Read 2 Chronicles 9:13-31
I admit I got caught up in the details of this reading. I can’t fathom that many horses and that much gold! To say Solomon was a wealthy king is a definite understatement. After all, the LORD promised him wealth in addition to the wisdom Solomon had asked for. God always keeps his promises.
Perhaps I am amazed because I live in a developing nation and witness poverty every day, not elaborate palaces. I see how people live simply and contentedly. God has miraculously taken away any desire or expectation for extravagant wealth my heart may have ever had, too. Just perfect for a couple of missionaries situated in Mexico!
There’s no denying Solomon’s court was magnificent. We read of the lion theme he used to decorate his palace. How fitting because the lion is a symbol for the house of Judah, and David’s royal line descends from Judah. Historically, Judah was blessed by his dying father, Jacob, in Genesis 49:9 as follows: “Judah, my son, is a young lion that has finished eating its prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness—who dares to rouse him?”
Solomon will be the last king to rule over “all of Israel.” The Chronicler has chosen not to tarnish Solomon’s reputation by talking about the split between the northern and southern kingdoms we read about in parallel texts about Solomon in 1 Kings. Surprising that for all the grandeur of his kingdom, Solomon’s death was recorded here so matter-of-factly.
What’s the message for us in today’s reading? I can understand why the Chronicler focused on Solomon’s wealth and wisdom because that affirms God’s promise. The account of Solomon’s reign in 1 Kings would paint an entirely different picture of this man. But let’s also focus on God’s promises.
We are living in a time of expectation waiting for Jesus to return. That is surely the biggest promise I am waiting for God to fulfill. Here are a couple of other promises we can cling to today.
We are not alone. Isaiah 41:10: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
We are forgiven. 1 John 1:9: “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.“
We are loved. Romans 5:8: “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Let’s pray. Lord, your ways are always perfect, if only your people would listen. Thank you for the fulfilled promises we see in our reading today. Your Word is full of them if I can just allow my heart to listen. Thank you for how you provide for me and walk with me each day. I’d feel lost if you weren’t in my life. Continue to guide my path. I look forward to each new encounter with you and those who are looking for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
