April 17, 2021: Day 42 – II Chronicles 9

We find ourselves at the end of the reign of Solomon.  The entire chapter is a description of the amassing of wealth that takes place as a direct result of the wisdom of Solomon.  It being with the queen of Sheba being overwhelmed not only by his wisdom but by the way he treats his servants and those who wait on him.  They were dressed as nicely as any other person.  Solomon treated his subjects with the type of respect that was normally reserved for royalty.  This is a key to understanding our approach to life as believers in Jesus Christ.  We are to treat everyone as if they are children of God, simply because they are.  This means not just those who have means, but even those on the very bottom of the totem pole in our society.  What an approach to live by!

As a result of Solomon’s wisdom all of the surrounding rulers came to his presence and sought out advice.  They would bring gifts with them and so as a result his wealth would increase.  For 40 years Solomon ruled and during all of this time the borders of Israel increased as did the wealth of the ruler and of the nation.  We find Rehoboam succeeds him.  We can’t expect the loyalty to God to last forever, unlike the everlasting love of God.