Jun 16 (1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8) We read how much Solomon was blessed by God. An example is given of how Hiram was not pleased with Solomon’s gift of twenty cities in Galilee. He asked: “What are these cities which you have given me, my brother?” Even so, we read next: “And Hiram sent to the king 120 talents of gold” (1 Kgs. 9:11-14)! What would he have sent had he been pleased with the cities?
God explained to Solomon that His relationship with him and with Israel was reciprocal. He said to Solomon, in effect: “I have blessed your house, and I will continue doing so as long as “you walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and honesty, acting in accordance with everything that I have commanded you.” But He told Solomon, if you do not walk in this way, and if “you go and serve other gods and worship them … this house will become a heap of ruins.” (1 Kgs. 9:4-8). We must remember always that God blesses us so that we will be a blessing to others. When we walk with Him, we can invite others to walk with us!
Solomon had already made compromises. He had to build a special home for his wife, the daughter of Pharoah. He explained it: “My wife shall not live in the house of David king of Israel, because the places where the ark of the LORD has entered are holy” (2 Ch. 8:11). His own wife could not enter places where the ark had been, because she did not share his faith. We will read that eventually, “his wives turned his heart away” (1 Kgs. 11:3). Solomon would have done well to heed Joshua: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15). (299)
– Al Gary
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