Title: King Solomon

SubTitle: The Temptations of Money, Sex, and Power

Publisher: Crossway

Pub Date: 31 July 2011

ISBN: 9781433521546

Author: Philip Graham Ryken

How well do we know the Biblical King, Solomon who was featured in and the Book of Chronicles and the Book of Kings?

When I was a little girl, I see King Solomon as a wise man who knew everything in life because God bestowed him such wisdom. When I grew up a little bit and was a dreamy, hopelessly romantic teenager, I see him as a seductive man who easily seduced the Queen of Sheba with his endless wits. And when I’m an adult, I see him as a man whose downfall was caused by lust and disobedience toward God’s will.

How do you see King Solomon from the Old Testament, I wonder? This book, King Solomon: The Temptations of Money, Sex, and Power written by Philip Graham Ryken is an in depth study of the Biblical’s king’s life, from cradle to his grave.

It was very well written and researched, and I definitely enjoyed being enlightened by this book. Inspiring read.

A forewarning to those who wants to read this book: You’ll spend a lot of time thinking, so be prepared to think alot if you’re to pick up this book.

I rate this book 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Crossway publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book and I was not compensated in any ways for this.

Book description:

Though the world’s wisest king, Solomon’s heart was led astray by temptations of wealth, sex, and power. And we face the same dangers today, though the temptations may be different in degree and detail.

Author Philip Ryken writes, “In witnessing Solomon’s moral triumphs and sinful failures we learn how to live more wisely. By the grace of God, we may avoid a tragic downfall of our own and learn how to use money, sex, and power for the glory of God.”

Tracing Solomon’s life from coronation to burial—and from godly devotion to self-serving excess—Ryken shows readers how to avoid similar downfalls and seek God’s glory amid earthly temptations. These thirteen chapters are pastoral, rich in application, and biblically faithful. This overview of Solomon’s life also includes a study guide, making it a great resource for both personal and group use.