NOVEMBER 7, 2025 – PROSPERITY

READ: 1 Kin. 4:1-34: … So Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life … God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding …

Israel enters an era that it had never before known as a nation: the reign of peace under King Solomon. Israel’s sphere of influence has never been so great and will never again be so great. Solomon’s kingdom extends from beyond Egypt in the south to the Euphrates in the east, and to the Mediterranean Sea where the Philistines lived in the west.

The nations outside Canaan also serve the king. Everything points to prosperity. Numerically, too, Israel expands; estimates suggest more than six million inhabitants. There is an abundance of food and drink. Above all, the people rejoice because peace reigns.

Verse 25 describes it beautifully: Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.

Even in the subdued regions with other nations, there is peace. This peace, with the maintenance of justice, rest, and prosperity, is ensured by King Solomon through the appointment of numerous officials called princes and overseers. They are a blessing to the people.

This is nothing like the time of the judges, when chaos reigned and everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Now Solomon shows through his reign that the LORD rules through him: true theocracy, blessed by God. Even in David’s time, after defeating foreign enemies, there was not such peace, due to internal strife and unrest.

Solomon himself enjoys great wealth at his court. His horses are countless, a sign of his vast military strength. The God-given wisdom of Solomon is also unmatched. He spoke wise words about all things and creatures. He also composed many songs (such as Ps. 127). This drew worldwide interest from rulers and dignitaries, to hear the words of such a renowned monarch and to witness for themselves his wealth and splendour.

With whom can Solomon be compared?
Sing: Ps. 72:2,3