David had a heart for God and was a good king. He wasn't perfect, but his kingdom grew. When David died, his son, Solomon became king. Solomon started off as a good king with a focus on God. He wanted to be wise and lead God's people well. 

At first Solomon followed God, but eventually, he became distracted. The kings around him worshipped fake gods, and Solomon began doing that too.

Solomon knew God, had wisdom from God, and even built a beautiful temple for God, but he didn't always put God first. Solomon didn't give God his whole heart.He was a sinner, and was messy.

Deuteronomy 6:5 says: 

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and with all your might."

Solomon didn't love and obey God perfectly, and we can't either.

Only Jesus can do that! Jesus was different from every other king. He was perfectly wise, he always obeyed God, and he never sinned. He was perfect! 

Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for our sins, and then he rose from the dead! Jesus conquered sin and death. When we trust Jesus and follow him, he forgives us and brings us back to God. God is worthy of our whole heart.

Even though Solomon was messy and didn't always follow God, God was still faithful with his promise and was the next generation in the family of Jesus. Solomon is a far-off great grandfather to Jesus.

Lamentations helps us remember how good God's faithfulness is to us.

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23