Chapter 346 of 1163

2 Chronicles 1

2 Chronicles 1

2 CHRONICLES 1

The ruler. God “exalted him exceedingly” (v. 1). Solomon could strengthen his kingdom, but only God could exalt his name. If Solomon had tried to exalt himself, God would have disciplined him (1 Pet. 5:5).

The worshiper. Solomon’s hands were filled with sacrifices for the Lord; his ears were open to the word of the Lord; his heart was devoted to the service of the Lord. His great desire was to be capable of serving his people with wisdom, and God granted that desire. Have you asked God for wisdom (James 1:5)?

The trader. King Solomon had a flair for foreign trade. In spite of the admonition in Deuteronomy 17:16–17, he amassed silver and gold and multiplied horses. David had only 100 chariots (1 Chron. 18:4), but his son added 1,300 more. Trade brought wealth to the nation, but it may have been the beginning of Solomon’s downfall (1 Kings 11). Oliver Goldsmith wrote, “Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey,/Where wealth accumulates and men decay.”

↑ Back to top

↑