by David Chadwick
Today’s hidden hero is the last one we will look at before wrapping up with two final bad guys of the Bible.
King Lemuel. Mentioned as the author of Proverbs 31, a chapter primarily focused on advice that was given to him by his mother. Under the supervision and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, this chapter is a significant part of God’s Word (2 Peter 1:21).
We don’t know very much about King Lemuel. His name means “for God” or “devoted to God” and it certainly seems that the meaning of his name accurately describes his character.
Some commentators think Lemuel was actually King Solomon, which means his mom would have been Bathsheba, and he was desiring to write down her teachings to him. Others believe he could have been the wise and good King Hezekiah, one of the best kings of Israel, thus making this chapter a reflection of his mom’s instructions to him. Still others believe Lemuel could have been a fictional character made up by Solomon as a depiction of the ideal king and queen mother.
Regardless of who King Lemuel really was, the truths of this chapter reflect wonderful and godly wisdom from a mother to her son. It also shows a great depiction of the power of a godly woman in a child’s life. A strong and God-fearing mother leaves an eternal imprint on her child.
My favorite verse is Proverbs 31:30, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” She was a gracious woman, who excelled in homemaking, thrived in business, was a wonderful wife, and raised her kids with purpose. When she walked into a room, her husband and kids praised her with a standing ovation.
Whoever King Lemuel was, he wanted husbands and kids to make sure they modeled a deep honor for mothers.
Today, during Jewish shabbat, the husband of the home reads Proverbs 31 to his wife and family. They applaud her and honor her. The sayings of King Lemuel are still being recited today.
The next time you and your family are enjoying a Sabbath day off, take some time to honor the mother of the home, blessing her and encouraging her. What woman wouldn’t want to be a part of this kind of home and family!
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