2 CHRONICLES 6-9 - SOLOMON

Heart Issues
One thing I notice over and over again as Solomon prays is that he knows the promises of God and he petitions God to continue in those promises. I know that God is a responder to His own true and perfect promises, but many times I do not even know the promises for which to pray or even the promises that He has made. I do not view God as fire very often at all or I do not even begin to think of His glory. God promises here that He will hear our prayer, forgive our sin, and heal our land if we humble ourselves, pray, seek the Lord’s face, and turn from our wicked ways. God also promises that if we forsake Him, He will punish His people. God is not to be mocked. He is the true God and those that claim His name should reflect His glory to the world. Otherwise His name has been mocked and thrown around as nothing and has been seen as no God at all. The Queen of Sheba gives praise to God because of His servant Solomon and that is what I desire from my life. I want others to give praise to God on account of my reflection of Him, not because of how great I am. Solomon was a good king and 2 Chronicles only accounts for the good that he did and doesn’t tell of any of his shortcomings. Our image and reputation can be fully marred and destroyed by one sinful act that catches the attention of those around us. I want to watch my life and doctrine closely as I walk through this life and stay close to the Lord. God had truly blessed Solomon for His purposes of making His name great. God calls some to riches and others to serve Him without, all are not called to be Solomon’s, we couldn’t be. We like to identify with him, but not with Elijah or John the Baptist who were called to be in the wilderness, removed from society to proclaim the Lord and deliver His message.

Notes
-The passing on of one’s dream to his own son is just as inspiring, if not more, than completing it oneself.
-Solomon begins his prayer with exalting God and continues before petitioning him to continue to be with His people Israel. He petitions that God would hear His people and listen to their prayers, while forgiving their transgression.
-God knows men’s hearts and this causes men to fear Him and walk in the Lord’s ways. We know that our hearts are wicked and that we need forgiveness. The man who sees no need for forgiveness is truly in a difficult spot. He is fully depraved and has been given over to his sin. Solomon also understood the history of the Israelites and the likelihood that they may be put into captivity again if they turned away from God.
-The amount of Gold and silver is unreal in Solomon’s kingdom. 1 talent equals a little over 62 lbs. The amount of Gold each year brought in alone was at least 700 talents and each ounce was worth roughly $600 in today’s standards. That equals around 416,640,000 each year in just gold, not counting the rest. Wow!