OCTOBER 19, 2 Chronicles 1:1, 11, 12 

In the history of Israel, Saul was the first king, followed by David, and then Solomon. After Solomon died, Israel split into the Northern and Southern kingdoms. We shall continue learning about Israel’s history of the divided kingdom.

The Northern Kingdom consisted of 10 tribes and the Southern Kingdom had 2 tribes. Both kingdoms were later invaded by external armies. The Israelites were then exiled before they re-gathered. We will then talk about the founding of the modern state of Israel as it is today and see how God’s almighty hand was on this nation all along. But for today, we will look at Solomon, the last king of the united kingdom. He was often called the wisest king. Solomon was much blessed. As we can read from today’s scripture text, God gave him not only wisdom, but also riches, wealth and honour such as no king before or after him had! Wow, what a great promise that is!

Solomon was so smart and his memory so good that he was like a walking library. If someone needed information on biology, or other sciences, he could help; if someone gave brain-teasers, Solomon could answer all of them. Yet, although he was a great king endowed with immense abilities and wealth, he was not perfect.

To have peace and good relations with nations around Israel, Solomon did something he was not supposed to do – he married non- Jewish wives. And yes, he had many wives and concubines. Guess how many he had? 1 Kings 11:3 says he had 700 wives and 300 concubines! How many wives should he have? Only one, of course! Despite the intellect he had, he sinned by having so many wives. Worse, his wives led him astray and introduced many false religions into Israel.

No one is perfect; everyone needs the Lord. If even the wisest king can go astray, how much more will you and I?

Thought: May I trust not in my abilities but only in the Lord Jesus.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, sometimes I do not place my full reliance on You and I know that is not the right thing to do. Help me, Heavenly Father, to always turn to You for help. If even the wisest king on earth can fail, surely I can too. So please teach me, Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.