What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Solomon's actions in 2 Chronicles 8:7? Text in Focus “All the people who remained of the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—those who were not of Israel—” (2 Chronicles 8:7) Setting the Scene • Solomon has completed the temple and his own palace (2 Chron 8:1–6). • He now organizes labor and administration for a growing nation. • Verse 7 introduces the non-Israelite peoples still dwelling in the land—ancient enemies God had long ago promised to dispossess (Genesis 15:18-21; Deuteronomy 7:1-2). Observations About God’s Sovereignty • Promises Fulfilled – Centuries earlier God declared He would bring Israel into Canaan and subdue its inhabitants (Exodus 23:23-24). – The very listing of the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites proves God’s word has come to pass: they remain, but under Israel’s authority, not the other way around (Joshua 11:23). • Authority Delegated – Solomon’s ability to assign these peoples to forced labor (v. 8) shows that ultimate power belongs to God, who “removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). – Human rulers act, but the Lord sets boundaries for their rule (Proverbs 21:1). • Mercy and Judgment Intertwined – God could have annihilated these nations, yet He chooses restraint; their continued existence under Israel demonstrates both His patience and His judgment (Romans 9:22-23). – Their subservience underscores that no nation can resist God’s purposes indefinitely (Psalm 2:1-6). • Covenant Priority – The text distinguishes “those who were not of Israel,” highlighting God’s unique covenant with His people (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). – His sovereignty operates for the good of His covenant community while still ruling over all peoples (Psalm 22:28). Connecting Dots Through Scripture • Joshua 21:43-45—“Not one of the good promises … failed.” Solomon’s era continues that testimony. • 1 Kings 4:20-21—Solomon rules “from the River to the land of the Philistines,” a geographic confirmation of God’s dominion. • Acts 17:26—God “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands,” showing His sovereignty extends into New Testament teaching. Application for Today • Confidence in God’s Word – If He kept ancient promises down to the specific tribes named, He will keep every promise to us in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). • Humble Stewardship – Like Solomon, we exercise delegated authority—whether in family, church, or workplace—answerable to the true King (Colossians 3:23-24). • Trust Amid World Events – Nations rise and fall, but God’s plan never wavers. Headlines may shift, yet His sovereignty stands (Isaiah 46:9-10). • Gracious Witness – God’s patience with the remaining Canaanites reminds us to share the gospel while mercy is still offered (2 Peter 3:9). |
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