2 Chronicles 1-4

May 10

2 Chronicles 1-4

God chose Solomon to follow David as king over Israel. Solomon began his reign doing what was right. When God met Solomon He said; “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (2 Chronicles 1:7, NIV) Solomon did not ask for riches, or power, or territory, he asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern God’s people. God gave him wisdom, but also gave him riches and honor. Unfortunately the riches were more than Solomon could handle.

God had warned the Israelites before they even had a king; "The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the Lord has told you, “You are not to go back that way again.” He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold." (Deuteronomy 17:16-17, NIV) Solomon acquired ha great number of horses, he imported horses from Egypt, he took many wives, and his heart was led astray.

God does not set boundaries for us to keep us from enjoying the finer things in life. He sets them to make it so we can enjoy the finer things and do not get fooled by counterfeits. Solomon had wisdom and knowledge for governing God’s people, but did not do as good a job of managing his desires, his family, or even his faith.

Solomon did some good things for God, but his potential was to do so much more. Solomon acquired riches, honor, horses, and wives, but in the book of Ecclesiastes we discover that he found none of these things brought him true happiness or contentment.  When God warns us it is not as a tyrant trying to control us, it is as a loving Father wanting what is best for us.

"Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me." (John 14:23-24, NIV) If we want to live our lives to the fullest, we will walk in obedience to our loving Father and He will bless us.