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2 Chronicles Chapter 9 (ESV)
22 Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. 23 And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind. 24 Every one of them brought his present, articles of silver and of gold, garments, myrrh, spices, horses, and mules, so much year by year. 25 And Solomon had 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots, and 12,000 horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 26 And he ruled over all the kings from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. 27 And the king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stone, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the Shephelah. 28 And horses were imported for Solomon from Egypt and from all lands.
29 Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, from first to last, are they not written in the history of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer concerning Jeroboam the son of Nebat? 30 Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. 31 And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David his father, and Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.
REFLECTION:
- Israel was prosperous when Solomon was king. Solomon was rich and honorable throughout his life manifesting God’s care for his people and Solomon himself. God’s faithfulness and love are manifested in peaceful times but Christians will also face difficult periods. The perseverance and hope of Christians in difficult periods reflect our faith and obedience to God. Through difficulties, God can also mold our lives manifesting His love for us at a deeper level.
- As God’s people, we should know how to be in riches or in poverty; how to be in peace or in difficulties (Phil. 4:12). In any case, people should see our love for God through our lifestyle so that God will be glorified. Reflect whether your life is rich or poor? Peaceful or difficult? Could you lead a life glorifying God in any circumstances?
PRAYER:
Humbly come before the Lord and thank Him for all the smooth-going and difficulties. Thank Him for molding your life and providing all your needs. Commit to God that you are willing to stay close to Him and glorifying Him through any circumstances.
HYMN:
“God Is Good All The Time” – www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt-OouIx8Lk
