READ 1 Kings 4
Solomon’s fame spreads throughout the world.

INSIGHT
To understand the significance of Solomon’s wealth, power, and wisdom, we must go
back to Deuteronomy 28, where God outlined the consequences for Israel’s obedience
and disobedience. During the latter part of David’s reign and the early part of Solomon’s
reign, Israel follows the Lord in righteousness for a longer period of time than any other.
The results are a greater blessing than at any other time in Israel’s history. It is a glaring
and tragic reality that Israel follows her kings in unrighteousness, and the curses in
Deuteronomy begin to come about. The welfare of Israel is always related to her
righteousness.

PRAYER
Offer your praise to the Lord who is holy and in whose holiness we can share:
Oh, the depth of the riches  
And the wisdom and the knowledge of God!  
How unsearchable his judgments  
And untraceable his ways! (Romans 11:33).

Blessed is the God and Father
Of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing
In the heavens in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

Pray this confession as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
How joyful is the one
Whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered!  
How joyful is a person whom
The Lord does not charge with iniquity  
And in whose spirit is no deceit!  
(Psalm 32:1-2).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
But I have trusted in your faithful love;  
My heart will rejoice in your deliverance.  
I will sing to the Lord
Because he has treated me generously
(Psalm 13:5-6).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Greater love for fellow Christians
• Mission work in Europe and Asia
• Whatever else is on your heart

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Be strong, and let your heart be courageous,  
All you who put your hope in the Lord
(Psalm 31:24).