Title: Unprecedented Blessings (2 Chronicles 01:1-13)
The period of Solomon's reign can be said to be the golden age of Israel.
By building the temple 'internally', the worship of Jehovah was unified, divisions between tribes were prevented, and the national opinion was unified so that peace and prosperity were with Israel. 'Externally', it expanded its power through territorial expansion and foreign trade.
The Bible says that David's prayer was above these achievements. David prayed that God would be with Solomon for the purpose of building the temple. It was a prayer that suited God's heart. Solomon prayed to be an instrument to accomplish God's purpose. He had true faith and loyalty to Jehovah.
Today's text speaks of Solomon's accession as king and the thousand burnt offerings offered at the high place of Gibeon. As we study these words, we want to receive grace together.
1. There was the greatest devotion.
It is the first faith in God (verses 1-6) Solomon is now crowned as king after David (1 Chronicles 29:28) Before he reigns over the kingdom, he offers burnt offerings to God. This shows the right faith of Solomon, who put Jehovah's faith more important than politics (power, honor).
It is a perfect unity (verses 3-5) Solomon summoned the chiefs of thousands, centurions, judges, princes, and chiefs of the kingdom, and took the congregations to the shrine of Gibeon to offer burnt offerings.
It is true devotion (verse 6). The burnt offering symbolizes the full devotion of the giver. The one thousand burnt offerings offered by Solomon were unparalleled sacrifices (worship).
2. There was the greatest prayer.
This is a prayer to thank God for His grace (verse 8). We thanked God for His grace in the past and praised God. It is a humble prayer before God (verse 8). He says that he only replaced David when he died.
1 Kings 3:7 says, “The servant is a little child and does not know how to go in and out.” It was a prayer to humbly confess one's shortcomings.
This is a prayer that does not repeat itself (verse 10). Solomon did not ask for many things, but only the most sincere wisdom when he governed the people. He prayed for spiritual blessings, not for all worldly blessings, and he sought his kingdom and his righteousness rather than for himself (Matthew 6:33).
3. There was the greatest joy (verse 7).
Solomon's prayer met God's heart (Ki 3:10) and satisfied God (verse 11). There is no greater joy than that which pleases God. Rather than offering a thousand burnt offerings by itself, God recognized the utmost sincerity and love that he had offered through a thousand worship services and received the center of attention.
4. There was the greatest blessing (verse 12).
[Unprecedented blessing]. In addition to wisdom and knowledge, wealth, wealth, and honor, He has given you the blessing of long life (1 Kings 3:14).
Dear saints, Let's look at verse 1 again. [The kingship of Solomon son of David was established, and the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.] Because God was with him, Solomon became strong, and because God was pleased, Solomon was able to offer a thousand burnt offerings. Because God was with us, we were able to pray according to God's heart, and only received answers.
First, I earnestly pray in the name of the Lord that you will seek Jesus Christ and become believers who enjoy a life of prosperity, prosperity, and victory like Solomon.