guidance and leadership. Our compromises may also hinder our ability to effectively minister to others and provide spiritual guidance and support. Long-Term Consequences: Just as Solomon's compromises had lasting consequences for the spiritual climate of Israel, our compromises can have enduring effects on the faith of our families and congregations. These compromises may set patterns of behavior and belief that persist for generations, shaping the spiritual trajectory of entire communities and leaving a legacy that either honours or dishonours God. Witness to the World: Our compromises can also impact our witness to the world. When we fail to live out the principles of our faith with integrity, it undermines the credibility of our testimony and diminishes the attractiveness of the gospel message to those outside the faith. Our compromised witness can hinder efforts to share the love and truth of Christ with others and may even drive people away from the faith.

In summary, our compromises as parents and pastors can impact our own discipleship and the faith of our families and congregations in multiple ways, affecting our personal spiritual integrity, our influence and example, our relationships, the long-term spiritual climate of our communities, and our witness to the world. It's essential for us to remain steadfast in our commitment to obedience and faithfulness to God, recognizing the profound implications of our choices on ourselves and those under our care.

 

 

[Krissi]

Solomon's marriage to a foreigner's daughter is like making a treaty in today's world -- it was an act of expedience and calculation, a way of binding two countries in peace and mutual interests. In short, it doesn't seem like a bad thing, but to God, it sullied a pure people.

Many years ago, (in New Jersey if I recall correctly), I visited a Christian retirement home which had, above the entrance doors, the words,  "BE YE SEPARATE." This startled me. Separate from what? In what were these very old people going to intertwine themselves that was so dangerous? I think this must have been the same mentality that God had regarding Solomon -- Christian separationism is required to maintain the purity of faith. Separationism applies to marriage, obviously, but in the case of the elderly people, it must have referred to the people with whom they would spend their final years on earth.

Marriage and sacrifice on hilltops are two examples of separation not done by Solomon. Both had a certain beneficial logic -- marriage was strategic and ensured peace; in the high places, the Israelites were worshipping Yahweh, not Baal. But the lack of cultural separation was still anathema to God. 

Israelites became involved with other cultures or ways of thinking that insidiously worked into the minds of Israel. The point is that some things seem to get a toehold in our minds, even our collective mind, and then expands with time. Then, it's a devastating problem.

Compromises can be defined negatively, as things not done. Compromises are predicated on not morally and culturally separating ourselves from the world around us. Christian faith is fragile. We need to erect tall walls of separation to keep it pure.

As a divorced woman who had been married to an unbeliever, I've experience firsthand the consequences of not separating from culture and fascinating men. My resultant children struggle in their faith, or lack thereof, which is a direct consequence of my stupid mistake. My witness was sullied. God couldn't use me. I pray that He both forgives, which He has, and changes my sin into something by which He can be glorified.

 

 

[Clelie]

Solomon made a treaty with Egypt which was a powerful nation at that time by marrying Pharaoh’ daughter to keep his own status.But this marriage was not in agreement with the commands of God to avoid intimacy in marriage with foreigners.So here Solomon has compromised the covenant to obey only Yaweh.

As the people worshipped on high places which were used for pagan worship, and which God commanded to be destroyed yet they were used to worship the true God. Solomon  because of his disobedience and married a foreign woman has opened a door to discredit the holiness of the holy God in offering sacrifices in those high places and also to please his many pagan wives.

When we do not live faithfully in obedience to God’s commands according to scriptures, our witnessing is flawed in our family and our non believing neighbors.

[Nicolaas A.P. Mostert]

Q5. (1 Kings 3:1-4)

In what way does Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter enhance his status in the Ancient Near East?

Marrying the daughter of Pharaoh must have been viewed as a diplomatic coup that creates peace with Egypt, Israel's large and sometimes powerful neighbor to the south. Though marriage alliances might be viewed as politically expedient.

How does this marriage compromise him as a follower of Yahweh?

Marrying a spouse who is not a believer is specifically prohibited in Scripture.

How does his worship on the high places -- and failure to destroy them -- damage the purity of Yahweh worship for centuries to follow?

The assessment that Solomon didn't destroy the high places may seem formulaic and excusable, since they were widely used even for Yahweh worship in his time. However, in this disobedience is found the seed of his later apostasy, when he builds pagan shrines on the high places east of Jerusalem for his wives to worship false gods. If Solomon had rid the land of the high places as the Law commands, his successors would have likely followed suit. His disobedience sets the pattern for centuries.

In what areas do our compromises as parents and pastors impact our own discipleship and the faith of our families and congregations?

The way we act as Christians, if it is not in line with what the WORD of GOD instructed us to do.

To much people pleasurers instead of GOD pleasures. 

[Jonathan Edwards]

The marriage certainly contributed to his prestige amongst the Israelites and Egyptians. Throughout the Mideast, the Hebrew religion was magnified.   The riches of the Egyptian history, medicine and scientific discoveries were made known.  This marriage must have contributed to Solomon's vast knowledge of science, government and philosophy.  Moses was schooled in the wisdom of the Egyptians as well. Solomon was being prepared for the visit of Queen Sheba.

Sadly, Solomon was distracted by trying to placate his Egyptian wife.  Solomon slowly compromised.  He had to tolerate Egyptian idols and ceremonies:  contradicting the explicit admonitions of the Holy Bible.  Solomon had to walk on eggshells lest offending his Egyptian wife.

[Katy]

Q.5 Solomon married the daughter of Pharoah . At this time Egypt was considered to be a great nation and by marrying into this family Solomon forms a strategic alliance. This will have benefits for both Solomon and Israel. It would open up channels of communication between the two countries which would be beneficial for trade and diplomatic relations. This alliance will also help raise the profile of Solomon amongst his surrounding countries and political opponents. Hopefully it would also guarantee peace between the two countries. 
This marriage may have been politically beneficial but it should not have taken place as marriage between a believer and nonbelievers is prohibited in Scripture.

Solomon failed to get rid of the high places as he should have done and this disobedience had a ripple effect for many years. The kings that came after Solomon saw that he did not get rid of them and they followed suit. Until sacrifices to The one true God and sacrifices were being made on the same altars. Solomons disobedience led to apostasy. 
Any compromises we make as parents or grandparents gives our children and grandchildren permission to do the same. We have to walk the talk at all times! We must do exactly as God’s word says , with no compromises.

[hanks]

Q5. (1 KINGS 3:1-4) 
In what way does Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter enhance his status in the Ancient Near East? How does this marriage compromise him as a follower of Yahweh? How does his worship on the high places - and failure to destroy them - damage the purity of Yahweh worship for centuries to follow? In what areas do our compromises as parents and pastors impact our own discipleship and the faith of our families and congregations? 
This marriage formed an alliance with Egypt, securing peace in the area, and thereby enhancing Solomon’s status as well. However, this marriage does not please the Lord. He had forbidden Jews to marry wives of surrounding nations, as it opened the door to pagan customs, leading them to accepting their so called gods, and turning their hearts away from the Lord (11:1). Also, God had specifically stated that the kings were not to take many wives (Deu 17:17), but we know that before he ascended to the throne, Solomon had married Naamah, an Ammonitess, the mother of his successor Rehoboam (14:21). God had wanted Israel to have a central place of worship and not to imitate the pagan nations by building high places of worship. This was to safeguard the purity of their worship. They used hilltops believing that the closer they got to heaven the more likely their prayers and offerings would reach their gods. God had instructed them to destroy these high places and the idols that were worshipped there (Num 33:52). Nevertheless, this practice was commonly observed in Israel at this time, even by Solomon. Also, Solomon had also failed to destroy them. This failure had severe consequences. Their disobedience angered God (Ps 78:58) and provoked a just and holy response. A pattern that lasted for many years. As a parents of three sons, today we see the consequences of bringing them up in a Christian household. Our only regret or concern was that perhaps we had not done enough. Perhaps we could have exposed them more to the Word. By the grace of our Lord all three are believers. Thank You Lord.