Daily Devotional for Friday, March 14

The Warning and Projects of Solomon

“And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever,” 1 Kings 9:4, 5.

Around the world, as a new leader comes into power, he sets out to make his mark, if not history. Some fail to accomplish much or make many changes while others succeed in a national makeover. As Solomon’s power and wealth grew, he put the nation of Israel on the map.

Solomon completed the Lord’s house, his own house, and all “he was pleased to do” (1 Kings 9:1). Afterward, the Lord visited him in a second dream. God heard Solomon’s prayer, and He consecrated His new house, putting His name, His heart and His eyes there. God put His stamp of approval on the building, but it was contingent upon Solomon’s faithfulness. The Lord made a covenant with David that would not end—his kingdom would last forever. However, there were severe consequences for the whole nation if Solomon and the Israelites strayed from the Lord and served and worshiped other gods. They would be driven from the land, the Temple would be stripped of the Lord’s name, and shame would envelop them all. This was their reminder that “the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God,” (Exodus 34:14).

Solomon’s first twenty years were busy, but he was just getting started. He continued and built the Millo, Jerusalem’s wall, the northern cities of Hazor, Megiddo and Gezer along the international highway. Gezer was Pharaoh’s strategic wedding gift. It guarded the road to Jerusalem from the west. Solomon also fortified nearby Beth-horon, Baalath and Tadmor in the southern wilderness. He built cities for supplies, his chariots and his horsemen and anything else he wanted throughout his kingdom. Under Solomon, Israel experienced her golden age.

THOUGHT

Honoring God builds a lasting legacy.

Kelli Reynolds