Evidence of Solomon’s Prosperity

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Vanity

Solomon’s material wealth is displayed in the next few verses. His annual income was 666 talents of gold (25 tons or 50,000 pounds) (v. 13). This excluded profits that were given to him by other merchants (v. 14). The source of this massive amount of wealth in gold and silver was both external (from all the kings of Arabia) and internal (governors in this land). With this gold he made 200 large shields, each containing 600 Bekas (7 ½ pounds) of gold, also 300 small shields ... each with half that amount of gold (vv. 15-16). Solomon built a huge ivory throne and overlaid it with pure gold (v. 17-20). Everything was in gold including Solomon’s drinking glasses and table ware. Every three years the king sent out merchant ships to acquire more wealth such as gold, ivory, and baboons (v. 21)! As his wealth increased, he became known as the wealthiest ruler of his day and visitors came to see this man of great wisdom and wealth.

Solomon was the richest and wisest king in the world (vv. 22-24). The promise was fulfilled, that God would give him riches and honor, such as no kings have had or shall have. The writer points out Solomon’s military strength (v. 25) and his political power (v. 26). His empire stretched from the Euphrates River to Egypt’s border. Solomon’s wealth increased even more, as visitors came and showered gifts on him. Much of Solomon’s wealth also came about through his trading expertise (vv. 9:27-28). 

Solomon reigned 40 years (971-931 B.C.) and then was succeeded by his son Rehoboam (vv. 30-31). Solomon was the wisest man on earth, able to write articles on wisdom, but he failed to live up to his own exhortations. He could rule a nation but could not rule his own heart. His multiplication of wives, his idolatry and disloyalty to God brought a sad ending to his reign.

Application

How am I using what the Lord has given to me? Am I investing in things just for show, as Solomon did, or in Heaven’s Bank? Am I sharing these things with others or keeping them to myself? One way I can do this is to provide hospitality for missionaries and others in our home.

II Chronicles 9:13-21 (English Standard Version)


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