1. Solomon's other activities (1-11; 17-18)

In addition to building the temple and his own palace, Solomon led many other projects. He built up or rebuilt villages and cities for the defense and material security of Israel. Non-Israelites were conscripted as slave labor. He built a separate dwelling for his Egyptian wife. Solomon's foreign relations brought significant wealth. Some of these activities may be questionable or even abhorrent to us. Nonetheless, these details show that God firmly established Solomon's throne as he promised. God is faithful to his promises and purposes.

2. The temple of the LORD was finished (12-16)

Despite Solomon's busy and successful reign, the temple was his most important accomplishment. Equally important was his establishment of regular worship. Solomon made all the required offerings. He kept David's ordinances, which organized the Levites for the worship of God at the temple. Solomon's attention to the word of God and detail reveal his commitment to the LORD at this time.


Application: Lord, help us to always make you the focus of our lives no matter how busy or successful you make us in the world.
One Word: Worship God first and foremost