The Lord gives Solomon wisdom

2 Chronicles Chapter One

The chonicler of this chapter, whom it is assumed is Ezra, writes to bring the people back to God by reminding them of their past. Only by following God would they prosper. As you read you will see the tragic results of idolatry. Learn the lessons of the past: Determine to get rid of idols in your life and to worship God alone.

God gave Solomon the wisdom he requested and he launched into great building projects including the Temple. Solomon took firm control of the kingdom for the Lord was with him and made him powerful. Solomon led the people to the hill at Gibeon where the Tabernacle was located. David had already moved the Ark of God to a special tent he had prepared for it in Jerusalem. But the bronze altar made by Bezalel son of Uri, and grandson of Hur, was still in Gibeon. So Solomon and the people gathered there and sacrificed a thousand burnt offerings in it.

That night God appeared to Solomon and said, "What do you want? Ask and I will give it to you."

Solomon said he knew the Lord had been faithful and kind to David and now he asked for wisdom and knowledge to rule the people properly. And God told him that because he did not ask for personal wealth or a long life, he would give him what he requested. And God also promised riches, wealth and honor.

Solomon built a huge military force which included fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses. During his reign, silver and gold were as plentiful in Jerusalem as stones. And valuabe cedarwood was as common as the sycamore wood that grew in Judah.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: First Chronicles focused mainly on David's life. This chapter focuses on the lives of the rest of the kings in Judah the southernmost kingdom. Little is mentioned about Israel the northern kingdom, because this chapter was written for Judeans who had returned from captivity in Babylon and also because Judah represented David's family from which the Messiah would come.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? What would you ask for if God said you could have anything you wanted? Hopefully you would put the need of others first, as Solomon did.

Jesus also spoke of priorities and said that when we put GOD first, everything we really need will be given to us as well (Matthew 6:33). This does not mean we will be necessarily rich or famous, but it means if we put God first, the wisdom he gives us will enable us to have rewarding lives. When we have a purpose for living and learn to be content, we have greater wealth than we could ever imagine!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
Update on my niece Suzanne, she is healing but her leg was crushed and will take many months of doctoring. She is in a nursing home for rehab care. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.