DAY 4: Israel Becomes a Powerful Nation
Those who are in Real Estate know that there are some unwritten rules about buying and selling property. One of the most common unwritten rules is that it’s better to purchase a lesser house in a nicer neighborhood than it is to purchase a nicer house in a lesser neighborhood. A decent house in a nice neighborhood is more likely to increase in value long term. Whereas a really nice house in a not-as-nice neighborhood is less likely to increase in value as much.
This same unwritten rule applied to the ancient world as well. God had given the people of Israel a section of land that, on the surface, may not have looked like much. But this small sliver of land had direct access to three continents (Africa, Asia, and Europe). This made it excellent for foreign trade.
As a result, the nation became very rich, but this came at a cost. In time, Solomon’s wives led him to worship other gods. And the wealth of the nation led the people of Israel to begin to trust in wealth instead of God.
As you read today, consider this: What similarities are there between the life of Solomon and your own? What differences are there?
READING & JOURNALING:
What similarities are there between the life of Solomon and your own? What differences are there?
What is the one thing God has most revealed to you this week as you’ve read through the life of Solomon?
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
Read: Genesis 33 & 35
Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, As I’ve read through the lives of David and Solomon, I’ve been struck by how similar my life is to theirs. In the same way David experienced tremendous suffering, I’ve experienced suffering. And in the same way Solomon experienced temptation, I have experienced temptation. While there are still differences between our lives, I’m discovering there is much I can learn and apply from people in the Old Testament. Continue to lead me, guide me, and help me as I engage in Your Word. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
south ridge blog 