1 Kings 7:1-51


Besides the massive project of building the temple, Solomon also built a huge palace in which he lived and from which he governed.  He had the word forces already employed so it just made sense for him to continue pressing on with his construction projects.  This place was larger than the temple; almost twice as large, however there was much less gold and precious metals used in his palace as compared to the temple.  It is important to remember that the palace was not only his personal residence but also the center of the government for the entire nation.  This was a very impressive structure and demonstrates the extreme wealth that Solomon was able to amass.

SOLOMON DEDICATED MANY RESOURCES TO THIS PROJECT: It is mind boggling to consider the size of these projects that Solomon undertook and the resources that were necessary to complete them.  Solomon truly was blessed to have all of these resources at his disposal as well as the freedom with which he could concentrate on these projects.  David had spent so much time conquering the land and fighting so many wars all throughout his reign.  However, Solomon enjoyed peace within the kingdom and enjoyed peace from within as well.  This peace freed up many resources that were needed for these construction projects.  I feel it is significant to note that Solomon’s palace was almost twice as large as the temple and it took twice as long to complete.  In all twenty-one years were spent building these two projects which represents almost exactly half of his reign as king.  We must learn to be good stewards of all the resources that the Lord sees fit to provide.

SOLOMON DELEGATED MANY RESPONSIBILITIES TO HIS PEOPLE: Solomon could never have accomplished these projects without the constant and competent support of so many other people.  God granted special gifts and artistic abilities to several of the men to whom Solomon delegated many responsibilities.  Large projects require large staffs and Solomon was able to make wise use of the human resources that the Lord provided.  Good leaders will recognize the gifts of the people who are close to them and then delegate responsibilities according to those areas of giftedness.  It is foolish to try to accomplish big projects alone.  We must learn to identify the abilities of the people God places around us and then be willing to entrust them with important tasks so that the work to which the Lord has called us can move forward.  When the Lord allows us to have a job; we must seek to do that job with excellence. 

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