Warning: this chapter might make us envious.
After Solomon asked for wisdom and displayed God’s gift in judging the dispute between two prostitutes, we now see how God blessed him abundantly with what he had not asked for: riches and honour (1 Kings 3:13).
First, Solomon’s kingdom was well organised, with 12 officers overseeing administrative districts across the land (4:7-19)—much like how Singapore is divided into constituencies, such as GRCs and SMCs, each managed by government leaders.
Solomon also had a large royal household with many servants. The daily provision of food—including 100 sheep and other livestock—speaks volumes about the scale of his wealth and administration (4:22-23).
Verse 32 also tells us that Solomon spoke 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs. Even today, few writers or musicians produce more than 1,000 works. J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, has written over 40 books, while Taylor Swift has written over 250 songs. Yet, how many prolific artists have had their works preserved in Scripture and remembered across the ages?
As vividly described in these three verses:
V20: “They (Judah and Israel) ate and drank and were happy.”
V25: “And Judah and Israel lived in safety, […] every man under his vine and under his fig tree, all the days of Solomon.” (In the Bible, the phrase “under his vine/fig tree” is often used as a metaphor for security.)
V27: “They let nothing be lacking.”
And the source of it all?
“And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore…” (V29)
One question came to mind as I read this: Why did God still give Solomon such wealth, honour, and wisdom, knowing that Solomon would eventually turn away from Him (1 Kings 11:4)? Hadn’t God also called Solomon to obey Him continually, when promising him these blessings (1 Kings 3:14)?
Thus, we see God’s goodness. Even though He knew Solomon would eventually turn away, God still chose to bless him richly—not only for Solomon’s benefit, but also for the benefit of God’s people and generations to come, including us as we read Solomon’s writings in the Bible today.
In the same way, God chose David as king and forefather of Jesus despite his sin with Bathsheba. Jesus also called Judas Iscariot to discipleship, and washed his feet at the Last Supper, despite knowing Judas would betray Him.
God calls and blesses us despite our flaws, as He acts upon wisdom that transcends human logic.
As humans with limited understanding, we do not know the future. Our part is not to live deterministically by acting based on what we feel the outcome will be—for example, giving up on ourselves after repeated spiritual failures, because we feel we are “destined” to go to hell. Rather, our part is to faithfully work out our salvation, with full trust in God’s mercy and righteousness, knowing that He can, and will save us to the uttermost.
When Paul prayed for the faith of the Ephesian believers, he ended with a powerful affirmation:
“Now to him (God) who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us…” (Ephesians 3:20)
God blessed Solomon far more abundantly than what he asked or expected. Yet, Solomon’s positive response to God’s blessing did not endure.
What about us?
Reflection questions:
How has God blessed you beyond your expectation (e.g. over the past week)?
What does God want you to do with your blessings (of health, wealth, stability, etc.)? If you can’t think of an answer now, take time to ask God in prayer, while meditating over relevant Scripture that comes to mind – and you might discover God’s calling for your life!
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places…” (Ephesians 1:3)
