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- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
2 Chron. 1
This is a repeat of the story of Solomon’s request for wisdom that we read yesterday in 1 Kings 3. As with David, though, the Chronicler makes an obvious effort to paint Solomon in a less flawed light. For one thing, he omits Solomon’s marital alliance with Egypt. The biggest difference, however, is in how each version portrays Solomon’s decision to make sacrifices at Gibeon. I got the impression in 1 Kings 3 that, because Gibeon was a high place and not the location of the Ark of God’s Covenant, it was not the most God honoring choice. The Chronicler counters that impression by explaining that the original wilderness built tent of meeting and bronze alter were at Gibeon. He also made a point to say, “Solomon offered sacrifices there in the LORD’s presence” (2 Chron. 1:6a).
I think the writer of 2 Kings may have been trying to show signs of Solomon’s future waywardness. It is a warning to us that even when we are devoted to the LORD, we can make small decisions that slowly veer us off that narrow path. Those little compromises add up over time and eventually trip us up. The Chronicler, on the other hand, wrote with a different purpose. It seems his focus was to encourage the returning exiles to remember their history and God’s promise that is woven throughout it.
We especially see that in the third difference between the two passages. In Solomon’s response to God’s offer, the Chronicler adds an important statement. “LORD God, let your promise to my father David now come true.” (2 Chron. 1:9a). The fact that Solomon was sitting on David’s throne was evidence that God was already answering that prayer even before Solomon voiced it. That is exactly what the exiles and all who followed needed to know. God has been faithful to His promises up to now, whenever “now” happens to be, and we have every reason to believe that He will continue to be faithful right up to the end.
Ps. 72
David’s prayer in this Psalm for his son, Solomon, was answered with Solomon’s request for wisdom. David knew that the king was God’s instrument for justice, righteousness, and blessing to the people. He did not request glory for the king’s sake, but so that the king could pass it on to his subjects. This was exactly Solomon’s concern when God offered him whatever he wished. But Solomon was merely God’s sign to us that He would answer David’s true prayer, God’s true promise, in Christ Jesus. Solomon had good intentions but was still a flawed human. Jesus, on the other hand, is the king this Psalm depicts.