June 16: 1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 8

June 16, 1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 8

1 Kings 9 is the beginning aftermath of the completion of the Temple. Right when Solomon was done, God appeared to Solomon as second time (1st time was back in chapter 3). This time God promises to prosper him, be with them and abide with them forever - if he walks in God’s ways, like David. Obeying. But if Solomon turns aside, him or his kids, and doesn't walk in God’s ways and obey (serve other gods), then they will be cut off and cast out. They must abandon the gods that will pull them away (this will be difficult for them to do, especially since Solomon married the Pharaoh’s daughter and built her a palace full of her gods). You will start to notice a trend over the next 10 chapters or so… that being of mentions of luxury, gold, and the like. Solomon obviously desires things of luxury, and that typically doesn't jive with being a defendant follower of Yahweh. At the end of twenty years, Solomon ‘gave’ 20 cities to Hiram (the king who provided him with cedar and some labor). 

Then we are lead into a litany of where King Solomon got all his labor. Long story short - from Non-Israelites who were living in Israel. Most of which came from be conquered kingdoms previously, now managed and owned by Israel. Solomon did not have any Israelites be the slaves. The Israelites were his soldiers, commanders, captains and chariot commanders. 

Then there is mention of one of Solomon’s wives, Pharaohs daughter, that got her own house, then he built the Millo, or defense complex. We also learn that Solomon used to do burnt offerings on the altar that he built for the Lord. 

King Solomon built a fleet of ships that he used to transport items and gold.

2 Chronicles 8 The Chronicler does not vary much from 1 Kings 9, except for a couple of items. First, the Chronicler explains that Hiram’s land was more of a campaign to get, than Solomon just ‘giving‘ them to Hiram. Then he explains that there was a lot more sacrifices done than just 3 a year. He mentions that all the feasts and sacrifices were kept. Other than that, the Chroniclers historical review was pretty much the same…

To sum it all up:

• Don’t get me wrong, nice things are not sinful in and of themselves. But, if you desire luxury, typically you wont desire God. Your heart will follow after the nicer and temporal things, if you are not dying to self. Be careful what you desire. Is God what you desire most, if you were totally honest with yourself?