Chapter 289 of 1163

1 KINGS 4

Samuel’s dire prediction came true (1 Sam. 8:10–18), for Solomon did a great deal of “taking.” He divided the nation into twelve districts, each with a governor, and required each district to supply provisions for the royal household once a year. When you read the daily menu, you can see how difficult meeting those requirements must have been for the people (1 Kings 12:4).

Verse 20 describes a prosperous people but not a spiritual people. Peace and prosperity do not always breed nobility of character, and rejoicing without responsibility is the way to ruin. As for Solomon’s horses, read Deuteronomy 17:17.

Jesus Christ is “greater than Solomon” (Matt. 12:42) in wisdom (Col. 2:3), wealth (Col. 1:19; 2:9), and the bounty He shares with His people (Eph. 3:20–21). He does not promise you a life of “eat, drink, and be merry” (v. 20), but He does promise to meet all your needs (Phil. 4:19) and never forsake you (Matt. 28:19–20; Heb. 13:5). One day you shall share His heavenly home and live with Him forever (John 14:1–6)!

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