God Follows Through

Based on 1 Kings 4-5, Psalm 66

"Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place." Psalms 66:12.

Through David, God caused many victories to take place in battle. He went through so many rough & scary situations, but through all that, his son Solomon was able to sit on the throne in a wealthy place. As we discussed previously, God asked Solomon what gift he would like, and he asked for wisdom. God granted him that wealth of wisdom along with other riches he didn't even ask for. Through these couple chapters, we can see that God truly follows through with what He promises!

"Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry. And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life."
1 Kings 4:20‭-‬21.

Solomon had many princes, 12 officers, and many provisions which came to him from many places. Not only did he receive many things, but the people of Judah and Israel themselves were many, as the sand of the sea, just like the promise to Abraham long ago! God really follows through on His promises-and He gives us so much more than expected!

"And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beer–sheba, all the days of Solomon."
1 Kings 4:25.

AND not only did Solomon receive the abundant provisions God had promised, but God also allowed Solomon & His people to dwell safely without attack! This looks quite different than the reign of his father David, but think about it-without David's obedience and repentant heart toward God, Solomon would not have the wealthy position & blessings he obtained! God really follows through!

"And those officers provided victual for king Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solomon's table, every man in his month: they lacked nothing." 1 Kings 4:27.

They lacked NOTHING! God does NOT fall short!

Now we come to the point where Solomon decides to begin building the temple for The Lord, and he asks the help of Hiram king of Tyre. Hiram loved David as a good friend, so he did not hesitate to help Solomon out, being his son. God always has a reason for the connections we make, and He has a way of using them for good in our future, or the future of our children! He always follows through!

"Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians. And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the Lord this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people."
1 Kings 5:6‭-‬7.

David always had compassion on others, and so did Solomon. Solomon promised to provide for Hiram's servants as they did the work needed to build the temple. He was wise in mind, and wise in heart, which is again a more abundant blessing than he ever asked for! It even says in 1 Kings 4:29: "And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore."

1 Kings 4:29.

He had largeness of heart! It was only with the wealth of wisdom in his heart & mind that he was able to gain so much favor and provision in the first place, so again we see what the TRUE gift is! But nonetheless, God gave Solomon so many more possessions, because God is GOOD, and God follows THROUGH!