SOLOMON BUILT UP THE LAND OF ISRAEL

PROCLAMATION

“And this is the reason of the levy which King Solomon raised; for to build the house of The Lord, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer … and Beth-horon … and Baalath, and Tadmor … And all the cities of store that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.”  1 Kings 9:15-19 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The human author is unknown although some Bible scholars attribute this book to the prophet Jeremiah.  After he had finished building the house of The Lord and his own house, The Lord God appeared to Solomon a second time.  He said that He had heard Solomon’s prayer and supplication.  He said that He had hallowed the house Solomon had built, and as long as he walked upright and kept His commandments that He would establish the throne of his kingdom forever as He promised David. (1 Kings 9:1-5)  Then The Lord told Solomon what would happen if he did not keep His commandments.  He would uproot Israel out of the land He had given to them and disown the house which He had hallowed. (1 Kings 9:6-9)  After Solomon built the house of The Lord and his own house, and a house for his wife, the daughter of Pharaoh, he built up the wall around Jerusalem and then built up several cities throughout Israel.  Solomon also built cities for his chariots and cities for his horsemen and horses. (1 Kings 9:10-19)  Three times each year Solomon made burnt offerings and peace offerings unto The Lord.  He made a navy of the ships in Ezion-Geber and Hiram sent his men who had knowledge of the sea to join the servants of Solomon.  Even though Solomon was very wealthy, he sent his navy out on voyages to acquire more gold. (1 Kings 9:25-28)

APPLICATION

Some of the time we are not satisfied with the blessings that we have received.  We are greedy and we want more.  We need to learn to appreciate and to be happy with what we have.  He that is greedy for wealth brings trouble to his own house. (Proverbs 15:27)  According to Roman Catholic theology, greed is one of the seven deadly sins.  Be thankful for what you have.