2 Chronicles 8
-This chapter looks at some of the progress in fortifying
the nation of Israel for safety and strength under the leadership of Solomon.
Cities were built, settlements attained, enemies were subdued and captured, and
reinforcements were established in various regions of the national Promised
Land. The foreigners who were left were made forced laborers, and the men of
war were all Hebrews, 250 who ruled over the people (2 Chronicles 8:1-10).
-Another development was written about concerning Solomon’s
wife, who was the daughter of Pharaoh in Egypt. Solomon built her a house since
she was Gentile and he knew that she could not dwell in the holy places of the
City of David and where the Ark resided (2 Chronicles 8:11). This was a
significant turning point we see in other texts regarding Solomon’s affection
for foreign women and eventually lead him away from whole-hearted devotion to
the LORD (1 Kings 11:1-13, Nehemiah 13:26).
-However, the Chronicles, again painting a positive history
on the national legacy focuses back on the service in the completed Temple for
the 20 years following and the wealth that was being amassed (2 Chronicles 8:12-18).
-*Application* No matter how careful we are in other areas of
our spiritual walk with the LORD, we can falter in a key area, like lust or sexual
immorality, and slide away from God’s ideal plan and destiny for our lives. The
Bible warns us to guard our heart, for it is the well-spring of life (Proverbs 4:23).
It is interesting that Solomon himself wrote this verse, yet did not abide by it
in the end. Follow God with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding
for complete dependence and an abiding discipleship (Proverbs 3:5-6). When you encounter
temptation or evil, resist it and flee from it with complete devotion to the LORD’s
will.
Verse to Memorize: 2
Chronicles 8:16
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