2 Chronicles 1 -- Really ??

I noticed the sidebar in my Bible this morning as I began this book.  Strangely, my commentary lumped 2 Chronicles in with 2 Kings and had nothing to say.  That sidebar asked the questions:  “Ever have trouble determining God’s will for your future? …. How in the world do we know what God wants? … To know God’s will, we must totally surrender to God’s will.  Our tendency is to make God’s decision for him … Don’t go to God with options and expect Him to choose one of your preferences.  Go to Him with empty hands – no hidden agendas, no crossed fingers, nothing behind your back.  Go to Him with a willingness to do whatever He says.  If you surrender your will, then He will ‘equip you with everything good for doing His will.’”

That’s at least how Solomon started.  After sacrificing a king-sized 1,000 burnt offerings, he went to bed.  And in His sleep God appeared to him and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”  Most of the world, given such an opportunity, would ask for exactly what God said Solomon didn’t ask for in verse 11 – the riches of this world.  To his credit, Solomon asked for the wisdom and knowledge to lead his people.  And because he did, God granted that and promised to make him the richest and most honored king who would ever live.

But the next paragraph, while seeming to simply confirm that God was keeping that promise, was quietly revealing how massive riches can sway even the noblest hearts.  “Solomon had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses … They imported horses and chariots from Egypt … Then they sold the horses and chariots to all the kings of the Hittites and the Arameans.”

How strange that God had said not trust in horses and chariots, but instead to trust in Him alone.  He’d also commanded the nation not to go to Egypt and not to depend on them for defense.  And Solomon, in the interest of commerce, began arming the very nations who would come to attack his own nation in the future!

Father, help me to see from Your perspective, not my own.  Help me not to go against Your commands, believing that I have heard from You.  Help me not to rely upon my own wisdom.  Show me the way, Father.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford