II Chronicles 9-10

“Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom” (9:22). Israel’s tribes were united under Solomon and “the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind” (v23).  God’s promises to David were fulfilled during his son’s spectacular reign, and a generation of Israelites enjoyed peace and prosperity.  However, this peace was fragile, co-existing with the idolatry of Solomon’s wives, slave labor, and tribal discontent (ch 10).  It couldn’t last.

“Each of you to your tents, O Israel!” (10:16). Solomon’s kingdom crumbled, just as all human kingdoms disappoint and disappear.  We will only be secure when our lives are built on Jesus’ unshakeable kingdom.