A Reflection on the Cost of Governance under Solomon's reign in the Context of the Quest for Sustainable Development in Nigeria
Loading...
Date
2019-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Nigerian Association for Biblical Studies
Abstract
This paper critically reflects on the cost of governance during the reign of King Solomon as recorded in the biblical narrative, drawing parallels with contemporary governance challenges in Nigeria, particularly in the context of sustainable development. Solomon’s administration, though marked by unprecedented prosperity and monumental achievements, was also characterized by heavy taxation, forced labor, and extravagant state expenditure that ultimately led to public discontent and the division of the kingdom. Using a socio-biblical and contextual hermeneutical approach, this study examines how the burdens of governance in Solomon's era mirror Nigeria’s contemporary struggles with high administrative costs, political patronage, and misallocation of resources. The paper argues that for Nigeria to attain sustainable development, there must be a deliberate effort to reduce the cost of governance, promote fiscal responsibility, and ensure that leadership is focused on equity, justice, and the welfare of the people. The study concludes by offering biblically informed policy suggestions that can guide current governance toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Fawenu, Bamidele Olusegun and Samuel Olusegun Kolade. “A Reflection on the Cost of Governance under Solomon’s Reign in the Context of the Quest for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.” In Biblical Studies and Sustainable Development in Africa. Edited by Adekunle O. Dada, Godwin N. Toryough et al. 263-272. Ibadan: The Nigerian Association for Biblical Studies, 2019..