The Seventy Second*

I have a son of Love
My successor
If I have my way.
Perhaps Mother spoiled him.
Not sure.
But he looks me
Straight in the face.
As few advisors do.
May he host a
Kingdom of Equity
Compassion
Sharing of bounty
Justice for poor ones
Justice for oppressors
Or harsh masters.
Wisdom in planting crops.
In diplomacy
Ranking above the nations.
But he has taken
An Egyptian wife
Her idols are seen
Many places.
Will he be spared grief?
Confusion in direction?
God help him.
Fruit of my loins
And dear Bathsheba
With the best chance.

(*A good time now to read Psalm 72)

Solomon, the subject of wisdom in the Proverbs, becomes Solomon the subject of disillusionment in Ecclesiastes. Old Covenant men can only go so far. But then David’s lineage progresses to Jesus…