Someone said, “I asked God for strength that I might achieve. I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked for health that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity that I might do better things. I asked for riches that I might be happy. I was given poverty that I might be wise. I asked for power that I might have the praise of men. I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. I was given life that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am, among all men, most richly blessed.” Solomon learned that the love of money is a root of evil and longing for it leads to wandering away from the faith (1 Tim. 6:10).
After Solomon finished building the house of the Lord and the king’s house, the Lord appeared to him a second time saying He heard his prayer. If he walked in integrity of heart according to God’s commands, He would establish Solomon’s throne over Israel forever. If he or his sons turned from following Him to serve and worship other gods, then God would cut off Israel from the land He had given them. People would say, “Why has the Lord done thus to this land and to this house?” after seeing the house as a heap of ruins (1 Kings 9:1-9). Walk in integrity of heart according to God’s commands so you can rule in your kingdom sphere.
Solomon gave Hiram, king of Tyre, 20 cities in the land of Galilee because he provided cedar, cypress timber and gold. Hiram was not pleased after seeing the cities, but sent Solomon 120 talents of gold (1 Kings 9:10-14). Seeking financial gain unrighteously or selfishly is a bad witness to unbelievers.
Pharaoh, king of Egypt, captured Gezer and gave it to his daughter, Solomon’s wife. Solomon rebuilt Gezer, lower Beth-horon, Baalath, Tamar in Judah and all the storage cities for his chariots and horsemen. He levied forced laborers among the descendants of Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. Sons of Israel were men of war, servants, princes, captains, chariot commanders and horsemen (1 Kings 9:15-22). Not obeying God completely leads to believing that the end justifies the means.
Chief officers ruling over Solomon’s work numbered 550. He built the Millo after finished Pharaoh’s daughter’s house. Three times a year Solomon offered burnt and peace offerings on the altar burning incense. He built a fleet of ships and Hiram sent his servants who knew the sea along with Solomon’s servants. They brought 420 talents of gold from Ophir and brought it to Solomon (1 Kings 9:23-28). Great enterprise and industriousness can mask spiritual compromise in not following God’s word completely.
When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the Lord’s name, she came to test him with difficult questions. Solomon answered all her questions without hiding anything. She said his wisdom and prosperity exceeded the report she heard. She blessed the king because the Lord loved Israel forever to do justice and righteousness. She gave him 120 talents of gold along with large amounts of spices and precious stones (1 Kings 10:1-10). Great facilities, programs, organization and professionalism are not enough to bring people to Christ.
Hiram’s ships brought many almug trees and precious stones. Solomon used almug trees as supports for the house of the Lord and the king’s house along with lyres and harps for the singers (1 Kings 10:11-12). Great wealth can tempt people to use it for themselves.
Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire and according to his royal bounty. In one year, 666 talents of gold came to Solomon. He made 200 large shields of beaten gold using 600 shekels of gold on each one along with 300 shields of beaten gold using three minas of gold on each one. They were put in Solomon’s house. He made a great throne of ivory overlaid with refined gold. His drinking vessels were of gold. Once every three years the ships of Tarshish brought gold, silver, ivory, apes and peacocks (1 Kings 10:13-22). Having the image of a spiritual warrior instead of the substance can lead to trusting in greater wealth.
Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. All the earth was seeking the presence of Solomon to hear the wisdom God put in his heart. They brought every man his gift, articles of silver, gold, garments, weapons, spices, horses and mules year by year ( 1 Kings 10:23-25). Great wealth and talent means greater accountability and responsibility on how you share the wisdom God puts in your heart.
He stationed 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen in the chariot cities and in Jerusalem. Silver was as common as stones and cedars as plentiful as sycamore trees. He imported horses from Egypt and Kue for 150 shekels. He imported chariots from Egypt for 600 shekels of silver. He exported chariots and horses to all the kings of Hittites and Arameans (1 Kings 10:26-29). Clever rationalization can be a slippery slope leading to greater disobedience.
Looking at the underlined statements, how have you been led astray from the faith in longing for riches? Claim 1 Tim. 6:11-12: But flee from these things, you man of God; and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
