Bible Poetry Reading Plan: Ecclesiastes 1-2
1 Kings 11:9, 11, 13 (ESV); And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned
away from the Lord, the God of Israel… Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, “Since this has been
your practice and you have not kept My covenant and My statutes that I have commanded you, I will
surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your servant… However, I will not tear away all
the kingdom, but I will give one tribe to your son, for the sake of David My servant and for the sake of
Jerusalem that I have chosen.
Despite all of his wisdom, Solomon was enticed by the gods of his multitude of wives and he turned
away from the Lord. And so God decided to split the kingdom. One tribe would remain in Solomon’s
family, ruled by his son Rehoboam, only because of the promise God made to David. This would be
the kingdom of Judah. The remaining tribes would be overtaken by Solomon’s servant Jeroboam.
This was the kingdom of Israel.
Over the years Israel continues to turn further and further away from God, her kings leading her into
deeper idolatry. Judah fluctuates between seasons of rebellion and seasons of repentance. And God
punishes the people, abandoning them to their wickedness. On Mount Sinai God made it clear that
relationship with Him was primary, and because the people had agreed to the covenant rules He set
before them, they were bound to receive the blessings and punishments that came with obedience
and rebellion. God wanted relationship with His people, but the relationship He wanted was holy and
righteous relationship without the mixture of other gods.
But when things look bleak, all is not lost. God always looks for a faithful remnant among His people.
Though affected by national disobedience, those who trust in Him will continue to see His goodness.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. God is a good Father. Even punishment is good because He does so with love. Thank God for
punishment you’ve received from Him at times. Thank God for His goodness to you.
2. Our nation does not have a good track record of obedience. Spend some time interceding for
Canada, praying that she will turn back to God in repentance.
