1 Kings 9:1-28


The beginning of Solomon’s reign was marked by his massive construction projects.  He spent twenty years building these two structures.  However, when he completed the temple God appears to him and expresses His delight in what Solomon had done and how he had done it.  This affirmation from the Lord must have been a great encouragement to Solomon, however God sends him a clear promise and warning as well that should have been a great motivation for Solomon and his children to remain faithful to the Lord.  We are also given some insight into the supply of materials for these works as well as the supply of workers to complete the task.  When we undertake any project we should always seek the Lord’s approval and the assistance of others.  We must not fall into the trap of independence were we ignore God’s desires and try to do everything alone.

SOLOMON RECEIVED THE APPROVAL OF GOD: When God appears to Solomon He commends Solomon for the building of the temple.  God delights in the excellent workmanship of His children and we should always strive to do all that we do with excellence and beauty for the glory of God.  However, God made it very clear that impressive buildings did not guarantee God’s continued blessing on Solomon and the children of Israel.  God is far more interested in our obedience and worship than He is in our structures and workmanship.  God promised to bless Solomon greatly as long as he lived in obedience to the Lord and did not worship other gods.  However, God also promised that if Solomon or his descendants turned from Him to worship strange gods and rebelled against the command of the Lord; He would destroy this temple, the land and many of the people.  We must never become comfortable because of our past accomplishments.  God demands and deserves our constant obedience. 

SOLOMON RECEIVED THE ASSISTANCE OF OTHERS: Hiram had been a great partner in the building projects that Solomon undertook.  As a gesture of thanks, Solomon gave him twenty foreign cities that were under Israel’s control.  However, Hiram did not seem to like these cities.  We are not told what the result of this was, but it is obvious that Solomon had an important partner in this work and that he appreciated him.  I don’t think that Solomon intended to offend Hiram through his gift.  Unfortunately, relationships can be strained through these types of misunderstandings.  There were countless other workers who were from other nations that were slaves who were made to work on these projects but the children of Israel were hired for this work and for the most part had administrative, leadership or creative positions in the projects.  We must recognize the need to put the right people in the right places as we try to accomplish projects.  In all between the gold that Hiram gave and the gold that Solomon gathered with his ships; there were about 40,000 pounds of gold used in this construction project.  The Lord never lacks the resources that are necessary to do the work to which He has called us.  God has all the money and men that are needed to do His work; the question is if these men will submit to Him.  

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