Solomon's deepest thoughts expressed

Nov. 5—Written by the wisest man who ever lived, the Book of Ecclesiastes would be of interest just to see what he said, but it becomes really intriguing with his tone of disillusionment and regret.

Reigning for 40 years in the Ninth Century B.C., King Solomon was also the richest man in the world, but his 700 wives and 300 concubines led him into idolatry and he ruefully learned that vanity was the cause of his failure.

The Revs. Russell Nebhut and Sam Smith say Solomon's story shows that the most important thing in life is to have a good relationship with God.

"He writes at the first of Ecclesiastes about chasing after the wind and the futility of striving for the meaning of life in this world without having a true connection to God," said the Rev. Nebhut, pastor of Spirit and Truth Church. "Solomon was a unique individual. God offered him anything he wanted. He could have asked for power and wealth, but because he asked for the wisdom to lead God's people the right way, God gave him that and everything else.

"God sometimes gave pet names, changing Jacob's name to 'Israel.' His pet name for Solomon was 'Jedidiah,' which is the only time that name appears in the Bible. It means 'Beloved of the Lord.'"

As described in First Kings 11:9-13 and 30-34, God sent adversaries against Solomon and removed most of the tribes of Israel from the rule of his son Rehoboam because of Solomon's idolatry. "He wasted so much of his life chasing after things that didn't satisfy," Nebhut said.

Ecclesiastes 12:6-7 says, "Remember God before the silver cord is severed or the golden bowl is broken, before the pitcher is shattered at the spring or the wheel broken at the well and the dust returns to the ground it came from and the spirit returns to the God who gave it."

The end of the book, 12:13-14, says, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."

From the Hebrew "qoheleth," the word "ecclesiastes" means to collect sayings or to convene or address an assembly.

The Rev. Smith, pastor of New Beginnings Church, said the book has an elegiac tone. "Solomon had everything a man could want and he was still searching for the true meaning of life," Smith said.

Referring to the youth basketball program at his church, the pastor said, "You think you will be on top of the world if you win the gold ball, but the journey you have to get there is the more important thing.

"Solomon was everything a man could possibly be, but he finally realized that a relationship with God was more important. It's not about getting to the mountaintop and staying there, it's the lessons you learn on the way.

"In the little piece of life that I have left, my emphasis is on enjoying it," Smith said. "As you go through hardships from being a little kid to an adult, understand that everything will be OK. Don't panic. Realize that it all works together for the good. Learn to appreciate life.

"I didn't always take time to enjoy the process, but I enjoy it a lot more now. None of the things on this earth will give you the joy that comes from having a relationship with God."