Greater than Solomon
Philip Graham Ryken has delivered a masterpiece of theological narrative in his newest book, King Solomon: The Temptations of Money, Sex, and Power. If you happen to judge this book by its cover, you might easily assume that it’s about King Solomon and his demise. In actuality, this is a book about King Jesus and his victorious life. In Ryken’s own words:
In studying the life of Solomon, we see both true greatness and the tragic failure of our own humanity . . . Fortunately, there is someone who can still save us: the greater Solomon of the Kingdom of God . . . Jesus Christ is the hope which Solomon’s tragedy shows that all of us need (12).
Now, you might be wondering why you should read this book. After all, there are so many things competing for your time and attention. The best answer has to do with our own “chronological snobbery,” but C.S. Lewis has laid claim to that one. (If you don’t recognize this reference, then you need to buy On the Incarnation by St. Athanasius and read the Introduction by C.S. Lewis; then it wouldn’t hurt to go on and read the book). So, since Lewis took my answer, I will answer in this way: Solomon made mistakes that are deathly serious when he fell to temptations which we all face; it would, therefore, be wise to learn from his mistakes and avoid our own. Again, in Ryken’s words,
…like every believer, he [Solomon] was always as much a sinner as he was a saint.
We face the same struggle. In the famous words of Martin Luther, each of us is simul iustus et peccator – at the same time both righteous and a sinner . . . This means that the warning signs of our own tragic downfall are present right in our hearts (50).
It would be utter foolishness to ignore such wisdom. Especially when that wisdom is so enjoyably packaged. Throughout King Solomon, Ryken deftly combines theological acumen and intellectual depth with a story teller’s creativity. The result is a book that is filling to the hungry soul, challenging to minds being renewed, and simply enjoyable. It highly suggest you go buy this book . . . as soon as possible.
