Solomon’s Fractures

Summary

Episode Summary: "Solomon’s Fractures"
Podcast: The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein
Host: Yael Eckstein
Release Date: August 11, 2025

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Introduction: The Weight of Success

In the episode titled "Solomon’s Fractures," Yael Eckstein delves deep into the complexities of King Solomon’s reign, exploring the delicate balance between divine favor and the inherent vulnerabilities that come with unparalleled success. The episode sets the stage by highlighting Solomon's achievements—peace, power, prestige, and the completion of the magnificent Temple—but also hints at the underlying fractures threatening his legacy.

Solomon’s Inner Turmoil and Reflection

[01:35] Solomon:

"Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it. Behold, all was vanity and striving after wind. All the toil of madness for his mouth. Yet his appetite is not satisfied."

Solomon stands amidst the grandeur of the newly completed Temple, a symbol of his kingdom’s prosperity and divine approval. Yet, despite the outward appearances of success, Solomon grapples with a profound sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. This internal struggle raises questions about the true cost of his achievements and whether his heart remains aligned with divine expectations.

The Divine Encounter: A Warning for the Future

[08:33] Solomon:

"Lord, my God, have I done enough?"

In a moment of deep contemplation and weariness, Solomon experiences a vivid dream where God speaks directly to him. This divine encounter serves as a pivotal moment in the episode, offering both reassurance and a stark warning. God acknowledges the greatness of Solomon's accomplishments but emphasizes the conditional nature of this favor:

[09:35] God:

"But if you or your descendants turn away from me and do not observe my commands and do not keep my statutes, but go after other gods and worship them, then I will drive you from my face, and this house that I have built will be a waste."

This message underscores the fragility of Solomon's kingdom, hinging on the obedience and fidelity of both the king and the people. The threat of turning away from God introduces a tension that foreshadows potential downfall despite current prosperity.

Familial Tensions and Compromised Faith

[16:34] Jeroboam:

"And to think, three generations of Israel's kings in one room. Together we're building an empire that would have made King David proud."

The narrative shifts to the royal household, where familial conflicts surface, particularly concerning Solomon’s son, Rehoboam. Rehoboam's marriages to women from foreign backgrounds, such as Maachah, who worship the pagan god Asherah, create tension with Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother. This intermingling of political alliances and religious compromises threatens the purity of Israel’s worship and adherence to God’s commandments.

[16:48] Bathsheba:

"Please, Neomah. You know that neither I nor my son, the king, will set foot on those high places with their shrines to other gods."

Bathsheba confronts her daughter-in-law, emphasizing the importance of maintaining exclusive worship of the Lord and expressing concern over the proliferation of foreign shrines. This familial dispute highlights the broader theme of drift away from steadfast faith amidst success and political maneuvering.

Jeroboam’s Rising Dissonance and Political Intrigue

[21:42] King Hiram:

"How far I've come from that spring morning when I first crossed paths with King Solomon to managing hundreds of my fellow tribesmen. If only my father could see me now."

Jeroboam, a key figure overseeing labor projects and representing the northern tribes, begins to sense underlying discontent among his people. An encounter with King Hiram of Tyre reveals brewing resentment over labor assignments and perceived inequities, hinting at potential rebellion and fragmentation within the kingdom.

[22:49] Narrator:

"Jeroboam froze, caught mid step. The men had spotted him."

This confrontation illustrates the growing tensions and the challenges Solomon faces in maintaining unity and control over his expansive and diverse kingdom. Jeroboam’s frustration signifies the broader discontent that could threaten the stability of Solomon’s reign.

The Cost of Greatness: Host Reflections and Contemporary Insights

Towards the episode’s conclusion, Yael Eckstein offers a reflective analysis connecting Solomon’s narrative to modern-day themes of success and responsibility. She emphasizes that true greatness often comes with significant challenges and the need for continual humility and adherence to core values.

Notable Quote by Yael Eckstein:

"When we study the Bible together, we see that blessing is often a burden. Think of Abraham and Moses. Their greatness came not through comfort, but through costly obedience."

Eckstein draws parallels between Solomon’s journey and the ongoing mission of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, highlighting the importance of building endeavors on a foundation of humility and divine guidance rather than on the transient allure of success.

Key Takeaways

• Divine Conditionality: Solomon’s achievements are blessed but come with divine expectations of continued obedience and faithfulness. The episode underscores the precariousness of relying solely on success without maintaining spiritual integrity.

• Familial and Political Struggles: Internal family conflicts and political discontent mirror the kingdom’s underlying vulnerabilities, illustrating how personal and political compromises can lead to broader societal fractures.

• Lessons on Leadership: Solomon’s experiences serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of complacency and the importance of staying true to foundational principles amidst prosperity.

• Modern Relevance: Yael Eckstein connects these ancient lessons to contemporary life, urging listeners to evaluate the foundations upon which they build their successes and to remain vigilant against subtle drifts away from their core values.

Conclusion

"Solomon’s Fractures" is a profound exploration of the intersection between divine favor, personal ambition, and the responsibilities of leadership. Through rich storytelling and insightful commentary, Yael Eckstein invites listeners to reflect on the true nature of success and the importance of maintaining spiritual and moral integrity amidst the pressures of leadership and prosperity.

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Notable Quotes:

• Solomon at [01:35]:
  "Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it. Behold, all was vanity and striving after wind. All the toil of madness for his mouth. Yet his appetite is not satisfied."

• God at [09:35]:
  "But if you or your descendants turn away from me and do not observe my commands and do not keep my statutes, but go after other gods and worship them, then I will drive you from my face, and this house that I have built will be a waste."

• Jeroboam at [21:42]:
  "How far I've come from that spring morning when I first crossed paths with King Solomon to managing hundreds of my fellow tribesmen. If only my father could see me now."

• Yael Eckstein:
  "When we study the Bible together, we see that blessing is often a burden. Think of Abraham and Moses. Their greatness came not through comfort, but through costly obedience."

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Note: This summary omits all advertisements, introductions, and non-content segments to focus solely on the episode's narrative and key discussions.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Previously on the Chosen People.

[King Hiram]

My king, as you know, I oversee the labor for these projects. King Hiram has been generous, sending us skilled laborers and craftsmen. And of course, the tribes of Israel have provided men to serve as well. I've even gathered the descendants of the Canaanites still in our land to supplement our workforce. Yet despite these efforts, completing projects on time remains a challenge. I fear the new endeavors will face similar difficulties. Oh, yes, my king. Young Jeroboam would serve. He's well liked among the men, and he's from the tribe of Ephraim. If I may offer a suggestion, my king, Lord Adoniram, Perhaps you could send the conscripted men of his tribe to him.

[Narrator]

The golden glow of the early morning sun reflected off the temple's gleaming limestone and gilded surfaces, refracting beams of dazzling light through the portico. Incense curled skyward from the priests, firepans, filling the air with a sweet aroma that mingled with the frenzied anticipation of the day. Thousands gathered in the vast courtyard. Priests, nobles, elders and commoners, each straining to glimpse the moment Israel had waited generations for. At the heart of it all stood Solomon. The temple was finished, the promise fulfilled, and the Lord was pleased. Yet even in its perfection, Solomon wanted more.

[Solomon]

Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it. Behold, all was vanity and striving after wind. All the toil of madness for his mouth. Yet his appetite is not satisfied.

[Podcast Host]

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[Narrator]

Foreign.

[Podcast Host]

Sometimes the danger isn't failure. Sometimes it's success that blinds us. Shalom, my friends. From here in the holy land of Israel, I'm Yael Eckstein with International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and Welcome to the Chosen People. There's a question that I've wrestled with for years. Can success be sacred, or does it come with strings attached? Today, in First Kings, chapter 9, we find that King Solomon now has everything. He has peace. He has power. He has prestige. The Temple has been finished and the Kingdom of Israel is thriving. But beneath the gold, something begins to crack. Today, listen closely not just to the triumphs, but to the tremors. What does it mean to be chosen and still be at risk?

[Narrator]

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[King Hiram]

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[Advertiser]

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[Narrator]

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[King Hiram]

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[Narrator]

The faint crackle of dying embers echoed in the vast emptiness of the temple courtyard. Long after the crowds had dispersed and the sounds of their revelry had faded into the night, Solomon still sat in the shadow of the towering golden doors. He sat with his hands clasped loosely in his lap, mulling over the churning thoughts in his mind. Nobody dared interrupt his meditation. Solomon was searching for something, although he didn't know what. The temple limestone walls loomed behind him, immense, perfect and shimmering in some unspoken contest with the gleaming pale light of the moon. And yet that hollowness still gnawed at the edges of his heart.

[Solomon]

What's next?

[Narrator]

The question looped through his mind, a buzzing, persistent whisper he couldn't silence. He let his gaze wander across the temple grounds. All was in order. The temple was finished. Plans for the palace complex were underway. His father's dream was fulfilled. His people were prosperous. His enemies were subdued. Everything a king could ever dream of was his.

[Solomon]

Then why does it feel like something's missing?

[Narrator]

His thoughts drifted unwillingly to Rehoboam. The boy had slipped away from the festivities as soon as Solomon concluded his final blessing, claiming he felt ill. But Solomon knew better. He had seen Rehoboam's friends hovering on the outskirts of the crowd and gesturing for him to join them. His son's irresponsibility and indifference were growing harder to ignore.

[Solomon]

He's young. He'll grow into it. There's still time.

[Narrator]

But that hollow ache only deepened. Solomon reclined on the stone steps, the coolness grounding him, and closed his eyes.

[Solomon]

Lord, my God, have I done enough?

[Narrator]

Despite the discomfort of sitting on hard stone, sleep tugged on Solomon. Weariness dragged him into a heavy, dreamless kind of sleep that only ambition fueled exhaustion could bring. But then warmth. Light not from the moon above but from within. The courtyard around him blurred then crystallized in stark clarity. The torches blazed higher, shadows retreated and the air grew thick, charged, holy. And then the Lord spoke.

[God]

I have heard your prayers and plea for mercy. I have consecrated this temple you have built, putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.

[Narrator]

Solomon's death chest swelled with relief and awe. He had discerned the signs from earlier correctly. The Lord had accepted them. The Temple was Worthy.

[God]

As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as your father David did, and if you keep my commands and observe my laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I have promised your father, saying, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.

[Narrator]

Her swell of pride surged through Solomon, but it was quickly deflated by what came next.

[God]

But if you or your descendants turn away from me and do not observe my commands, if you serve other gods and wish worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them. I will reject this temple I have consecrated for my name.

[Narrator]

The words struck him to the bone.

[God]

Israel will become an object of scorn and ridicule among all the peoples, though it is now exalted. All who pass by will be appalled and say, why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and to this temple? And they will answer, because they abandoned the Lord, their God.

[Narrator]

The vision in Solomon's dream flickered, and for a brief, harrowing moment, Solomon saw it. Cracked stones, weeds growing through broken doors. The temple hollow and cold, its golden walls stripped bare. A ruin. Solomon jolted upright, gasping for breath. The sun was just cresting over the horizon, casting golden light over the temple. It was whole, intact and gleaming. The courtyard was still. Birds chirped softly in the distance from the olive trees lining the terraces. Soon the priests would awaken the altar's fires for the morning offerings. Solomon quickly rose, smoothing his hair and making his way back to the palace. But as he went, his hands trembled. It was just a dream, and yet the words clung to him, heavy as iron. He rose and paced the length of the temple steps, heart pounding. The Lord accepted it.

[Solomon]

He heard me. He chose this place. But that warning, that threat, I cannot let that happen. This legacy is my responsibility to uphold. But other cracks already forming.

[Narrator]

But then the claws of anxiety tickled the edges of his mind. Rehoboam's indifference. The growing complaints from the heads of the northern tribes about the high taxes, the conscripted workers he had to pay, and the lent resources from other kingdoms. Not to mention all his wives. How many did he even have now? All but one were political marriages, and many even remained unconsummated. He hardly saw the women, but far too many of them inquired about altars to their gods. The concessions Solomon made in his marriages resulted in little shrines sprouting up beyond Jerusalem's walls like weeds.

[Solomon]

I have to keep Israel pure and my wives appeased. I have to honor my father's memory.

[Narrator]

I have To Solomon clenched his jaw in fierce determination. He thought about that vision again. The cracks in the temple, the weeds sprouting from each fracture. The vision of ruin.

[Solomon]

It'll hold. The temple stands. The kingdom is strong. And I'll fix the rest.

[Narrator]

His gaze drifted upward to the temple's mighty pinnacle, shining against the brightening sky. It was solid, magnificent, and a monument to his reign. And yet the hollow ache lingered in the deepest part of his heart. Thirteen years had passed since Solomon's dream. His palace complex was finally complete, a shining jewel of the capital. His family had grown, his fame had spread across the world, and peace still reigned. Their prosperity was undeniable. Now, in a rare moment of quiet amid the weight of ruling, Solomon found himself in his mother's home. Bathsheba gushed as she listened to Rehoboam talk about his newborn child.

[Jeroboam]

And to think, three generations of Israel's kings in one room. Together we're building an empire that would have made King David proud.

[Narrator]

Bathsheba could barely contain her joy. Becoming a great grandmother had softened her, but there were certain things that pricked at her. Bathsheba's eyes narrowed subtly at Maacha, who beamed at her husband as she cradled her newborn son. Now a man grown at 25, Rehoboam already had several wives and children, but this was the firstborn of his favored wife, Maachah. A controversial wife, to say the least in the eyes of Bathsheba. Though Maachah was a great great granddaughter of David, she had turned from the God of her forefathers to worship the pagan God Asherah. Worse still, her grandfather was none other than the traitorous Absalom. And while past rebellions were now history, Bathsheba made it clear she still harboured a grudge against that branch of the family. Solomon had to admit he hadn't been pleased with the match either. But Rehoboam was his weakness. His son loved Maachah, so he had allowed the marriage, much to Bathsheba's chagrin. Solomon's first wife, Neomah, Rehoboam's mother, didn't help. She was an ammonite and indifferent to the ways of the Lord Bathsheba.

[Solomon]

Solomon, you should have been there at the celebration we had for Abijam's birth. We danced and worshipped at the Asherah poles on the High Place all day and all night. Why? I will be going up to the High Place again later today to worship my God Milcom. To thank him for such a blessing. What a glorious king my grandson will be.

[Narrator]

Bathsheba Stiffened, her grip tightening around the edges of her cup. She had held her tongue long enough. Clinging to the edges of her control, she confronted her daughter in law at last.

[Bathsheba]

Please, Naoma. You know that neither I nor my son, the king, will set foot on those high places with their shrines to other gods. And if Rehoboam is wise, he will follow suit. Your people may worship other gods, but my great grandson will be circumcised on his eighth day and dedicated on his 13th at the Lord's temple, just as his father was, and his father before him, and David before them. All the men in the house of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

[Narrator]

Solomon and Rehoboam winced. The words landed as sharply as Bathsheba had intended.

[Solomon]

Mother.

[Bathsheba]

No, don't give me that tone, Solomon. If your father were still alive, he would have taken an axe to those Asherah poles the moment they were erected.

[Narrator]

Solomon nodded. For Neymar and Maachah to leave with the children, it was only Solobon, Rehoboam and Bathsheba now.

[Solomon]

Mother, there's a delicate balance to these conversations. You need to show more tact.

[Jeroboam]

Not to mention you've insulted Makah so quickly after giving birth to our firstborn.

[Narrator]

Bath. Sheba was too old to speak with her usual regality and temperance. Solomon and Rehoboam weren't just a king and prince. They were her son and grandson.

[Bathsheba]

There's an alarming number of foreign shrines around Jerusalem. Israel hasn't had such things here since the time of judges. You fear offending your wives. But I fear for the heart of Israel, Mother.

[Solomon]

Gabira, I have to consider our wives. These marriages secure alliances and ensure peace.

[Advertiser]

Your family.

[Bathsheba]

Father, for all his faults, never made marriages like these.

[Solomon]

Yes, but Father was constantly at war. The surrounding nations were always challenging him and pressing Israel's borders. He was a man of war. But I am a man of peace. These marriages keep the welfare of our nation bound with the others, but they.

[Bathsheba]

Also bind their culture to ours and their gods to ours. Will my new great grandson make just as many trips to the Asherah poles as the Temple?

[Solomon]

Abijam will grow up in our faith. And you know that the worship of our neighbor's gods is only permitted outside the city. This is an important concession on which the peace and prosperity of our great nation stand.

[Bathsheba]

But Solomon.

[Narrator]

Solomon waved off the protestations of his mother and charged forward.

[Solomon]

My son understands his obligations to the Lord. Don't you, Rehoboam?

[Jeroboam]

I do, Father.

[Solomon]

See, Mother, many of my wives, Naamah included, worship other gods But Rehoboam understands his duty to the Lord. It's the same with Israel. The people know who promised us this land, who brought them out of slavery all those generations ago, and who promised to make us a great nation. And look, we're living in the land of promise.

[Narrator]

We're free.

[Solomon]

We are indeed a great nation. Now, the three of us are due for a council meeting. We're presenting King Hiram with a gift for his contributions to the temple and the palace complex. Lady Naama, Lady Mayka, I will leave my grandson in your care and see you both at his circumcision and dedication at the Temple of the Lord.

[Narrator]

Bathsheba looked as though she had more to say, but she carefully tucked it away. She missed Nathan. She missed David. And she feared that the age of imperfect but still righteous men was coming to an end. Solomon strode from the room. His focus was already shifting to more important matters. He stepped into the newly constructed hall of Judgment, its gleaming stone and towering columns standing as a testament to his rule. Here, at least, was one place untouched by the quarrels of his household. Here, wisdom reigned. Here his work brought satisfaction. Here he reveled in the gifts of the Lord had given him a gift that surely would always be enough. A few hours later, still riding high on the public praise he had received from King Solomon himself, Jeroboam's heart swelled with pride. From his humble beginnings in the territory of Ephraim to overseeing the repair of the great city of David, Jeroboam had come so far.

[King Hiram]

How far I've come from that spring morning when I first crossed paths with King Solomon to managing hundreds of my fellow tribesmen. If only my father could see me now.

[Narrator]

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of furious whispers echoing down the corridor. One of the voices, indignant, livid, belonged to King Hyrum of Tyre. Jeroboam tensed. He had no desire to be entangled in a treasonous conversation. Looking around for an exit, he swore under his breath. The voices were approaching too quickly.

[Jeroboam]

Did you see how he just handed over those good for nothing cities with a smile? Land of King what use is land in Galilee to me? Everyone knows the soil is worthless. And of course, Solomon keeps Joppa in the Jesuit Valley for himself. The only land worth having. What is this? You then turn around.

[Narrator]

Jeroboam froze, caught mid step. The men had spotted him. He straightened his sword and face the King of Tyre. Like the soldier, he was.

[Jeroboam]

The man tasked to fortify the city of Megiddo, Israel's gateway to Egypt, Assyria, and Sumer, it seems you're quite the leader on the rise. And how does your reward sit with you? Sent off to lord over the slaves further in their own land now?

[Narrator]

Best of luck with that.

[Jeroboam]

I wager you'll spend more time quelling rebellions than fortifying cities.

[Narrator]

Jeroboam was taken aback. He had not suspected that the new assignment he had received from Solomon could be perceived as anything but favorable. Jeroboam had the deliberate sense that they knew something he didn't. UNESCO sank to the pit of his stomach. Jeroboam despised not being in control above all else.

[King Hiram]

What are you implying, good king? I don't oversee slaves. They are conscripted laborers from the tribes. They are sent willingly.

[Jeroboam]

You're from the north, aren't you?

[King Hiram]

No, I'm from the central territory of Israel, your highness.

[Jeroboam]

Well, then, when you go back home, talk to your neighbor. Keep your eye on the resentment up north, my boy. They won't stand to keep sending their men to the south with nothing to show for it back home.

[Narrator]

With that, Hiram and his attendant sauntered off down the corridor, their hushed conversation resuming as they disappeared around the corner. Jeroboam frowned. He was no politician. He preferred direct, decisive action over whispered schemes. But if he was to live up to the future Solomon had placed before him, he would need to learn how to play this game.

[King Hiram]

What was the king implying?

[Narrator]

At the end of the week, he would leave Jerusalem to oversee the next round of conscripted laborers. Men from Ephraim and Manasseh.

[King Hiram]

But they're not slaves. Only the Canaanites are slaves.

[Narrator]

But even as he spoke the words, they felt less certain than they once had. He thought of the murmurs of discontent. He had often dismissed the begrudging tones of his fellow tribesmen as they worked under him in the city of David. He had always assumed they were simply deeply dissatisfied with their assignments. Lower in status, chafing under the weight of the work. But Hyrum's words gnawed at him.

[King Hiram]

Was it really just the work they resented? Or was it something deeper? Is the king subtly enslaving God's people?

[Narrator]

Jeroboam exhaled slowly. He would see for himself when he headed north.

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[Podcast Host]

What is the cost of greatness? We often imagine success as a reward, as if it confirms our righteousness. But blessing isn't proof of greatness is a test of greatness. Even as King Solomon and the nation he rules seem to be flourishing. My dear teacher, Rabbi Jonathan Sachs of blessed Memory once said something profound about this exact moment in the history of Israel and what the Hebrew B the Tanakh says about it. Rabbi Sack said, without saying so explicitly, the Tanakh is hinting that the building of the Temple turned Israel into a second Egypt. Solomon was altogether too close to be an Israelite Pharaoh isn't that devastating. It forces us to ask, when does sacred architecture become a monument to ourselves? We often assume God's blessings are a sign of favor. But as we've seen again and again, as we've studied the Bible together, blessing is often a burden. Think of Abraham and Moses. Think of David. Their greatness came not through comfort, but through costly obedience. And this is a lesson that we find God trying to teach the chosen people. In today's Bible story. As glorious and majestic as the holy Temple was, God wanted to make it crystal clear that the temple would only flourish as long as both Israel's king and Israel's people kept God's laws. In fact, it would only exist as long as Israel was obedient. The temple and its ceremonies would only work if the chosen people kept God's laws. In fact, in a chilling section of this chapter, God warned Solomon, what will happen if the Israelites aren't careful in their observance. I'm going to read these verses to you so you can feel God's emotion as he spoke them. This is what God said. But if you or your descendants turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and I will reject this temple I've consecrated for my name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all people. This temple, which will be so exalted, will become a heap of rubble. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff and will say, why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and to this temple? People will answer, because they have forsaken the Lord, their God, who brought their ancestors out of Egypt and have embraced other gods worshiping and serving them. That's why the Lord brought all this disaster on them. And in fact, we know both the first and second temples, they were destroyed. Our sages painfully point out that the cause of this was Israel's behavior, or rather their misbehavior. But the sages also found a hint of optimism here. They look at these words, this temple which will be so exalted. Now, since God is speaking in Bible times about the temple's future destruction, shouldn't the Bible say, which was so exalted? But it doesn't. The Bible says, this temple which will be so exalted. And this is a foreshadowing of the chosen people's return to the holy land and even to the rebuilding of the temple to come. This is already beginning to happen. The words of the prophets coming to life. The Jewish people coming home, isn't it? We have returned to our ancient homeland and we are trying to act as God wants us to. I think of this often as I lead the international fellowship of Christians and Jews. The ministry that is bringing food to the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the poor. And it's all done because of the help and support of our Christian brothers and sisters. Together we are doing so much good for needy people. And each day, in my prayers, I ask God to look upon this good that we do and to make us secure in this land, even. Even in the face of those who want to destroy us. And I pray for him to prepare the way for a rebuilt temple that we can all enjoy. All the nations as majestic as it was in the days of King Solomon. When I look at King Solomon, I see a man loved by God and a man and a people who are drifting. And that should scare us a little bit because the drift is quiet. Drift happens when the applause is loud and the warnings are subtle. Drift happens when your crown fits too well and the altar, altar feels like yours. And suddenly the voice of God feels like an interruption rather than a guide. C.S. lewis once wrote, the safest road to hell is the gradual one. The gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without sign posts. And yet God doesn't leave Solomon. God speaks, he warns, and he invites repentance. Teshuva return even in correction. God's heart is of restoration, of rebuilding not just temples, but people. Maybe you're building something, a ministry, a family, a future. And you should ask yourself, what is it built on? Are the stones of your life set with humility? Is your heart still listening for the whisper? Listen for him, Listen for God and build well with the ultimate goal of being his glory. At the very end of the blessing that King Solomon gave to the crowds of Israelites as he dedicated the holy temple, he says something I want to leave you with. He said, and may these words of mine which I have prayed before the Lord be near to the Lord our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people, Israel, according to each day's need, so that all the people of the earth may know the Lord is God and that there is no other. Amen.

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You can listen to the Chosen People with Yao Eckstein ad free by downloading and subscribing to the pray.com app today. This prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Schellewager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein. Edited by Alberto Avila Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Lashinsky and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosely and Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin Van Ettin, Caleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, Rabbi Edward Abramson and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Pray.com productions on the Prey.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.

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