Previous: [[Meditation on 1 Kings 3|1 Kings 3]] In this chapter, there is an account of Solomon’s heads of state, the provision of his house and state of his kingdom, and his wisdom. It is difficult to image such a kingdom existing in the ancient land of the Hebrews, considering how the region is beset constantly by wars and violence in our day. This teaches me that “blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,” Psalm 33:12. I read of the great success of Solomon’s kingdom here, and wonder why no such thing exists now. It seems to be because the nations have forgotten God, Psalm 9:17. If we return to the Lord, he can bring such blessings again, but not otherwise. In David’s latter days, there was a great deal of betrayal and intrigue in his court. Out of all the names listed in this chapter, we read of no such thing. How blessed is a kingdom whose rulers are godly, and walk together in friendship. Two of Solomon’s daughters were married to his officers. It says that Zabud the son of Nathan was “the king’s friend,” verse 5. We are blessed when our friends and family are numbered among the people of God. A ruler who does not have this blessing, and must constantly watch for betrayal, is in a sad case. Solomon’s kingdom was very expansive, and the entire nation dwelt in safety. They “had peace on all sides round about him,” verse 24. Solomon was the promised king of the covenant with David, but In that covenant we can look to a greater king, and a spiritual kingdom. In Christ’s kingdom, he gives us the “peace of God, which passeth all understanding,” Phil. 4:7. God promises that ”they that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever,” Psalm 125:1-2. Solomon’s wisdom became the fame of the whole earth, and many nations and people looked to him. He received gifts from many of these nations. The chapter tells us that his wisdom exceeded “Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darla, the sons of Mahol,” verse 30. Who has ever heard of these people? Yet Solomon’s words endure, but not all of them. We have many words from Solomon, but this seems to be a small percentage of the “three thousand proverbs,” and the “thousand and five” songs. This shows that without the Spirit of God inspiring the words of the holy scripture, all of Solomon’s wisdom would be lost, even for all its greatness. The wisdom of men will soon pass away, but “the word of our God shall stand forever,” Isaiah 40:8. Thanks to God’s Spirit speaking through Solomon, we have his wisdom here with us today, thousands of years later, and it is to us an even better thing, for it is the word of “Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God,” 1 Cor. 1:24. May God grant me wisdom according to his Spirit, and give me and my house peace, safety, and security through faith in my covenant King, Jesus Christ. Next: [[Meditation on 1 Kings 5|1 Kings 5]]