Day 79 – 1 Kings: The United Kingdom

“The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They were very contented, with plenty to eat and drink. Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River in the north to the land of the Philistines and the border of Egypt in the south.” 1 Kings 4:20-21 NLT

Reading: 1 Kings 1:1 to 1 Kings 11:43

David’s final instructions to Solomon were clear: firstly, uphold God’s Word and commands. But there was something else: David gave Solomon the names of the traders and rebels who had wronged him and might pose a threat to Solomon as King. In the second chapter, Solomon deals with Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei establishing his reign firmly over all Israel.

During this period Solomon ruled with wisdom received from the Lord, and the nation prospered. They had enough of everything and became a great nation in the Promised Land. Verse 20 reminds us of God’s promise to Abraham as we read about their comfort and well-being.

Solomon’s wisdom was known far and wide, and many came to stand in awe of it, including the Queen of Sheba. He wrote the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, imparting God’s wisdom to us today as well. Wisdom is a gift that can never be kept for oneself.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the books of wisdom You included in Your Word and that we can learn from it and implement it in our lives. Lord, I pray give us the wisdom to make moral decisions, choose wisely, and follow Your Word without wavering. Amen.