Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

King Solomon's reign represented the height of Old Testament Israel's glory. 1 Kings 10 describes the majesty and splendor of his court, which included the manner in Solomon himself was attired, and which the Israelites of Jesus' day would have associated with Solomon's name.

As magnificent as that was, Jesus was saying that God made even objects as humble or "ordinary" as the lilies of the field to have a beauty that surpassed it. And, since that was the case, Jesus' human listeners should therefore have faith that God (who had created those humans in His own image) would be equally attentive to providing for them, so that there would be no need for them to worry or be anxious (especially to a degree surpassing that of their devotion to God) about having sufficient clothing (or food). If they made seeking God and His righteousness their first priority, all their other needs would be met.

October 19 2021 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Why does Jesus refer to Solomon in Matthew 6:29?

Matt 6:29: "Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these."

Jesus cites Solomon to highlight the contrast between human achievement and divine provision, arguing that even the most magnificent and wealthy king in Israel's history could not match the natural beauty God gives to simple flowers. It serves as a lesson against anxiety, encouraging trust in God's care. 

Some key reasons for referencing Solomon:

Symbol of Ultimate Splendour: 

Solomon was renowned for unmatched wealth, wisdom, and glory, representing the pinnacle of human achievement.

Contrast with Nature:

Jesus compares Solomon's manufactured, ornate clothing to the effortless, God-given beauty of lilies (or wildflowers) to show that divine creation surpasses human effort.

Encouragement Against Worry: 

By proving that God clothes the grass of the field—which exists briefly—Jesus reassures his followers that God will certainly provide for their needs, reducing anxiety about clothes and food.

Superiority of Grace over Effort: 

Lilies do not "toil or spin" to gain their beauty, yet they are more splendorous than Solomon in his finest, making the point that God's care is superior to human striving. 

For Jesus' Jewish audience, King Solomon represented the absolute height of wealth, wisdom, and royal splendour. By using the most "glorious" human example possible, Jesus makes his point unarguable: if even Solomon's best was second-rate compared to a wildflower, then human striving is ultimately limited.

When you read this account regarding Solomon, do not miss the point of what Jesus was saying: "If this is how God clothes the vegetation of the field, will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith?"

The lesson for us today? 

Those who serve God can be sure that he will help them obtain the necessities even in difficult times. Jesus explained, in Luke 12:31, "Yet seek ye his kingdom, and these things shall be added unto you."

Most of us need to work to care for our own needs and those of our families. If we have faith, our lives will revolve around the Kingdom work that God has given us. At the same time, we will care for our family responsibilities.​—1 Timothy 5:8.

Especially during times of economic hardship, do Jesus' words bear close consideration. 

The person who becomes overanxious about his material needs and begins to slack off in spiritual pursuits is, in fact, demonstrating a lack of faith in God's ability to provide for His servants.

6 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report