Sacrifice

The prophets then turned to what are some of the main issues in true worship. What is the true mindset that will honour God and protect us? The first part is to do with sacrifice. Though Solomon wrote many wise proverbs and prospered because of his father David, he did not understand God’s view of sacrifice. He did not understand that God did not delight in the temple in Jerusalem, but in the temple of His Son.

Initially God blessed the temple and Solomon for the sake of David. Solomon later turned the temple into an idol and brought judgement upon Israel. Ritual had overtaken faith. Solomon’s wisdom on diplomacy and riches became greater to him than the wisdom of God. He networked by marrying foreign wives. God said that this would lead to compromise and it did (Deut 17:14-20). Solomon, following in David’s successes, made Israel rich, but also brought Israel to ruin by his wisdom.