Chronological Reading Plan for May 30, 1 Kings 3-4

Today's readings are 1 Kings 3-4. Tomorrow's are 1 Chron 1, Psalms 72.

1 Kings3 -4 detail Solomon's rise to power. Solomon has been faithful, but  he marries one of Pharaoh's daughters, a questionable decision. Marriages back then, particularly among kings and leaders, were arrangements made between countries.  These arranged marriages were more political in nature than for intimate relationships. In marrying Pharaoh's daughter, Solomon signifies that Egypt and Israel can live in peace together.  None of this conforms to what God commanded Israel to do. Israel does not need alliances with pagan nations. God has promised to sustain and protect them.

Still, God grants him anything he desires. Solomon asks for wisdom, which God gives him, more than any man has ever had or will ever have. God also grants him great wealth and power. But, we see some chinks in Solomon's armor here. In spite of his great wisdom, he is prone to make selfish and prideful mistakes. 

Solomon's kingdom expands as he assumes the duties of king and priest, As king, he rules over the country and its people. As priest, he loves the lord and make sacrifices. He is  an imperfect shadow of the King and High Priest that is to come;

2 Chron 1 adds a few details to the story. Solomon, as his empire expands, buys horses from Egypt, another questionable decision. The kings of Israel were not to inter-marry with outsiders nor were they to "buy horses from Egypt" (Dt 17:16), a warning not to engage in commerce with Israel's former oppressors but to trust in God alone.