Now Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt; they brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. (Verse 21)
Message: The Glory of Solomon
Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah.
What the Lord is Saying: Solomon is now king. The temple is in process of being built and he has begun to marry, but not correctly, instead choosing women from Egypt, intermarrying. He prays and asks God for justice, that he would have discernment of what is right and wrong. This is what he wants and God is pleased that he isn't asking for riches or defeats of enemies, though that will be provided. Thus, his reign will be focused on peace and justice.
Chapter 4 begins with a list of those that were his officials.
- Azariah, identified as the son of Zadok, serves as a priest during Solomon's reign. The priesthood was a vital institution in Israel, responsible for religious duties and maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people.
- Elihoreph and Ahijah are mentioned as secretaries, responsible for recording royal decrees, managing correspondence, written communication, and maintaining official records.
- Jehoshaphat, son of Ahilud, served as the recorder responsible for chronicling events, maintaining historical records, and possibly advising the king on matters of state.
- Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, commander of the army, known for his loyalty and bravery, having previously served under King David.
- Zadok and Abiathar served as priests during the early part of Solomon's reign. Zadok present during the early struggle with Adonijah while Abiathar would be removed from the priesthood.
- Azariah in charge of governors. A high level of authority, overseeing regional officials who managed various districts of Israel.
- Zabud, also a son of Nathan, held dual roles as both a priest and an adviser to King Solomon.
- Ahishar in charge of the palace, maintaining order and efficiency in the king's household and administrative affairs.
- Adoniram, also known as Adoram, was responsible for overseeing the forced labor, such as building projetcts, including the construction of the Temple and his own palace.
- 12 governors each assuming his duties for one month. Provides food for family, servants and officials.
- Ben-hur
- Ben-deker
- Ben-hesed
- Ben-abinadab and Taphath, being a daughter of Solomon
- Baana son of Ahilud
- Ben-geber
- Ahinadab son of Iddo
- Ahimaaz in Naphtali, married Basemath, a daughter of Solomon
- Baana son of Hushai
- Jehoshaphat son of Paruah
- Shimei son of Ela
- Geber son of Uri
The people were numerous "as the sand that is on the seashore." There was an abundance of prosperity during Solomon's reign with verse 22-28 listing all that his kingdom provided regularly. However, one item that mentioned he had an abundance of was horses (verse 26 - "Solomon had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots, and 12,000 horsemen") and yet there was a provision in the law from Deuteronomy 17:16 that forbade this ("Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.’") Thus, not everything Solomon did in acquiring everything was good and correct.
But more than this he was respected for his wisdom and people came from all over to experience it.
Summary: Solomon establishes his leaders and all of his provisions.
Promise: All of our lives -- all parts -- are meant to glorify God.
Prayer: Father, you are holy and good. And you want all of my life to be surrendered to you in all of its parts. Lord, I submit my life and surrender to You. Thank you for the life of Solomon and using him to give us so much wisdom. He wasn't perfect but you still used him. Remind me that no one is perfect but there is still value in people.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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