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CHAPTER 4 (ESV)
24 For he had dominion over all the region west of the Euphrates from Tiphsah to Gaza, over all the kings west of the Euphrates. And he had peace on all sides around him. 25 And Judah and Israel lived in safety, from Dan even to Beersheba, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, all the days of Solomon. 26 Solomon also had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots, and 12,000 horsemen. 27 And those officers supplied provisions for King Solomon, and for all who came to King Solomon’s table, each one in his month. They let nothing be lacking. 28 Barley also and straw for the horses and swift steeds they brought to the place where it was required, each according to his duty.
29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, 30 so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. 32 He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005. 33 He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles, and of fish. 34 And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.
REFLECTION
- God indeed has blessed Solomon to expand his territory (v23), and his wealth and military power (26, 29), and peace and prosperity (24-25). His wisdom was great that resulted in many outstanding achievements and benefited those inquired of him.
- God’s promise to Solomon was similar to what John prayed for his friend Gaius, “I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” (3 John 2) Isn’t this what we prayed for others, too?
- What benefits and blessings has God given me in my life? How do I develop and use them in order to bring blessings to others?
PRAYER
Lord, how great is Your will and blessing for me. May You help me to recognize the many blessings that I’ve received from You. Help me to live my life for You.
May You be glorified through my life and through my service to others.
