WAS KING SOLOMON REALLY A BAD GUY?
By Oreoluwa Ojo
Today, I want to address the misconceptions about King Solomon’s ‘marriage’ to 700 wives and affiliation with 300 concubines.
If you are familiar with his story, you will know that Solomon was and is the richest man to walk on the surface of the earth. He was not rich because he made investments and had good returns. He was rich because God blessed him. He did not even ask God for riches, but he got it and more anyways.
A close (or not too close) look at history shows us that women and girls (slaves and the free alike) were regularly given out as tributes to kings and leaders.
To seal a deal, unite kingdoms or generally conduct business, daughters always came in pretty handy. This gross objectification of women is a topic for another day. Today,however, I am channelling my energy to address the popular belief that Solomon was a “bad guy”, or a “champ” or “happening guy” who could “catch” any babe he wanted by just snapping his fingers. This was not so.
A close study of the bible reveals that Solomon’s reign was one of absolute peace. This was not only because his father, David, had fought all the wars there was to fight or signed all the peace treaties there was to sign. The bible records the event of the Queen of Sheba travelling a very long distance just to see the wonder that was Solomon. You really think she was the only one to make such a trip? How many kingdoms do you think were in existence in those days? Remember that the world was really fragmented and not as united as we have it today.
Just imagine the number of kings and queens who would have paid Solomon a tributary visit, bearing their daughters as honoured prizes for the wisest and wealthiest man of the time. The peace he enjoyed during his reign was sealed by his marriages to 700 women and 300 concubines (or at least a huge percentage of that number).
No, this is not the speculation or erratic thoughts of a jobless writer. Do your own research and learn the true facts for yourself.
So, sorry but not so sorry to burst your bubble; Solomon was not the bad guy you think he was.
Stop using his highly misunderstood reputation as an excuse for your cheating escapades.
ACT RIGHT!