The Divine Pedagogy of Formation VIII - A FORMEE WHO BEGAN WELL

Abstract

The elevation of Solomon as the king of Israel came as a surprise. However, soon he managed to attract the attention and admiration of his people and the neighbouring nations thanks to his wise administrative skills. Yahweh was well pleased with his attitude of not asking for long life, wealth or for the destruction of his enemies, but rather for discernment in administering justice. He blessed the chosen one with every blessing conceivable. These splendour and glory slowly turned his heart from God to himself. Instead of performing the task assigned to him by God to become a shepherd of the people, Solomon took recourse to the ways of tyrants who oppressed and exploited the people. He imposed heavy taxes and forced labour upon his people to build the temple, his own palace, the supporting terraces, the wall of Jerusalem, and soon. Thus, we see a well begun formation gradually declining and reaching a disastrous end.