Happiness is a Two-Edged Sword

Solomon's reign is described succinctly here:
1 Kings 4:20–21 (ESV) Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy. 21 Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

The promise made to Abraham is now fulfilled. It took hundreds of years and many generations but Israel is now as numerous as the sand on the sea. Sadly, it will not stay this way but we should take note of what went into making this happen: Godly LEADERSHIP.

It began with Moses, then Joshua, some good Judges, Samuel and David, now Solomon. In the end, people need leaders who will guide them along the path God has laid out for them. Here we see the "provision" (ate and drank) of Israel, and the emotional well being of Israel (happiness) connected to the wise RULE of Solomon.

The purpose of leadership and authority is to care for people. He fulfilled God's purpose by bringing joy to the nation with his wisdom and leadership. The earlier parts of this chapter unpack all the administration Solomon installed over Israel. His leadership brought order and concern for all.

1 Kings 4:7 (ESV) Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household. Each man had to make provision for one month in the year.

Solomon distributed authority over the kingdom by region wisely following Jethro's advice for Moses. We have here the roots of representative government still employed by Western countries today. Solomon did what wise leaders do: He delegated authority to other people, not seeking to do everything himself. This makes for a happy king as well as a happy nation.

YET let us not leave this moment without noticing the high price of success and happiness. Solomon has already instituted the seed of Israel's downfall. First, it reads, "Adoniram the son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor." 1 Kings 4:6 (ESV). Forced labor is not a good term. Now the nation had been warned about this when they demanded a king. Samuel told them: "He will take your male servants and female servants and the best of your young men and your donkeys, and put them to his work." 1 Samuel 8:16 (ESV)

Eventually, this hard labor will be so contentious, the people will look for relief from Solomon's son, Rehoboam and not find it. The nation will split in two for centuries.

Success and happiness are good, but ultimately double-edged swords. They benefit us but also blind us to where we are wrong. Perhaps this is why Solomon would write late in life:

Ecclesiastes 4:13 (ESV) Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice.

Thankfully, Christ, our true King, loves us enough to bless us but also discipline us for our good. Sometimes we will question why happiness alludes us. But if it wasn't for the discipline of our Father, we'd be unruly and undisciplined, sacrificing our futures for the happiness of our present. Praise God for His grace and kindness in loving us enough to change us.