Like David, the Chronicler idealizes Solomon. He omits his ruthless accession to the throne, his marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter, his love of foreign women with their foreign deities, and military troubles. He focuses on the preparation, construction, furniture, and vessels of the temple. This is the temple about which Jesus speaks when he reminds us that a single lily of the field exceeds Solomon and all his glory in building a temple, palace, military prowess. Have you ever looked at the details of a hibiscus in full bloom? Wow! Solomon prays for wisdom and knowledge. It is true that he was shrewd. But, was he really wise? Did his wisdom rise out of moral integrity or grow out of a conversation with the living God? God not only granted wisdom and knowledge, but riches, possessions, and honor. So when we pray for wisdom and knowledge, do we ever receive the booty? Riches, possessions, and honor? Even Jesus said to put the will of God first and all else will follow. Where was it for Jesus? And, what about me? Oh, maybe He was not talking to me, individually, but, us, corporately. If we all, as nations, put the will of God first, would any of us be without riches, possessions, and honor? Probably not.
Like David, the Chronicler idealizes Solomon. He omits his ruthless accession to the throne, his marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter, his love of foreign women with their foreign deities, and military troubles. He focuses on the preparation, construction, furniture, and vessels of the temple. This is the temple about which Jesus speaks when he reminds us that a single lily of the field exceeds Solomon and all his glory in building a temple, palace, military prowess. Have you ever looked at the details of a hibiscus in full bloom? Wow! Solomon prays for wisdom and knowledge. It is true that he was shrewd. But, was he really wise? Did his wisdom rise out of moral integrity or grow out of a conversation with the living God? God not only granted wisdom and knowledge, but riches, possessions, and honor. So when we pray for wisdom and knowledge, do we ever receive the booty? Riches, possessions, and honor? Even Jesus said to put the will of God first and all else will follow. Where was it for Jesus? And, what about me? Oh, maybe He was not talking to me, individually, but, us, corporately. If we all, as nations, put the will of God first, would any of us be without riches, possessions, and honor? Probably not.
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