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Kings chapter 4 reminds me of a political advertisement. I can
picture everyone smiling and waving flags with the slogan of ‘peace
and prosperity’ running across the screen. We read of wealth,
wisdom and fame, but not
one mention of thanks to God.
There is certainly no sin in achievement and prosperity, but clearly
with great wealth comes the temptation to trust in our own resources
rather than God to provide our daily bread. As we read the chapter,
we get the sense that Solomon’s confidence was in himself.
The chapter begins, “So
King Solomon was king over all Israel“.
Solomon’s entire administration is named, along with their title
and responsibility. Solomon created a system of regional governors
in order to delegate the responsibility of local rule and collect
taxes to support the national branch; a system in use today by most
governments. “Solomon
had twelve governors over all Israel, who provided food for the king
and his household; each one made provision for one month of the
year“.
The
nation prospered in every way, “Judah
and Israel were
as numerous as the sand by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking
and rejoicing… he had peace on every side all around him. And
Judah and Israel dwelt safely, each man under his vine and his fig
tree“.
The chapter continues, “Solomon
had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve
thousand horsemen… There was no lack in their supply“.
Knowing mankind’s inclination to trust in our possessions, God
decreed rules for all kings to follow before the first king was
established. Deuteronomy chapter 17 states: “the
king must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the
people return to Egypt… he must not take many wives, or his heart
will be lead astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver
and gold… he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of the law…
it is to be with him and he is to read from it all the days of his
life so he may learn from it and revere the Lord… and not consider
himself better than his brothers and turn from the law“.
It seems that reading God’s Word daily provides a counter balance
to self-centered arrogance.
“And
God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and
largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore… For he was wiser
than all men… and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. He
spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs were one thousand and
five“.
Isn’t it interesting that the book of Proverbs (A book of
“instruction
of wisdom, justice and judgment“)
was written by Solomon, yet Psalms (A book of PRAISE) is written
almost entirely by King David. The chapter ends, “And
men of all nations, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of
his wisdom, came to hear the wisdom of Solomon“.
The wisdom of man, even Solomon, is paltry compared to the wisdom of
God. Solomon never developed the same level of intimacy with God
that his father David had. Praise requires humility. Listen to the
words of David, “Oh,
that men
would give thanks to the Lord for
His goodness, And for
His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the
sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing“.
(Psalm 107:21) Does God seem distant? Perhaps you need to
acknowledge Him with praise.
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