Applications from 1 Kings
The Story: 1 Kings 5:1-6a
To begin chapter 5 we are introduced to Hiram, king of Tyre. Hiram sends men to Solomon in what seems to be “congratulations” on becoming king. Also, they would have come with sympathy over David’s death. We are told Hiram loved David. Solomon sends word back to Hiram that he wishes to build a house for the name of his God and that he needs help.
Tact, 1 Kings 5:1-3
Solomon states that David could not build “for the wars which were about him on every side…” Is this the reason you remember reading? See 1 Chronicles 22:8. Two reasons are given here: David shed blood abundantly and made great wars. Why did Solomon “dress this up”?
Solomon was being tactful. Rather than saying, “Well, since my dad killed so many people and was always at war, God wouldn’t allow him to build the temple with his sinful bloody hands.” Solomon said, “Dad couldn’t build because he was always busy with war until God put them under his feet.” This was a very tactful way of communicating exactly and only the necessary information without dragging his deceased father’s name through the mud.
- a keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense; skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations.
- a keen sense of what is appropriate, tasteful, or aesthetically pleasing; taste; discrimination.
- touch or the sense of touch.
It is important, especially as God’s people, that we exhibit tact in every area of our lives.
Pastor Chanc Strickland
HARPETH BAPTIST CHURCH
1011 Butterworth Road
Kingston Springs, TN 37082