MAY 25 READINGS...2 Chronicles 8:1-18 & 1 Kings 9:15-10:13 & 2 Chronicles 9:1-12 & 1 Kings 10:14-29 & 2 Chronicles 9:13-28 & 2 Chronicles 14-17
Today's readings bring us to twenty plus years into Solomon's reign as king of Israel. The Lord has blessed Solomon in a great way...and truth be told, the first part of Solomon's reign was greater than the second part of his reign. Solomon is highly influenced by his many wives and concubines...as they brought their religious practices, mainly pagan, with them when they came to Israel. This is a great example of the fact that a house that is divided in their relationship with God, cannot stand. It was not the Solomon had to be involved in these cultural practices, but he clearly allowed the spirit of the age in which he lived to influence him, rather than the Spirit of God. This should be a great warning to us. We have one Lord, and we have one Spirit...we need to listen and obey Him, rather than the spirit of our age. We will see more of this in Solomon's reign in the coming days of reading.
What is said about Solomon here in the first half of his reign seems to be good, and at times, even glorious. As he responded to the Lord, and as the Lord blessed him, we some great things about Solomon and his kingship. We are told he was a great builder. He built not only the Temple, but his own palace and many towns and cities in the northern part of Israel. We are told of Solomon's great wisdom...so great that a person like the Queen of Sheba came to visit him just to hear and experience his wisdom. Solomon's early reign was one of great wealth being brought into his palace, and into the nation of Israel. Finally, we are told that Solomon had a great army. He raised and trained a mighty army, with 1400 chariots and 12000 horses. He strategically placed these troops throughout the nation of Israel. We see the hand of God's blessings upon Solomon and his reign...we see God keeping His promise to Solomon. Once again, it is sad that things did not stay that way for Solomon and for Israel.
Please share your thoughts from today's reading. I encourage you to keep your eyes on the Lord...keep your heart turned toward Him always. We desire to be a people who walk and experience the fullness of Holy Spirit in our lives.
TOMORROW'S READINGS...1 Kings 4:1-34 & Psalm 72 & 127
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