Topical Bible: Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Solomon

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The temporal blessings bestowed upon Solomon by God are a significant aspect of his reign and are intricately tied to his request for wisdom. Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, ascended to the throne of Israel and is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. These blessings are seen as a direct result of his relationship with God and his initial desire to govern the people of Israel with discernment and justice.

Divine Encounter and Request for Wisdom

The account of Solomon's request for wisdom is found in 1 Kings 3:5-14 and 2 Chronicles 1:7-12. In Gibeon, the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, "Ask for whatever you want Me to give you" (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon, acknowledging his youth and inexperience, asked for "an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil" (1 Kings 3:9). This request pleased the LORD, who granted Solomon not only unparalleled wisdom but also riches and honor, which he had not asked for.

Wealth and Prosperity

God's promise of temporal blessings to Solomon included immense wealth and prosperity. As recorded in 1 Kings 10:23, "King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth" . His wealth was manifested in various forms, including vast amounts of gold, luxurious goods, and extensive trade networks. The Queen of Sheba's visit, as described in 1 Kings 10:1-13, further highlights Solomon's prosperity and the widespread recognition of his God-given wisdom and wealth.

Peace and Security

Another aspect of the temporal blessings Solomon received was peace and security during his reign. 1 Kings 4:24-25 notes that "he had peace on all sides around him. During Solomon’s lifetime, Judah and Israel lived in safety, from Dan to Beersheba, each man under his own vine and fig tree" . This period of peace allowed Solomon to focus on monumental projects, including the building of the Temple, which became the center of worship for the Israelites.

Construction of the Temple

The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem is one of Solomon's most significant achievements, made possible by the temporal blessings of wealth and resources. 1 Kings 6 details the building process, which took seven years to complete. The Temple symbolized God's presence among His people and was a fulfillment of the promise made to David, Solomon's father. The dedication of the Temple, as described in 1 Kings 8, was marked by Solomon's prayer and God's glory filling the house, signifying divine approval and blessing.

Wisdom and Fame

Solomon's wisdom, a direct blessing from God, became legendary and attracted dignitaries and scholars from various nations. His ability to make judicious decisions, as exemplified in the famous judgment involving two women claiming to be the mother of a child (1 Kings 3:16-28), showcased his God-given discernment. Solomon's proverbs and songs, many of which are preserved in the biblical books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, further attest to his wisdom and the breadth of his understanding.

Conditional Nature of Blessings

While Solomon's reign was marked by extraordinary temporal blessings, it is important to note the conditional nature of these blessings. God's promises to Solomon included a caveat of obedience and faithfulness. In 1 Kings 9:4-7, God warned Solomon that if he or his descendants turned away from following Him, the blessings would be revoked, and Israel would face consequences. This underscores the biblical principle that temporal blessings are often contingent upon one's relationship with God and adherence to His commandments.

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1 Kings 3:13
And I have also given you that which you have not asked, both riches, and honor: so that there shall not be any among the kings like to you all your days.
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1 Chronicles 29:25
And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.
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2 Chronicles 1:1
And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.
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Library

Temporal Advantages.
... too, will exemplify the unsatisfactory nature of temporal goods; for ... not perfect
with the Lord his God, as was ... gave him the choice of any blessing he should ask ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon v temporal advantages.htm

The Blessing of God.
... blessing: and it includes every form of blessing, temporal as well ... clause of the
blessing is the blessing of the ... Light) has thrown on the written Word of GOD! ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part ii the blessing of.htm

City of God
... But Also in Connection with Temporal Prosperity, Because ... Chapter 41.--Of the Blessing
Which Jacob Promised in ... Jerusalem are from Those Which God Had Promised ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... foolish, and simple men: "Happy," says Solomon, "is the ... Ye are now only seeking temporal
gain, but ... Ye may have these outward things, God's blessing, and peace ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xviii but seek ye.htm

A Royal Seeker after Wisdom
... The world can only get blessing by one man or ... which men eagerly put forth for some
temporal good, would ... will be condemned by heathen seekers after God, or will ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a royal seeker after wisdom.htm

The Best of All, God is with Us
... dear friends who have experienced very great temporal trouble through ... be his holy
name!" Oh, what a blessing it is ... to build an house for the LORD GOD of Israel ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the best of all god.htm

Waiting Only Upon God
... And all things serve his might; His every act pure blessing is,. His path unsullied
light.". Oh! ... You must hope in God, even for temporal supplies. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/waiting only upon god.htm

Separation to God.
... sacrifice, but it secures the fullest blessing and the ... and of the eternal as well
as temporal consequences of ... be the prominent feature of the service of GOD? ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part i separation to god.htm

Letter x. --For 338. Coss. Ursus and Polemius; Pr??f. The Same ...
... from light there is darkness, and apart from blessing there is ... but these against
the Lord and God and King ... rejoiced a very little in these temporal things, and ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter x for 338 coss ursus.htm

A Little Sanctuary
... of the feet with water; and the Lord himself will give us this blessing. ... you are
wrapped up in the things that are seen and temporal, may God deliver you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/a little sanctuary.htm