What does Solomon's dedication to building the temple teach about prioritizing God's work? Setting the Scene “Now Solomon purposed to build a temple for the Name of the LORD and a royal palace for himself.” (2 Chronicles 2:1) Solomon has just inherited the throne. Before the politics, before the palace, he fixes his heart on God’s dwelling place. Scripture records this order on purpose; it highlights what mattered most to Israel’s new king. Seeing Solomon’s Heart • Purpose fixed: “Solomon purposed…”—the Hebrew idea is to determine, to set one’s will. • God’s house first: the temple is mentioned before the palace. His personal comfort can wait. • For the Name of the LORD: the project centers on God’s glory, not Solomon’s legacy. Lessons for Our Priorities • Purposeful decision-making – Like Solomon, we must decide in advance that God’s work comes first (Joshua 24:15). • Ordering what we build – Haggai 1:4-9 warns of paneled houses while God’s house lies in ruins. Solomon flips that script—temple first, palace second. • Devotion over convenience – 1 Chronicles 28:20 records David’s charge to Solomon: “Be strong and courageous, and do the work.” The son obeys, showing that God’s commands outweigh personal ease. • Seeking God’s kingdom – Matthew 6:33 echoes the same priority: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” • Investing resources for God’s glory – Solomon assembles cedar from Lebanon, gold from Ophir, and a workforce of tens of thousands (2 Chronicles 2:7-10). Excellence for God is never wasteful. Practical Ways to Put God First Today • Start the day with His Word before diving into tasks. • Budget to give—set aside the tithe before other expenditures. • Schedule ministry and fellowship; let lesser events adjust around them. • Offer talents to serve the church—musicians, teachers, administrators, all can “build” God’s house (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Guard corporate worship time as immovable. If Solomon halted national business to honor God, we can pause weekly routines to gather. Scriptures for Further Reflection • 1 Kings 5:5—Solomon’s parallel resolve. • Psalm 132:3-5—David’s vow not to rest until a dwelling was found for the LORD. • 1 Corinthians 3:16—believers together are God’s temple. • 1 Peter 2:5—we are “living stones… being built into a spiritual house.” Solomon’s example calls us to decide, arrange, and act so that God’s work holds first place in every sphere of life. |
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