Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.
2 Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges, and to all the leaders in all Israel, the heads of fathers' houses. 3 And Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon, for the tent of meeting of God, which Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness, was there. 4 (But David had brought up the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the place that David had prepared for it, for he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem.) 5 Moreover, the bronze altar that Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, had made, was there before the tabernacle of the Lord. And Solomon and the assembly sought it out. 6 And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the Lord, which was at the tent of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it. Solomon Prays for Wisdom7 In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.” 8 And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. 9 O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” 11 God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” 13 So Solomon came from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem. And he reigned over Israel. Solomon Given Wealth14 Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen. He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 15 And the king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stone, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the Shephelah. 16 And Solomon's import of horses was from Egypt and Kue, and the king's traders would buy them from Kue for a price. 17 They imported a chariot from Egypt for 600 shekels of silver, and a horse for 150. Likewise through them these were exported to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria. Meditation I was with a friend who was asked to name a super hero power he would want to have. He said, “Wisdom. If I could have any super hero power, I want wisdom.” Really, more than being able to swim under water with no limit (Aqua man), fly (Superman), kick butt and save the day (Wonder Woman), or be a wealthy hero who saves the city while living in luxury (Batman)? Solomon was establishing his kingdom, succeeding his father David (1). God was with Solomon and Solomon was seeking God (2-6). In a remarkable theophany, God appeared to Solomon and asked the new king what he desired. God’s grace and accommodation is astounding. Solomon sees his vast call (7-9) and asks for “wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before the people” (10). Solomon desires to keep his duty of walking in God’s ways (1 Kings 3:6, 14) and delighting in God’s direction more than gaining wealth, power, and influence. King Jesus desires to gift those who seek to follow him, directing thier domain for God’s glory. Jesus teaches disciples to “ask and it will be given to you… your Father in Heaven gives good things to His children” (Matthew 7:7, 11). Jesus’ invitation is in the context of the sermon on the Mount with the command to “seek first the Kingdom of God and everything else will be added” (Mat 6:33). Seeking wisdom is seeking the Kingdom, a gift Jesus is eager to give. Richly Dwelling -Jesus asks you to ask anything from the Father- what is your request? -Why is it significant to seek first the King and His Kingdom in responding to this invitation? -Where would wisdom make a difference in your life and leadership? Have you asked for wisdom today? Are you seeking to walk in God’s ways? He is eagerly awaiting your request. Your loving heavenly Father wants to gift you with wisdom. Key Verse 10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” Comments are closed.
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AuthorPastor Mitchell celebrates twenty-five years of marriage with Lisa and together they have four adventurous children. |