Two Paths: Solomon’s Path or David’s Path
Solomon’s Story as a Guide [Part 4]
1 Kings 11:9-13
Inheritance. What do you want to pass down to your children? Survey says: 1. Financial assets, like properties, or cash accounts, even savings accounts or life insurance. 2. Good education, like good school districts when buying a home. 3. Social and professional network. 4. Good memories and emotional stability, why parents will say “yes” often to requests and go on trips as a family.
What did Solomon leave to his children? Of his 800 or so wives. They have a vast international social network due to his various wives, princesses/queens. He also left enormous wealth as he was king. He was known as the king of wisdom, so it’s likely he left great education opportunities to them. He also built up the temple, so they are associated with great accomplishment and fame.
We can say in a worldly lens Solomon led a great life and left a great legacy for his kids. But what happened? The kingdom was divided like God said it would be. Only one left in the south. God only kept one as a promise to David, Solomon’s father. So did his son Rihovoan live a bolstered life because of Solomon? No. He was not able to live a blessed life.
Solomon left a lot but he was not able to leave a life that serves the Lord. Even though Solomon was the one to say, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” he was unable to live out his own words by lack of actions. Educators will say only the concepts practiced through actions will be retained in one’s memory. Solomon was able to leave a lot of worldly assets, but he failed to leave an inheritance of grace because he did not live a life of fearing the Lord.
Exodus 20:5-6 - Does it say the children suffer due to the iniquities of their father? The answer is no. As answered in Ezekiel 18:19-20.
So what does it mean to “visit the iniquity”? Everyone is responsible for what they do in their lives. Likely Rihovoan suffered because he himself lived wickedly. It’s not the children who suffer the punishment for the sin, but the influence of sin will last through the children’s generations. Ie. Physical abuse in the household, the child will likely face trauma or adopt similar attitudes or actions.
But God’s steadfast love lasts 1000 generations. God’s grace is greater than any sin.
How is this seen? When our children face God’s punishment or judgment, because of me they’ll receive a second chance. But not once, but a thousand generation’s worth. When you’re dead, you can live again. When you feel hopeless or doomed, He’ll deliver you. That is the power of the inheritance of grace.
Do you think you’ll leave an inheritance of grace for your children?
So think about it, are you living a blessed life because of your faith, or are you reaping the generations of grace bestowed by your parents? So remember to thank them, even if they couldn’t pass down wealth, thank your parents for their inheritance of grace.
Aim to leave an inheritance of grace for your children. For then they face failure and hopelessness, God will remember you and grant them abundant chances, favor, and whatever they need. As our spiritual father, PD would like to leave that grace for us, too.
To leave an inheritance of grace, what should we do?
1. Ezekiel 18:19-20, Deuteronomy 7:9 - Love the Lord. If you love the Lord, it has to look so obvious. If you love someone, you cannot hide it. Ie. Like Jamie and Chris look at each other.
2. Exodus 20:5-6, Deuteronomy 7:9 - Keep God’s Words and commandments in our lives. It’s easy to say you will but it’s much more difficult to follow those commands. Solomon failed his children by not living his life by example in how we keep God’s commandments in our lives.
Reflection Questions:
What kind of inheritance am I passing on to my children—or to the next generation?
👉 Does the way I live right now reflect a life that passes on an inheritance of grace?
Among all the things I hope to pass down (money, success, values, etc.), how important is inheritance of grace in my priorities?
What kind of spiritual inheritance am I modeling through my daily life?
Can my children (or those around me) see examples of faith in my actions—like prayer, worship, obedience, or serving others?
If not, what is one small habit I can start today to live out my faith more intentionally?
Who gave me an inheritance of grace?
👉 Is there someone—perhaps a parent, mentor, or spiritual leader—whose prayers and faith helped bring me closer to God?
Am I now living in a way that could become an inheritance of grace for someone else in the future?
