April 9, 2021: Day 34- II Chronicles 1

We begin our next to last book of the Bible as we make our way through Scripture.  II Chronicles is a continuation of I Chronicles.  It covers the life of Solomon in the first 9 chapters and then it looks at the kingdom as it is divided and splintered into pieces that ultimately make it weak.  But Solomon reigns over a united kingdom and his reign is one that was never seen before and never seen after.  His success is found not only in the wealth that he is able to accumulate, but also in his building of the temple and being able to provide a final resting place for the ark of the covenant, the presence of God.

This first chapter we see the transition of power to Solomon and God having a heart to heart with Solomon and telling him: ask for anything that you want and I will give it to you.  So, just take a moment to think about this question.  What would you ask?  If God said ask for anything at all and I will give it to you, what would you ask for God to provide to you?  Look at Solomon’s answer, he sets it up in light of the responsibilities that he now has been given by God.  He is put in charge of a so many people that they are not to be counted.  As a result he asks God for wisdom on how to rule over these people.

God is so pleased.  What a great request.  He didn’t ask for money or anything at all that would simply benefit Solomon.  Rather, he asks for something that would ultimately benefit the nation of Israel.  If they have a wise ruler then the kingdom could only expand and become stronger.  God not only gives him wisdom, more wisdom than anyone has ever had, but also the riches that he did not ask for.  What a great answer Solomon, way to go!