Solomon, a type of Christ

There are many lessons to be learned from the study of the Old Testament.  Recently, when reading  1Kings, I discovered that Solomon is a type of Christ, or a typology.  A typology is defined by Webster as "a doctrine of theological types; one holding that things in Christian belief are prefigured or symbolized by things in the Old Testament".

Certain elements of Solomon's life are prophetic of Christ's life.  In my reading of 1Kings I discovered six interesting facts about Solomon that pointed to Christ and his ministry in the New Testament. 

1. Chosen by his father (1Kings 1:30).  David had many sons, but only one could be king and David declared that assuredly Solomon would reign after him.  Jesus, too was chosen by his father and declared to be the Son of God at his baptism (Matthew 3:17). 
2. Instructed by his father (1Kings 2:1).  Before he died, David charged his son, Solomon, to carry out his final wishes.  In fact, David had been instructing his son since a child.  We can read these admonitions in the book of Proverbs.  Jesus was always getting away from the crowds so that he could pray and he always did the will of his father (John 5:36).
3. Overcame his enemies (1Kings 2:24).  Solomon carried out his fathers wishes by killing his enemies.  Jesus overcame the enemies of God when he died in our place so that we could be forgiven of our sins and become the children of God  (Romans 5:8-10). 
4. Possessed supernatural wisdom (1Kings 3:28).  The people feared Solomon because they saw that the wisdom of God was in him; there was no one like him.  Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52).
5. Established peace (1Kings 4:24).  Solomon had peace on all sides round about him and every man dwelt in safety.  Peace prevailed under his rule.  Jesus, too, will one day establish a kingdom of peace that will never end because he is the Prince of peace. 
6. Built the Temple (1Kings 5:5).  Solomon fulfilled his fathers desire to build the Temple in Jerusalem which became the center of Jewish worship.  He wanted to make a place for God to dwell with his people.  Jesus built a spiritual temple of believers who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, therefore becoming the dwelling place of God (Ephesians 2:21-22).

It is exciting to see that the Old Testament and the New Testament compliment one another.  God's Word is complete and there are pictures of Jesus through out.  His message of love can be seen from Genesis to Revelation and his salvation is found from cover to cover.

Largeness of Heart

During the reign of King Solomon, Israel reached a pinnacle in her history.  It was a time characterized by peace and prosperity.  In 1Kings 4 we read that the borders of Israel were expanded to the largest that they had ever been or have been since.  Solomon's wealth was incredible; possessing horses and chariots by the thousands.  And all of this was because of his great wisdom.  Verse 29 tells us that, "God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore."  It is amazing what God can do with a heart that is surrendered to him.

Have you ever known anyone with largeness of heart?  The size of a persons heart it seems, is in direct relationship to their wisdom.  A large heart has an increased capacity to love.  It is compassionate, patient, and merciful to others.  A large heart is honest, true, and does what is right.  A person with a large heart listens and does not make snap judgements. 

Jesus expressed largeness of heart.  He always had time for those who came to him.  He had compassion on them, and healed the sick, the lame, and the blind.

We generally think of wisdom as a characteristic of an old man with gray hair, but neither Solomon nor Jesus were old men.  Wisdom is not gained with age; wisdom is imparted by God.  He gives wisdom to those who ask.  If you are a believer, you are filled with the Holy Spirit and God's wisdom is available for the asking.  God was pleased to give Solomon wisdom and he will be pleased to give you wisdom, too.  And along with his wisdom, he will give you a heart that is large.