August 11, 2025 • 17 mins
Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, gave us treasured knowledge and proverbs to last a lifetime. But he didn’t abide by any of them. Jesus, however, embodied all the wisdom of God and overcame what Solomon could not.
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As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel.
They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Let us pray for she came from the ends of
the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And behold,
someone greater than Solomon is here Matthew twelve forty two.
Dear God, we know that the kings and queens of
old traveled far to hear Solomon's wisdom. But something greater
than Solomon is here. We come before you, acknowledging that Jesus,
(00:26):
the true wisdom of God, is in our midst. Father,
we thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ,
who embodies wisdom and truth. Far is surpassing the wisdom
of Solomon. We ask for the grace to seek him diligently,
to listen to his teachings, and to apply his wisdom
(00:48):
to our lives. Grant us a spirit of discernment and
wisdom so we can understand your will and live according
to your ways. In Jesus's name, Amen, Thank you for
praying with me today. Stay tuned now for another episode
of Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Stars blanketed the dark expanse of night twinkling above King
Solomon's roof.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
The night was warm, and Solomon.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Lay on his bed, looking out at the heavens and
wondering if he had what.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
It took to be king. His father, David was.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
A truly great king. He was a skilled warrior, a
talented poet, and fiercely devoted to God. How could Solomon
ever live up to the greatness of David. Solomon felt
the weight.
Speaker 3 (01:45):
Of the crown.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
His eyes grew heavy, and he soon fell into a
deep sleep.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
Solomon awoke to a vision. It was as if the glory.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Of the stars had descended upon him and wrapped him
in a divine whirlwind. He heard a voice from the light.
Speaker 4 (02:01):
Ask for whatever you want, and I will give it
to you.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Solomon knew it was the voice of God himself.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
He held out his hands and looked upward.
Speaker 5 (02:11):
Lord, you have shown kindness to my father David. He
was a faithful man, righteous and upright, and now here
I am.
Speaker 6 (02:21):
Here to sit on this throne. But I am only
a child.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
I don't know how.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
To lead a nation.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
These are your people, Lord, and I fear that I
cannot lead them.
Speaker 3 (02:33):
Solomon looked down and clenched his fist.
Speaker 7 (02:36):
Please, Lord, give me wisdom, give me a discerning heart
to govern your people and understand right from wrong.
Speaker 2 (02:44):
They are your people, Lord, so help me lead them.
A warm and gentle rush flew through the skies, and
the dancing lights surrounded Solomon and brilliance. His voice was
like the sound of a thousand rushing waters.
Speaker 8 (03:00):
Since you have asked for wisdom and not the long
life for wealth, nor did you ask for the death
of your enemies, I would do what you have asked,
give you a wise and discerning heart, so much so
that they will never have been any one like you,
nor will there ever be. And I will adorn you
with richness.
Speaker 4 (03:20):
And honor, so that there will be none like you
in all the nations.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
God's blessing was a rush of comfort to Solomon.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
But the Lord was not finished.
Speaker 4 (03:29):
And if you walk in obedience to me like your
father David, I will give you a long, vibrant life.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Solomon closed his eyes and then awoke in his bed.
Speaker 9 (03:42):
Hello and welcome to another episode of the Stories of
the Messiah podcast. I'm Rabbi Kirt Schneider from Discovering the
Jewish Jesus. It's a joy to be your guide through
this journey through the Bible's most iconic stories. If you've
enjoyed our journey thus far, consider leaving a review and
sharing with a friend who want the story of the
Bible and the hope of Jesus to be spread worldwide.
(04:04):
This season of stories of the Messiah is called Jesus
the Greater. We have been exploring the highs and lows
the Bible's most famous heroes, ultimately showcasing how their stories
foreshadow the greatest hero of all, Jesus. So far we
learned how Jesus is the greater Adam, Cain, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samson, Boaz,
(04:31):
and David. Today we look deeper into the life of Solomon.
When he first became king of Israel. God asked him
what he desired most. The son of David could have
asked for anything. He could have asked for riches, military might,
or perfect health. But Solomon knew what he needed to
carry out God's mission for him was wisdom. God responded
(04:53):
with an abundance of favor. He didn't just make Solomon wise,
he made him the wisest man ever. Salomon became famous
amongst kings and queens of different nations. Under the wise
rule of Solomon, Israel was brought into an unprecedented air
of wealth and prosperity. He broke her treaties and alliances
with other nations, but his greatest accomplishment was building the
(05:17):
Temple of the Lord. He fulfilled the desire of his
father David and created a place of worship for all
the people of Israel to connect with God. Solomon's first
few years as king were successful on nearly every level,
nearly Solomon, who broke her treaties with smaller kingdoms, accumulated
many wives from foreign nations. Each came with different ideologies, religions,
(05:41):
and pagan practices. Not only this, but Slom's torture with
an insatiable curiosity. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon recounts his experiment with joy.
He sought out every pleasure one could have under the
sun to see if it would give him the satisfaction
and joy he was looking for, but it always left
him empty. Unfortunately, Solomon compromised one too many times, and
(06:06):
his heart descended into darkness. He began as a philosopher
king over a unite at Israel, but ended as a
conflictive chief over a divided kingdom. Let's enter back into
Solomon's story and see just how far he fell from
favor with God.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
The full moon was set high over the hill country
of Israel. The late night myths slithered through the forest
like a serpent. Torches were placed on the trees leading
up the hill.
Speaker 3 (06:35):
Under a wooded glen was.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
A totem of Asterith carved from a tree. The moonlight
shone on the idol's provocative features.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
Ashtith was the goddess of the Sidonians. Her followers worshiped
her through lewde orgies and prostitution.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
Among a throng of naked worshippers was Solomon, dancing and
howling to the moon with his Sidonian wives. Promises to
God were but a distant memory, drowned under drunkenness and debauchery. Tragically,
the mount dedicated to Ashtarith was not the only place
of worship Solomon had made.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
On the peak. Opposite to them was a far.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
More sinister space, set on a cursed hill, set an
idol erected to Molech, the detestable god of the Ammonites.
Molech worship was abominable in the eyes of the Lord,
For on the altars of chimultion, molech.
Speaker 7 (07:29):
Newborn children were offered as sacrifices. The blood of infants
cried out from the corrupted mountain, and God's wrath was
kindled against Solomon for allowing it to happen. As Solomon
descended the hill of Asherah, the Lord came to him again.
This time was not a warm embrace of blessing and favor.
God's judgment burnt heart against Solomon.
Speaker 4 (07:52):
Did I not command you to keep my covenance?
Speaker 3 (07:55):
The Lord's anger was.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
Palpable, nearly shaking the ground under Solomon's I.
Speaker 4 (08:00):
Will tear your kingdom away from you.
Speaker 3 (08:02):
And your counsel. God's decree was short and to the point.
Speaker 4 (08:06):
For the sake of your father, David, I will not
do it in your lifetime. No, your son will struggle
his king, and the nation will be divided. But the
David's sake, the one after my heart, I will spare
you the tribe of Judah.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
God's presence left school, and he was left alone in
the misty, cold forest.
Speaker 9 (08:33):
Solomon's fall is not only a tragedy, it's a warning.
None of us are immune to corruption, even with all
the world's wisdom, wealth and fame. Solomon sought pleasure in
other gods. If the son of King David himself was
susceptible to idolatry, then so are we. The second you
think you're safe from sin, you become vulnerable. It takes
(08:56):
more than wisdom to resist temptation. Apians four reminds us
that peace that passes understandings is what guards our hearts
and minds. For all his wisdom, Salmon lacked the discipline
and conviction to stay the course. At the end of
his life, he wrote a profoundly philosophical and nihilistic book
called Ecclesiastes. His prose in that book reflected his regret
(09:21):
for squandering his relationship with God in pursuit of pleasure
in riches. Listen to Solomon's voice in this retelling of
Ecclesiastes chapter two, when he recounts the vanity of pleasure.
Speaker 6 (09:35):
So I said to myself, Come now, I shall test
THEE with the sweetness of pleasure.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
Indulge thyself.
Speaker 5 (09:43):
But lo and behold, this too was as empty as
the air of laughter.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
I declare this madness.
Speaker 1 (09:50):
And of pleasure, what value does it? Truly? Hope?
Speaker 3 (09:54):
In the depths of my heart?
Speaker 10 (09:56):
I sought to uplift my spirit with wine my heart,
playing the role of a wise shepherd, and to seize
upon folly, that I might discern the goodness for mankind
to pursue beneath the heavens in the short.
Speaker 6 (10:10):
Lived days of their existence.
Speaker 5 (10:12):
Great were the works that I crafted with these hands.
I erected grand structures and sowed vineyards of plenty for
my own delight. I cultivated gardens and verdant parks within
which I nestled all manners.
Speaker 3 (10:26):
Of fruit bearing trees. From my forest of thriving timber.
Speaker 5 (10:31):
I constructed reservoirs.
Speaker 10 (10:33):
To quench their thirst.
Speaker 5 (10:35):
I employed servants of both genders, and those born under
my roof were also enlisted into my service. I am
asked significant wealth in herds and flocks, surpassing any king that.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Came before me.
Speaker 5 (10:45):
In Jerusalem, silver and gold were gathered in abundance, along
with the treasures.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
Of kings and provenances. I secured the services of.
Speaker 5 (10:54):
Talented minstrels, men and women both, and the company of
many consorts.
Speaker 3 (11:00):
Which were the joy of mankind.
Speaker 5 (11:02):
Thus I attained greatness, surpassing all who came before me
in Jerusalem. Yet my wisdom remained ever constant. Every desire
that my eyes yearned for I did not deny them.
I refrained my heart from no joy, for in all
my labor, my heart bound.
Speaker 10 (11:22):
Contentment, and this was the fruit of my toils.
Speaker 11 (11:26):
However, upon reflection all that my hands had crafted, and
the energy I expended in the process, I realized everything
was as hollow as the wind of futile pursuit vanity
under the sun.
Speaker 3 (11:41):
There was no true prophet to be had.
Speaker 9 (11:47):
True biblical wisdom must come from God. My passion were
discovering the Jewish Jesus is to see biblical truth permeate
our lives, because what good is wisdom If we're disconnected
from the heart of God. It takes more than philosophy
and ideology to experience true satisfaction. We're meant to connect
with the people around us, and most importantly, with our God.
(12:09):
This is why we look to Jesus, whose teachings were
more than philosophical prose, but the words of God himself,
connecting our hearts to his. Under the teachings and leadership
of Jesus, we were led into joy, satisfaction, and peace
that does surpass all understanding. Listen now to the comforting
words of Jesus and compare them to the nihilistic wanderings
(12:30):
of Solomon. Jesus, on top of a mountain, connected people
to the Lord instead of leading them astray.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
Jesus was high on the mount looking down at the
crowd with unwavering love and compassion.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
As Jesus spoke, some.
Speaker 4 (12:47):
Follows interjected, Teacher, please show us how to pray.
Speaker 3 (12:51):
To which Jesus responded.
Speaker 6 (12:53):
Address God as our father, acknowledging his holiness, Seek for
his kingdom to be established and his will to be
fulfilled here just as it is in heaven. Ask him
to take care of our daily necessities, to grant us
forgiveness for our transgressions, and guide us to forgive those
(13:13):
who have wronged us. Pray for Him to lead us
away from trials and save us from evil's clutches.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
The prayer was concise yet profound, articulating the bond that
should exist between.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
Humanity and God.
Speaker 6 (13:27):
Don't allow yourself to be burdened with worry. Take a
moment to observe the.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
Birds of the sky.
Speaker 6 (13:33):
They don't labor a fret, yet God.
Speaker 3 (13:35):
Provides for them.
Speaker 5 (13:37):
If he takes care of them, he will certainly take
care of you, for.
Speaker 4 (13:40):
You are even more valuable to him.
Speaker 5 (13:43):
No one has ever gained an extra second of life
by worrying. Don't lose sleep over what tomorrow might bring.
Each day has its concerns. Focus on living in the present.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
As Jesus was speaking, he noticed a few people exchanging glances.
People tend to scrutinize the short others instead of examining themselves.
Jesus was aware of this, and so he issued a
stern warning to those who could hear him.
Speaker 5 (14:07):
Exercise caution when judging others, because you too will be judged.
Why would you highlight the speck in another person's eye
well ignoring their hefty log in your own.
Speaker 2 (14:18):
His words provoked a ripple of laughter among the listeners.
Speaker 5 (14:21):
Jesus grinned, before you draw attention to others faults, confront
your own.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
That's the best way to serve them. Overflowing with love.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
For the people, Jesus viewed them through God's eyes as children.
Speaker 3 (14:33):
Needing the care of a loving parent.
Speaker 6 (14:35):
Don't hesitate to ask God for what you need. Search
for Him.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
And you'll receive an answer.
Speaker 7 (14:41):
Would any of you parents out here refuse to give
your child bread and instead offer him a stone. If
even you, who are flawed, would never do such a thing,
how much more will God generously give to those who.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
Seek after his favor. After a moment of silence, Jesus
rose from his seated position. As the wind swept from
behind him.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
His robe fluttered in the breeze.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
He took a step forward and elevated his voice.
Speaker 3 (15:08):
He wanted every listener to capture his next.
Speaker 2 (15:11):
Words, due to others, what you would want to be
done to you.
Speaker 5 (15:16):
This principle encapsulates the essence of God's law. But remember this,
The entrance to God's kingdom is narrow. The path of
least resistance is broad and inviting, but it's misleading. It
leads to destruction. God's true path is challenging. It demands sacrifice, endurance,
(15:37):
and humility.
Speaker 6 (15:39):
That's why many people will choose to bypass it.
Speaker 3 (15:42):
In the end.
Speaker 6 (15:43):
A tree is evaluated by its produce.
Speaker 5 (15:46):
A healthy good tree yields edible fruit. A bad tree
only produces prickly thorns and toxins. Similarly, our hearts dictate
our actions. A pure heart lead to good deeds, while
a corrupt heart leads.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
To sinful actions.
Speaker 5 (16:05):
Let's be clear, verbal declarations are insufficient.
Speaker 6 (16:09):
Not to everyone who claims to know God.
Speaker 2 (16:11):
Will enter his heavenly kingdom.
Speaker 9 (16:16):
When Jesus gave the sermon in the Mount, he connected
divine wisdom with the heart of God. That's where understanding matters.
Most wisdom and discernment must be yielded to the heart
of God. Jesus, being God, gave us the proper application
of wisdom. In this way, we are certain that Jesus
is the greater Solomon. Our next episode will take place
(16:39):
in the divided Kingdom of Israel, the tragic state of
the nation due to Solomon's wickedness. But amid the corruption
and evil, a singular figure was willing to take a stand.
His faith was legendary, so legendary that he was able
to call fire down from the heavens. Join us next
time to discover how Jesus this is the greater Elijah.
(17:02):
Are you interested in further exploring the presence of Jesus
and the Old Testament? If so, head over to my
website Discoveringthjewishjesus dot com. Additionally, my latest book, Messianic Prophecy,
revealed Seeing Messiah and the pages of the Hebrew Bible
could offer valuable insights. You could obtain a copy from
my website. If you enjoy today's podcast, leave us a
(17:26):
review and share it with the friend. We want the
story of the Bible and the hope of Jesus to
be spread worldwide. To make prayer priority and hear more
stories to inspire hope, visit pray dot com.
Let us pray for she came from the ends of
the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And behold,
someone greater than Solomon is here Matthew twelve forty two.
Dear God, we know that the kings and queens of
old traveled far to hear Solomon's wisdom. But something greater
than Solomon is here. We come before you, acknowledging that Jesus,
(00:26):
the true wisdom of God, is in our midst. Father,
we thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ,
who embodies wisdom and truth. Far is surpassing the wisdom
of Solomon. We ask for the grace to seek him diligently,
to listen to his teachings, and to apply his wisdom
(00:48):
to our lives. Grant us a spirit of discernment and
wisdom so we can understand your will and live according
to your ways. In Jesus's name, Amen, Thank you for
praying with me today. Stay tuned now for another episode
of Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Stars blanketed the dark expanse of night twinkling above King
Solomon's roof.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
The night was warm, and Solomon.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Lay on his bed, looking out at the heavens and
wondering if he had what.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
It took to be king. His father, David was.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
A truly great king. He was a skilled warrior, a
talented poet, and fiercely devoted to God. How could Solomon
ever live up to the greatness of David. Solomon felt
the weight.
Speaker 3 (01:45):
Of the crown.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
His eyes grew heavy, and he soon fell into a
deep sleep.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
Solomon awoke to a vision. It was as if the glory.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Of the stars had descended upon him and wrapped him
in a divine whirlwind. He heard a voice from the light.
Speaker 4 (02:01):
Ask for whatever you want, and I will give it
to you.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Solomon knew it was the voice of God himself.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
He held out his hands and looked upward.
Speaker 5 (02:11):
Lord, you have shown kindness to my father David. He
was a faithful man, righteous and upright, and now here
I am.
Speaker 6 (02:21):
Here to sit on this throne. But I am only
a child.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
I don't know how.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
To lead a nation.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
These are your people, Lord, and I fear that I
cannot lead them.
Speaker 3 (02:33):
Solomon looked down and clenched his fist.
Speaker 7 (02:36):
Please, Lord, give me wisdom, give me a discerning heart
to govern your people and understand right from wrong.
Speaker 2 (02:44):
They are your people, Lord, so help me lead them.
A warm and gentle rush flew through the skies, and
the dancing lights surrounded Solomon and brilliance. His voice was
like the sound of a thousand rushing waters.
Speaker 8 (03:00):
Since you have asked for wisdom and not the long
life for wealth, nor did you ask for the death
of your enemies, I would do what you have asked,
give you a wise and discerning heart, so much so
that they will never have been any one like you,
nor will there ever be. And I will adorn you
with richness.
Speaker 4 (03:20):
And honor, so that there will be none like you
in all the nations.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
God's blessing was a rush of comfort to Solomon.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
But the Lord was not finished.
Speaker 4 (03:29):
And if you walk in obedience to me like your
father David, I will give you a long, vibrant life.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Solomon closed his eyes and then awoke in his bed.
Speaker 9 (03:42):
Hello and welcome to another episode of the Stories of
the Messiah podcast. I'm Rabbi Kirt Schneider from Discovering the
Jewish Jesus. It's a joy to be your guide through
this journey through the Bible's most iconic stories. If you've
enjoyed our journey thus far, consider leaving a review and
sharing with a friend who want the story of the
Bible and the hope of Jesus to be spread worldwide.
(04:04):
This season of stories of the Messiah is called Jesus
the Greater. We have been exploring the highs and lows
the Bible's most famous heroes, ultimately showcasing how their stories
foreshadow the greatest hero of all, Jesus. So far we
learned how Jesus is the greater Adam, Cain, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samson, Boaz,
(04:31):
and David. Today we look deeper into the life of Solomon.
When he first became king of Israel. God asked him
what he desired most. The son of David could have
asked for anything. He could have asked for riches, military might,
or perfect health. But Solomon knew what he needed to
carry out God's mission for him was wisdom. God responded
(04:53):
with an abundance of favor. He didn't just make Solomon wise,
he made him the wisest man ever. Salomon became famous
amongst kings and queens of different nations. Under the wise
rule of Solomon, Israel was brought into an unprecedented air
of wealth and prosperity. He broke her treaties and alliances
with other nations, but his greatest accomplishment was building the
(05:17):
Temple of the Lord. He fulfilled the desire of his
father David and created a place of worship for all
the people of Israel to connect with God. Solomon's first
few years as king were successful on nearly every level,
nearly Solomon, who broke her treaties with smaller kingdoms, accumulated
many wives from foreign nations. Each came with different ideologies, religions,
(05:41):
and pagan practices. Not only this, but Slom's torture with
an insatiable curiosity. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon recounts his experiment with joy.
He sought out every pleasure one could have under the
sun to see if it would give him the satisfaction
and joy he was looking for, but it always left
him empty. Unfortunately, Solomon compromised one too many times, and
(06:06):
his heart descended into darkness. He began as a philosopher
king over a unite at Israel, but ended as a
conflictive chief over a divided kingdom. Let's enter back into
Solomon's story and see just how far he fell from
favor with God.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
The full moon was set high over the hill country
of Israel. The late night myths slithered through the forest
like a serpent. Torches were placed on the trees leading
up the hill.
Speaker 3 (06:35):
Under a wooded glen was.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
A totem of Asterith carved from a tree. The moonlight
shone on the idol's provocative features.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
Ashtith was the goddess of the Sidonians. Her followers worshiped
her through lewde orgies and prostitution.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
Among a throng of naked worshippers was Solomon, dancing and
howling to the moon with his Sidonian wives. Promises to
God were but a distant memory, drowned under drunkenness and debauchery. Tragically,
the mount dedicated to Ashtarith was not the only place
of worship Solomon had made.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
On the peak. Opposite to them was a far.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
More sinister space, set on a cursed hill, set an
idol erected to Molech, the detestable god of the Ammonites.
Molech worship was abominable in the eyes of the Lord,
For on the altars of chimultion, molech.
Speaker 7 (07:29):
Newborn children were offered as sacrifices. The blood of infants
cried out from the corrupted mountain, and God's wrath was
kindled against Solomon for allowing it to happen. As Solomon
descended the hill of Asherah, the Lord came to him again.
This time was not a warm embrace of blessing and favor.
God's judgment burnt heart against Solomon.
Speaker 4 (07:52):
Did I not command you to keep my covenance?
Speaker 3 (07:55):
The Lord's anger was.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
Palpable, nearly shaking the ground under Solomon's I.
Speaker 4 (08:00):
Will tear your kingdom away from you.
Speaker 3 (08:02):
And your counsel. God's decree was short and to the point.
Speaker 4 (08:06):
For the sake of your father, David, I will not
do it in your lifetime. No, your son will struggle
his king, and the nation will be divided. But the
David's sake, the one after my heart, I will spare
you the tribe of Judah.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
God's presence left school, and he was left alone in
the misty, cold forest.
Speaker 9 (08:33):
Solomon's fall is not only a tragedy, it's a warning.
None of us are immune to corruption, even with all
the world's wisdom, wealth and fame. Solomon sought pleasure in
other gods. If the son of King David himself was
susceptible to idolatry, then so are we. The second you
think you're safe from sin, you become vulnerable. It takes
(08:56):
more than wisdom to resist temptation. Apians four reminds us
that peace that passes understandings is what guards our hearts
and minds. For all his wisdom, Salmon lacked the discipline
and conviction to stay the course. At the end of
his life, he wrote a profoundly philosophical and nihilistic book
called Ecclesiastes. His prose in that book reflected his regret
(09:21):
for squandering his relationship with God in pursuit of pleasure
in riches. Listen to Solomon's voice in this retelling of
Ecclesiastes chapter two, when he recounts the vanity of pleasure.
Speaker 6 (09:35):
So I said to myself, Come now, I shall test
THEE with the sweetness of pleasure.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
Indulge thyself.
Speaker 5 (09:43):
But lo and behold, this too was as empty as
the air of laughter.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
I declare this madness.
Speaker 1 (09:50):
And of pleasure, what value does it? Truly? Hope?
Speaker 3 (09:54):
In the depths of my heart?
Speaker 10 (09:56):
I sought to uplift my spirit with wine my heart,
playing the role of a wise shepherd, and to seize
upon folly, that I might discern the goodness for mankind
to pursue beneath the heavens in the short.
Speaker 6 (10:10):
Lived days of their existence.
Speaker 5 (10:12):
Great were the works that I crafted with these hands.
I erected grand structures and sowed vineyards of plenty for
my own delight. I cultivated gardens and verdant parks within
which I nestled all manners.
Speaker 3 (10:26):
Of fruit bearing trees. From my forest of thriving timber.
Speaker 5 (10:31):
I constructed reservoirs.
Speaker 10 (10:33):
To quench their thirst.
Speaker 5 (10:35):
I employed servants of both genders, and those born under
my roof were also enlisted into my service. I am
asked significant wealth in herds and flocks, surpassing any king that.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Came before me.
Speaker 5 (10:45):
In Jerusalem, silver and gold were gathered in abundance, along
with the treasures.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
Of kings and provenances. I secured the services of.
Speaker 5 (10:54):
Talented minstrels, men and women both, and the company of
many consorts.
Speaker 3 (11:00):
Which were the joy of mankind.
Speaker 5 (11:02):
Thus I attained greatness, surpassing all who came before me
in Jerusalem. Yet my wisdom remained ever constant. Every desire
that my eyes yearned for I did not deny them.
I refrained my heart from no joy, for in all
my labor, my heart bound.
Speaker 10 (11:22):
Contentment, and this was the fruit of my toils.
Speaker 11 (11:26):
However, upon reflection all that my hands had crafted, and
the energy I expended in the process, I realized everything
was as hollow as the wind of futile pursuit vanity
under the sun.
Speaker 3 (11:41):
There was no true prophet to be had.
Speaker 9 (11:47):
True biblical wisdom must come from God. My passion were
discovering the Jewish Jesus is to see biblical truth permeate
our lives, because what good is wisdom If we're disconnected
from the heart of God. It takes more than philosophy
and ideology to experience true satisfaction. We're meant to connect
with the people around us, and most importantly, with our God.
(12:09):
This is why we look to Jesus, whose teachings were
more than philosophical prose, but the words of God himself,
connecting our hearts to his. Under the teachings and leadership
of Jesus, we were led into joy, satisfaction, and peace
that does surpass all understanding. Listen now to the comforting
words of Jesus and compare them to the nihilistic wanderings
(12:30):
of Solomon. Jesus, on top of a mountain, connected people
to the Lord instead of leading them astray.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
Jesus was high on the mount looking down at the
crowd with unwavering love and compassion.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
As Jesus spoke, some.
Speaker 4 (12:47):
Follows interjected, Teacher, please show us how to pray.
Speaker 3 (12:51):
To which Jesus responded.
Speaker 6 (12:53):
Address God as our father, acknowledging his holiness, Seek for
his kingdom to be established and his will to be
fulfilled here just as it is in heaven. Ask him
to take care of our daily necessities, to grant us
forgiveness for our transgressions, and guide us to forgive those
(13:13):
who have wronged us. Pray for Him to lead us
away from trials and save us from evil's clutches.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
The prayer was concise yet profound, articulating the bond that
should exist between.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
Humanity and God.
Speaker 6 (13:27):
Don't allow yourself to be burdened with worry. Take a
moment to observe the.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
Birds of the sky.
Speaker 6 (13:33):
They don't labor a fret, yet God.
Speaker 3 (13:35):
Provides for them.
Speaker 5 (13:37):
If he takes care of them, he will certainly take
care of you, for.
Speaker 4 (13:40):
You are even more valuable to him.
Speaker 5 (13:43):
No one has ever gained an extra second of life
by worrying. Don't lose sleep over what tomorrow might bring.
Each day has its concerns. Focus on living in the present.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
As Jesus was speaking, he noticed a few people exchanging glances.
People tend to scrutinize the short others instead of examining themselves.
Jesus was aware of this, and so he issued a
stern warning to those who could hear him.
Speaker 5 (14:07):
Exercise caution when judging others, because you too will be judged.
Why would you highlight the speck in another person's eye
well ignoring their hefty log in your own.
Speaker 2 (14:18):
His words provoked a ripple of laughter among the listeners.
Speaker 5 (14:21):
Jesus grinned, before you draw attention to others faults, confront
your own.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
That's the best way to serve them. Overflowing with love.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
For the people, Jesus viewed them through God's eyes as children.
Speaker 3 (14:33):
Needing the care of a loving parent.
Speaker 6 (14:35):
Don't hesitate to ask God for what you need. Search
for Him.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
And you'll receive an answer.
Speaker 7 (14:41):
Would any of you parents out here refuse to give
your child bread and instead offer him a stone. If
even you, who are flawed, would never do such a thing,
how much more will God generously give to those who.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
Seek after his favor. After a moment of silence, Jesus
rose from his seated position. As the wind swept from
behind him.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
His robe fluttered in the breeze.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
He took a step forward and elevated his voice.
Speaker 3 (15:08):
He wanted every listener to capture his next.
Speaker 2 (15:11):
Words, due to others, what you would want to be
done to you.
Speaker 5 (15:16):
This principle encapsulates the essence of God's law. But remember this,
The entrance to God's kingdom is narrow. The path of
least resistance is broad and inviting, but it's misleading. It
leads to destruction. God's true path is challenging. It demands sacrifice, endurance,
(15:37):
and humility.
Speaker 6 (15:39):
That's why many people will choose to bypass it.
Speaker 3 (15:42):
In the end.
Speaker 6 (15:43):
A tree is evaluated by its produce.
Speaker 5 (15:46):
A healthy good tree yields edible fruit. A bad tree
only produces prickly thorns and toxins. Similarly, our hearts dictate
our actions. A pure heart lead to good deeds, while
a corrupt heart leads.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
To sinful actions.
Speaker 5 (16:05):
Let's be clear, verbal declarations are insufficient.
Speaker 6 (16:09):
Not to everyone who claims to know God.
Speaker 2 (16:11):
Will enter his heavenly kingdom.
Speaker 9 (16:16):
When Jesus gave the sermon in the Mount, he connected
divine wisdom with the heart of God. That's where understanding matters.
Most wisdom and discernment must be yielded to the heart
of God. Jesus, being God, gave us the proper application
of wisdom. In this way, we are certain that Jesus
is the greater Solomon. Our next episode will take place
(16:39):
in the divided Kingdom of Israel, the tragic state of
the nation due to Solomon's wickedness. But amid the corruption
and evil, a singular figure was willing to take a stand.
His faith was legendary, so legendary that he was able
to call fire down from the heavens. Join us next
time to discover how Jesus this is the greater Elijah.
(17:02):
Are you interested in further exploring the presence of Jesus
and the Old Testament? If so, head over to my
website Discoveringthjewishjesus dot com. Additionally, my latest book, Messianic Prophecy,
revealed Seeing Messiah and the pages of the Hebrew Bible
could offer valuable insights. You could obtain a copy from
my website. If you enjoy today's podcast, leave us a
(17:26):
review and share it with the friend. We want the
story of the Bible and the hope of Jesus to
be spread worldwide. To make prayer priority and hear more
stories to inspire hope, visit pray dot com.
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