When the Lord appeared to Solomon, he gave him some choices. Do it God's way, and be blessed, or do it your own way and be ridiculed. "Walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness, and I will establish your royal throne forever." (1 Kings 9:4) "But if you turn away from me, then I will cut you off, and all who pass by will be appalled." (1 Kings 9:6 & 8) Verses 8 & 9 give the Why and Because. People would ask Why the LORD had done such a thing to Israel, and people would answer Because they have forsaken the LORD their God. 2 Chronicles 7:14 is a verse I hear quoted often, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Okay, this next comment won't be very spiritual. Did you notice what Pharoah king of Egypt gave his daughter for a wedding gift in 1 Kings 9:16? Thanks a lot, daddy.
1 Kings 10 and 2 Chronicles 9 tells the story of the queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon. Solomon answered all her questions, and she was overwhelmed by his hospitality. She said Solomon far exceeded her expectations. And I would think it would be difficult to impress a queen. The climax of the story is when the queen of Sheba says, "How happy your men must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! Praise be to the LORD you God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness." Did you catch that? Because God loved Israel, he gave them a good and wise king. Dear Jesus, please give our nation good and wise leaders. Help us to pray and seek your face. Please forgive our sin and heal our land.
The queen brought gifts to Solomon, but then he gave her even more than she had brought to him. (2 Chron. 9:12) The remainder of the chapter describes the wealth of Solomon. He was greater in riches and wisdom than all other kings, and the whole world sought audience with him to hear God's wisdom. (1 Kings 10:23-24) Of all the kings in history, Israel's King Solomon is one of the most famous of all time.
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