1 Kings 4

We remember in Numbers 34 that God gave the borders for the Land of Israel. Unfortunately Israel never conquered all that they were supposed to. They were to have all the Land south of them through the Wilderness of Zin. This would push their real estate right up against Egypt. In this chapter we find Israel has all of it!

“So Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life” (1Ki 4:21)

They had conquered all the land up to “the River” Euphrates. This was a lot of land to cover Eastward, however, they had conquered all of it. They had conquered up to Mount Hor as Numbers 34:7 had commanded them. Unfortunately, there was this little sliver of land up against the Mediterranean Sea that the Philistines still occupied. Therefore, though this was Israel’s greatest kingdom yet, and greatest kingdom since, it is not the fulfillment of that greatest city to come. Israel will have all the land God promised them.

And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore. (1Ki 4:29)

To whom did Israel owe all their success? It was to the Lord. God had given Solomon divine understanding. God had set up Solomon as the greatest, wisest, richest king this world had ever known. Remember, ultimately, it was the Lord governing Israel and Solomon was just the instrument God was using. Unfortunately, this would not always be the case. God was doing a work in Solomon but Solomon would have this very heart, a heart enlarged by God, turned for the things of this world. This is why Israel was always to have a Theocracy (God ruled), and not a Monarchy (Man ruled) government. Solomon was a great king when he allowed God to be king of his life. Once he stopped doing that, his story turns out to be quite depressing.

What we have we owe to God. He is the one who enlarges our hearts. He is the one who gives freely. Therefore everything we own belongs to Him. Do not allow the cares of the world to change your heart.