If repeating words were an important idea in a passage, then gold must be an important idea in today’s passage, appearing 13 times. Not only were Solomon’s military possessions in gold, his throne was overlaid with gold, and his cups were gold. Solomon was certainly a very wealthy king, so much so that silver was not considered as anything during his reign. 

However, the author of Chronicles was careful to remind that Solomon’s wealth was a result of his wisdom (verse 22). Solomon had asked God for a gift of wisdom, and he used it in a worthy manner. Kings sought to hear his wisdom, and he completed the temple of God. While we know that not everything Solomon did was wise or godly – think of his many wives – God’s favour was certainly upon him, giving him wealth and power. God also gave him a peaceful death and a long and prosperous life, suggested by the phrase “slept with his fathers” in verse 31.

If Solomon’s big pot of gold and his long, powerful, and prosperous life brought a “wow” to our lips, then we are just having a peak into what God can give. It was not who Solomon was that was important, but who God is. Everything that Solomon had was given to him by God. In 2 Chronicles 1:10, Solomon asked God for wisdom and knowledge when God said that He would give whatever Solomon asked. And God answered him, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honour, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honour, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” (2 Chronicles 1:11-12)

Therefore, beyond the blessings, God, the one who blesses, showed Himself to be a faithful God who is true to His promises. Solomon’s wealth and wisdom was simply an affirmation of God’s promises.

If God is a faithful God who is true to His promises, then we know that God will certainly fulfil the biggest promise – that Jesus would come again. As we live in the already, and not yet, may we continue to set our eyes on the eternal glory that God had promised. 

What other promises in the bible can you cling on to today?

Prayer : Dear God, thank you, you are a faithful, gracious, and merciful God. Thank you for the greatest promise that Jesus will come again. As I wait in hope, help me to live out a life that is victorious. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.