열왕기상 8:60의 인용 해설

On the surface, it appears to be the fulfillment of Shlomo HaMelech’s dream and the high watermark of his reign. The visit of Malkat Sheva (Melachim I 10) fulfills Shlomo HaMelech’s ultimate dream and goal that (Melachim I 8:60) “all the nations recognize Hashem is the true God and there is none other than He.” Indeed, Malkat Sheva (Melachim I 10:9) blesses “Hashem your God,” who made Shlomo king to spread justice and righteousness.

This is a most appropriate self-definition, as is clear from the teachings of Chazal, that one should strive to be a partner of Hashem (see, for example, Shabbat 10a). A partner of Hashem does not merely wish to obey His laws, but fully internalizes and shares Hashem’s goals and objectives. Shlomo HaMelech, as a partner of Hashem, wishes to achieve worldwide recognition of Hashem, as he famously expresses in Melachim I 8:60: “LeMa’an Da’at Kol Amei Ha’Aretz Ki Hashem Hu HaElokim, Ein Od,” “that all the peoples of the earth may know that Hashem alone is God, there is no other.”

However, we must never lose sight of the fact that Shlomo HaMelech’s intentions are pure. His stated goal, which animates all his actions, is (Melachim I 8:60) for all of the nations of the world to recognize Hashem as the true God and that there is none other than He. While Shlomo HaMelech certainly errs in certain matters, his heart is always in the right place. He is the only king who is described as loving Hashem, and indeed, his love for Hashem is unparalleled.