Solomon possess almost uncountable wealth. What's this going to do to him? What does wealth do to us?
Levy of forced labour
1 Kings 9:20-23, 2 Chronicles 8:7-10
Building the cities
1 Kings 9:16-19, 2 Chronicles 8:4-6
Burnt offerings
1 Kings 9:16-19, 2 Chronicles 8:12-16
Solomon’s prosperity
1 Kings 9:26-28, 10:22, 2 Chronicles 8:17-18, 9:21
The Queen of Sheba
1 Kings 10:1-13, 2 Chronicles 9:1-12
Solomon’s wealth
1 Kings 10:14-21, 27, 23-25, 2 Chronicles 1:15, 9:13-19
“Nothing was made of silver, because silver was considered of little value in Solomon's day.” (2 Chronicles 9:20)
For the first time, the kingdom of the Israelites are exposed to the dangers of the materialism. We know all about this, having lived the dream in our society relentlessly for generations. What has it done to our faith, our happiness, our mental health? Good or bad? What will it do to Solomon’s generation?
It certainly impressed the Queen of Sheba - she came to ask her most testing questions, and Solomon had answers for them all. But the opulence of his capital city impressed her probably more. The trouble is, there is no upper limit on possessions. You never have enough.
This is very apparent to me, reading the Bible in luxury and affluence, tapping away on a device that would have amazed Solomon. My laptop is over a year old now. Time I got another one?
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