April 3, 2025 - 1 Kings 9-11

In these Chapters Solomon starts on a very high note with the Queen of Sheba coming to visit Solomon. Sadly, Solomon’s reign slowly begins to decline. God had laid out what a godly king of Israel should and should not do in Deuteronomy 17:16-18. A King was not to acquire large amounts of Wealth. A king was not to acquire many horses especially from Egypt. And a King was not to have many wives. What a king was supposed to do was study the scriptures so that He would be able to follow and obey the commands of the Lord. I think you can guess where this is going for Solomon. Every year Solomon Gained 666 talents of Gold (about 25 tons that’s 12 ½ Mini vans of Pure Gold). Additionally, he stockpiled horses and want to know where he got them from? Egypt! And the thing that Solomon is known for sometimes more than his wisdom was his many, many, many wives. 1000 women in all. Instead of studying God’s word he turned to other gods and began worshiping them. Solomon Thought that with all of his wisdom that God’s Commands and warnings did not apply to him. We should be wary of ourselves if we think ourselves very mature and wise that we neglect God’s clear commands and warnings that he has given in his word. Instead of Solomon neglecting his God’s word. May we be like the psalmist who delights in God's word: “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they then gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:7-11 ESV)