May the mumbling commence!
The Chronicler had a rosy way of looking at David. Those rose-colored glasses remain on when he
writes about Solomon as well. There is
no mention of his numerous wives! Read
from Second Chronicles chapter eight:
Solomon moved his wife, Pharaoh's daughter, from the City of David to the new palace
he had built for her. He said, "My
wife must not live in King David's palace, for the Ark of the Lord has been there, and it is holy
ground."
Then Solomon sacrificed burnt offerings to
the Lord on the altar he had built
in front of the foyer of the Temple. The
number of sacrifices varied from day to day according to the commands Moses had
given. Extra sacrifices were offered on the Sabbaths, on new moon festivals, and
at the three annual festivals – the Passover celebration, the Festival of
Harvest, and the Festival of Shelters. In
assigning the priests to their duties, Solomon
followed the regulations of his father, David. He also assigned the Levites
to lead the people in praise and to assist the priests in their daily duties.
And he assigned the gatekeepers to their gates by their divisions, following the
commands of David, the man of God. Solomon did not deviate in any way from
David's commands concerning the priests and Levites and the treasuries. (Verses 11-15)
Indeed, Solomon followed strictly in the footsteps of
his father David. He was careful to
separate his Egyptian wife from the presence of the Lord – from holy
ground. Solomon was careful to follow
the patterns of worship set by his father David. Such a good boy!
And this good boy got gifts left and right. Read from Second Chronicles chapter nine:
So King Solomon became richer and wiser than
any other king in all the earth. Kings
from every nation came to visit him and to hear the wisdom God had given
him. Year after year, everyone who came
to visit brought him gifts of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices,
horses, and mules. (Verses 22-24)
Once again, there is no mention of Solomon’s many
wives. Other gifts are mentioned – but not
those, his wives that helped to cement peaceful relationships among the
kingdoms. Interesting! These many wives were the downfall of the
wisdom of Solomon that is raved about by the Chronicler.
As we move into the season of Lent (this is Ash Wednesday
after all), let us view ourselves from a more sober and humble
perspective. Let’s practice fasting over
things that may seem to have more control over our lives than they should. And let’s give that time and money and
knowledge over to the control of God – do with them what the Lord may. He loves us and will not harm us in any
way. Really, God wants the best for us!
Let us seek to serve the Lord God and avoid the
manipulations of those who would lead us astray both from within and without of
the church. Read from Romans chapter
sixteen:
And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and
sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people's faith by teaching
things that are contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord;
they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. But everyone
knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to see clearly what is right and
to stay innocent of any wrong. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your
feet. May
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Division and upset are the tools of Satan. Watch out for people who sow these
things. They will speak with smooth talk
and glowing words. They attract you with
sickening sweetness, but they will change to bitterness in your stomach.
So beware.
See clearly right and wrong. Stay
innocent. God will do the rest. That is grace… and it is amazing.
Enough mumbling for now…
Peace Out
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