Bible Commentaries

After all the careful preparations for building the Temple which we considered in our survey of the previous Book, we now come to the period in which Solomon entered into full possession of his kingdom and took up the great work entrusted to him. He commenced by gathering his people with him at a sacred act of worship. There God met with him in a special vision at night, and tested him by commanding him to ask of Him what he desired. The condition of his heart was clearly manifest in that he sought for the wisdom necessary to accomplish his work in the best possible way. His request showed a sense of responsibility, and also his realization that he could fulfil that responsibility only as he was divinely guided.

God's answer was a beautiful instance of the overflowing love and grace of the divine heart. All the things Solomon set aside for the sake of wisdom also were given him. It is impossible to read this story without the words, "Greater than Solomon," being recalled to the mind, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." So far as Solomon was concerned, it was a fine beginning.

In the closing verses of the chapter we see on the divine side the fulfillment of the promise of material prosperity. These were the days of Israel's greatest glory in this respect. The language of the chronicler is pictorial and forceful. Gold and silver were as common as stones; and the precious cedar timber was as plenteous as the commoner sycamore. There was nothing wrong in all this, but it created a very subtle peril. Prosperity is always a more insidious danger to men of faith than adversity. It is more than likely that the glamor of such affluence was already working evil in the king's heart, as he multiplied his horses and chariots by traffic with Egypt. Commerce with Egypt is always dangerous to the people of God, and it is a very easy stage from the purchase of horses to the procuring of a wife.