1 Kings Chapter 5
God gave Solomon the opportunity to build the temple rather than to David, even though it was David who first voiced out his yearning to carry out this work (1 Chron 17:1 – 2). This is because David had shed much blood and had made great wars (1 Chron 22:6 – 8).
Nevertheless, we know that this did not hinder David from devoting much effort to prepare for this great work (1 Chron 22:1 – 4). The same zeal towards God seemed to have rubbed off unto his son, for we see that Solomon continued to spare no effort, cost and manpower in preparing for this building construction, a massive project that took about 7 years to complete.
These hold many invaluable lessons to us today in our service to God.
We are given different gifts according to the grace given to us, to be used fully in the different work and different roles that we ought to play. (Rom 12: 3 – 8). We need to ‘think soberly’ and recognise what God’s expectations of us are and not to go beyond, i.e. not to think more highly than what he ought to think.
We acknowledge and submit to God’s sovereignty, that He alone calls the shots and distributes according to His will (1 Cor 12:11). Just like David, though he was not involved in the actual building work, that did not stop him from doing whatever he could, such as setting a role model for his son, encouraging and charging his son in this great commission, and providing all support.
Do we do the same with our co-workers?
Finally from the interaction between Hiram and Solomon, wise words and wise actions will bring forth benefits to all, and more importantly praises and glory to God.
God gave Solomon wisdom and will also give to us as well when we ask of Him (James 1:5).
Do we first see the lack that is in us, do we know why we want this wisdom, do we then humbly seek for this from the Lord, and finally do we use the wisdom that God gives to us to the praise and glory of His name as Hiram proclaimed “Blessed be the Lord this day, for He has given David a wise son over this great people!”
