David’s House vs Solomon’s House

David’s House vs Solomon’s House

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God tells us that King David is a man after his own heart. 

… the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people … (1 Samuel 13:14) 

Let’s look at another indication of why God sees David this way, and then let’s close by asking, “So what does this mean to me?” 

King David: God’s House – My House  

David has become king of Israel, but his heart is troubled, because he is now living in a wonderful palace, while his Heavenly Father is “dwelling” in a tent-tabernacle. David – because he is a man after God’s own heart – wants to build a better house for God: 

After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, 2 he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent. (2 Samuel 7:1-2) 

King Solomon: “However” vs “Forever” 

God tells David that his son, Solomon, gets to build God’s temple, but … however … let’s compare Solomon’s new house to God’s new house:  

In the eleventh year in the month of Bul, the eighth month, the temple was finished in all its details according to its specifications. He had spent seven years building it. (1 Kings 6:38 Bold added) 

It took Solomon thirteen years, however, to complete the construction of his palace. (1 Kings 7:1 Bold and italics added) 

The Temple was about 2700 square feet; Solomon’s house was about 7,500 square feet. Need I say more? 

And sadly, Solomon’s Howevers continued: 

King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh’s daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. (1 Kings 11:1 Italics added)  

Solomon Doesn’t Make the Cut 

In Chapter 11 of Hebrews, we are introduced to the giants of the faith. Many refer to this as the “Faith Hall of Fame” chapter. 

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. (Hebrews 11:1-2) 

But notice whose name is not listed:  

And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel – no Solomon??? –  and the prophets … (Hebrews 11:32 Italics added) 

Where is Solomon? He’s in the however list. 

So What? 

David’s focus was on God, his Father, and what his Father deserved. Solomon, however, was focused on what he deserved. David was a man after God’s own heart; Solomon was a man after his own heart. 

Which are you?