The LORD appeared a second time to Solomon:
“As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’" (1 Kings 9:4–5) Solomon was only about 20 years old when he ascended the throne. He asked God for wisdom and God was pleased to grant it. The LORD desired to bless Israel with peace and prosperity, and to bless the world through his people Israel. But of course just as there are consequences to good actions, there are consequences to evil actions. “But if you or your descendants turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples." (1 Kings 9:6–7) Much of the rest of the book of 1 & 2 Kings is the sad story the decline of Israel because of the failure of her kings, Solomon included. There are a few good kings who have a heart for God, and for a time and to a degree they stem the tide. But Solomon squanders the wisdom given him, and Israel must wait a different savior. It won’t be Solomon, but one of his descendants. Comments are closed.
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Pastor MarkPastor Mark loves his wife and grown children, the Word of God, and words. And coffee, chocolate chip cookies, Apple products, small video projects, and the New England Patriots. Archives
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