July 19, 2017 – I Kings 4:24

Solomon’s dominion extended over all the kingdoms west of the Euphrates River, from Tiphsah to Gaza. And there was peace on all his borders.  I Kings 4:24.

When I read these words, peace on all his borders, I weep for joy and long for this peace.  Was it a governmental peace?  Not at all.  King Solomon’s young years in the house of his Father, David, he saw many wars and fighting.  When David wanted to build a temple to worship God, he was denied, and told his son, Solomon, would build the temple.

From I Kings 3, we learn Solomon loved the Lord; he followed the decrees of his father and offered sacrifices.  The Lord God appeared to Solomon in a dream, “I will give you want you want!”  Solomon answered, “Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” Verse 9.  The Lord was pleased.  Notice two things, Solomon depended on God’s wisdom to govern God’s people, and he was given riches and a long life.

Each family had their own home and garden.  The government didn’t give them food or a garden, or a place to sleep.  What has changed since Solomon’s reign?  Our peace can only come only from God the Father, and His Son Jesus.  Not the government.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  John 14:27.  Our peace exists only with Who we depend on.  Is it Jesus, or a governmental entity?  Where does peace begin?  Peace doesn’t begin with ‘them’, but within our own hearts.

During the lifetime of Solomon, all of Judah and Israel lived in peace and safety. And from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, each family had its own home and garden.  I Kings 4:25.