CRS Keypoints: Decision Making; The biblical meaning of the topic “Decision-Making” emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s wisdom, and guidance, and obeying His commands in making choices. The examples mentioned in the class notes illustrate both wise and unwise decisions made by biblical figures and the consequences that followed.
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CRS Keypoints: Decision Making
I. Reliance on a Medium (1 Samuel 28:3-25):
- In 1 Samuel 28, King Saul, facing imminent war with the Philistines, seeks guidance from God but receives no response. In desperation, he consults a medium, the Witch of Endor, to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel.
- This decision to rely on a medium reflects Saul’s lack of trust in God and his disobedience to God’s commands. It demonstrates the consequences of seeking supernatural guidance outside of God’s ordained means.
- The incident serves as a warning against seeking assistance from forbidden sources and emphasizes the importance of relying on God alone for guidance and wisdom.
II. The Wisdom of Solomon:
a) Solomon’s Request for Wisdom (1 Kings 3:3-28):
- After Solomon became king, he offered a sacrifice to God in Gibeon. In a dream, God appeared to Solomon and asked him to request whatever he desired. Solomon humbly asked for wisdom and discernment to govern the people of Israel effectively.
- God was pleased with Solomon’s request and granted him not only wisdom but also riches and honor. Solomon’s wisdom became renowned, and he became known for his ability to solve disputes and make wise judgments.
b) Solomon’s Wisdom in Action (1 Kings 4:29-34):
- The passage describes the extent of Solomon’s wisdom, stating that his wisdom surpassed that of all the people of the East and Egypt. He was knowledgeable about a wide range of subjects, including botany, zoology, and human affairs.
- Solomon’s wisdom enabled him to compose proverbs and songs, and people from various nations sought his counsel and wisdom.
c) Solomon’s Temple and Dedication (1 Kings 5:1-12; 8:1-53):
- Solomon’s most significant decision was the construction of the temple in Jerusalem, which became a central place of worship for the Israelites.
- With God’s guidance, Solomon carefully planned and oversaw the construction, employing skilled craftsmen and using the finest materials. The temple was a testament to Solomon’s wisdom and devotion to God.
- During the dedication of the temple, Solomon offered a prayer of dedication, acknowledging God’s faithfulness and emphasizing the importance of obedience and covenant loyalty.
III. Unwise Policies of Solomon and Rehoboam:
a) Solomon’s Unwise Policies (1 Kings 9:15-23; 11:1-40):
- Despite his initial wisdom, Solomon later made unwise decisions that led to the decline of the united kingdom of Israel.
- Solomon engaged in alliances through marriages with foreign wives who influenced him to worship their gods, leading to idolatry and disobedience to God’s commands.
- He also imposed heavy taxes and burdensome labor on the people, leading to resentment and discontent.
b) Rehoboam’s Foolishness (1 Kings 12:1-20):
- After Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam succeeded him as king. When faced with requests for lighter taxes and a more compassionate rule from the northern tribes, Rehoboam sought advice from his young friends rather than the wise elders.
- Rehoboam’s decision to follow the advice of his peers, which resulted in harsher policies, led to the division of the kingdom into Israel (the northern tribes) and Judah (the southern tribes).
These biblical accounts highlight the importance of seeking wisdom from God, making decisions based on His principles, and the consequences of unwise choices. They remind believers to rely on God’s guidance, adhere to His commands, and seek wise counsel in order to make sound and righteous decisions in their own lives.
CRS Keypoints: Decision Making
i. Identify the source of Solomon’s wisdom.
Solomon’s wisdom was a gift from God. In 1 Kings 3:5-15, we read that God appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked him what he would like. Solomon asked for wisdom to rule God’s people, and God granted his request. Solomon’s wisdom was evident in his ability to make wise decisions, solve problems, and give sound advice.
ii. Compare the different ways used by Saul and Solomon in making decisions.
Saul and Solomon were both kings of Israel, but they had very different ways of making decisions. Saul was a military man who made decisions based on his gut instinct. He was often impulsive and made decisions without thinking through the consequences. Solomon, on the other hand, was a wise man who made decisions based on his knowledge and understanding of God’s word. He was patient and deliberate in his decision-making process.
iii. Analyse the decisions made by Saul, Solomon and Rehoboam.
Saul’s decision to disobey God’s command to completely destroy the Amalekites led to his downfall. He spared the king of the Amalekites and took some of their plunder, which angered God. As a result, God rejected Saul as king and chose David to be his successor.
Solomon’s decision to marry many foreign women led to the downfall of his kingdom. These women led their husbands away from God and into idolatry. As a result, Solomon’s kingdom was divided after his death.
Rehoboam’s decision to ignore the advice of the elders of Israel led to the division of the kingdom. The elders advised him to be merciful to the people, but Rehoboam instead chose to be harsh. This led to a rebellion, and the kingdom of Israel was split into two kingdoms: Judah and Israel.
iv. Assess the consequences of Solomon and Rehoboam’s unwise decisions.
The consequences of Solomon and Rehoboam’s unwise decisions were far-reaching. Saul’s disobedience led to his downfall, and Solomon’s marriage to foreign women led to the downfall of his kingdom. Rehoboam’s decision to ignore the advice of the elders led to the division of the kingdom. These consequences are a reminder that it is important to seek God’s wisdom in all areas of life.
