Seek Him first
2 Chronicles begins with Solomon being firmly established over his kingdom because “the LORD his God was with him and exalted him exceedingly” (v1). At the start of this great responsibility of governing Israel, what did Solomon see as his priority?
Solomon gathered the leaders of Israel and went to Gibeon, where the tabernacle and bronze altar were (v3-5). There, he sought the LORD and offered a thousand burnt offerings before Him (v6)! The extent of his offering shows how seriously Solomon regarded the worship of God and his desire to seek Him at the start of his reign.
What about us? When we begin a new responsibility or enter a new season of life, is seeking God our priority? Furthermore, Solomon’s life reflected that the LORD was with him (v1). Can the same be seen in our lives? Do the way we live and the choices we make show that we are constantly seeking God’s presence and guidance?
Ask rightly
That night, God appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” (v7).
Before making his request, Solomon remembered God’s faithfulness to his father, David, and to himself. He asked God to fulfil His will concerning the kingdom, and then asked for wisdom and knowledge to lead the people (v8-10). He knew that governing such a great people was beyond his own ability and that he needed wisdom from God.
God was pleased because Solomon had not asked for riches, honour, long life, or the death of his enemies. Instead, he asked for what would help him fulfil the work God had given him (v11-12).
There are many things we ask God for as well. We may pray for wisdom, success in our studies and careers, or for things in life to go smoothly. But why do we ask for them? Do we want wisdom simply so that we can succeed and have an easier life? Or do we want wisdom so that we can understand God’s will and be faithful in what He has given us to do?
Guard your heart
The chapter concludes with Solomon accumulating great wealth and military power, including chariots, horses, silver, and gold (v14-17). This showed the abundance God had promised him, but these were also areas that would later contribute to his spiritual downfall.
God had warned Israel’s kings not to multiply horses, wives, silver, or gold for themselves (Deuteronomy 17:16-17). Yet Solomon gradually accumulated these things, causing him to slowly compromise and subsequently disobey God. He married many foreign women and accommodated their worship of false gods, and they eventually turned his heart away from the LORD (1 Kings 11:1-8). We often recognise our need for God when we lack something. However, as we become more capable or successful, will we still be as careful to obey and rely on Him?
Solomon sought God in the beginning, asked for wisdom when entrusted with immense responsibility, and received more than what he asked for. Yet his whole story reminds us that wholehearted devotion must endure. May we always recognise our need for God, remain obedient to His Word, and seek to do His will.
Reflection questions
What can we learn from the way Solomon sought the LORD at the beginning of his reign?
What have you been asking God for the most, and why are these things important to you?
When life is going well, are there areas where you might start relying more on yourself or become less attentive to God’s commands?
