1 Kings 4 (#2): The Secret of Abundance

Verse 25:

During Solomon's lifetime, Judah and Israel lived in safety, from Dan to Beersheba, each under their own vine and fig tree.

1 Kings 4:20-34 describes the era of peace under Solomon's rule in Israel. The number of people, the neighboring countries offering tribute, the enormous amount of food consumed daily in the palace, the peace of the nation, the number of horsemen, and Solomon's wisdom, renowned in all nations.

Observing what Solomon enjoyed, it's clear that he received numerous blessings. He was abundantly blessed with material wealth, honor, and power, lacking nothing. Solomon fully enjoyed all that he received. He became an object of envy and admiration for people around the world. Even thousands of years later, Solomon is still an object of desire for God's blessings.

Solomon received such unimaginable blessings because he did not seek his own. When he asked God, he did not ask for a long life, to become a powerful nation ruling over other countries, to become wealthy, or to make his name known in the world: "So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?" (1 Kings 3:9).

What Solomon asked for was wisdom to rule well over the people God entrusted to him. It was not wisdom for himself, but wisdom for the people, wisdom to handle the mission God entrusted to him. Solomon sought what was for God and the people.

I am reminded of the words of Jesus: “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave" (Matthew 20:26-27)

Here is the way of life for God's people, for those living as disciples of Christ. This is a way that the people of the world do not understand, a way they do not want. It's not a life for my selfish enjoyment, but a life for the will of God and for the neighbors. It's a life of service and becoming a servant.

Jesus showed us such a life: “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28).

♧ God, let me not only envy Solomon's wealth and honor, but also understand how he became so, and live it out in my life! Holy Spirit, guide me in truth!