I Kings 3 – 4, II Chronicles 2 and Psalm 72 and Incredible Floral Flag

I Kings 3 – 4, II Chronicles 2 and Psalm 72

I Kings 3 - 4 continues the story of Solomon, son of David. We see that Solomon probably solidified a pact with Egypt by marrying a daughter of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. She lives in the City of David with Solomon until he finishes building his palace and the Temple of the Lord. We learn that Solomon loved the Lord and followed all the decrees of David, except that Solomon offered sacrifices and burned incense at the local places of worship like the rest of the people of Israel since there was no temple for this purpose.

After Solomon sacrificed 1000 burnt offerings in Gibeon, the Lord appears to him in a dream. There is nothing to indicate the burnt offerings had anything to do with the Lord appearing to him in a dream asking Solomon what he wanted and promising him He would give it to him.

Solomon must have felt like Aladdin when he found the magic lamp, but he what does he ask for? An understanding heart so he can govern God’s people well and know the difference between right and wrong. God was impressed that Solomon did not ask for long life or wealth or the death of his enemies and told Solomon he would give him what he asked for and also he did not ask for: riches and fame. He also says he will give Solomon a long life if he follows him and obeys his decrees and commands.

Not only does God promise Solomon wisdom and give it to him, He also makes it clear to the people that he has the wisdom he needs for rendering justice. The story of Solomon’s wise decision as to who should get the child was the perfect way to show this.

Wasn’t that an incredible list of officials and governors who worked for Solomon. He apparently had no problem with delegation. He also had no problem with a little nepotism. Two of his district governors were married to Solomon’s daughters, Taphath and Basemath.

I’m a little puzzled by Psalm 72. It’s labeled “a psalm of Solomon,” but verse 20 says “(This ends the prayers of David son of Jesse.)” Perhaps it was aprayer of David for Solomon; the first verse says “Give your justice to the king, O God, and righteousness to the king’s son.” Does the “king” mentioned here refer to David and the “king’s son” to Solomon?

Tomorrow, it’s Psalm 119:89-176.

The Incredible Floral Flag

Between the fields where the flag is planted, there are 9+ miles of flower fields that go all the way to the ocean. The flowers are grown by seed companies. It's a beautiful place, close to Vandenberg AFB. Check out the dimensions of the flag. The Floral Flag is 740 feet long and 390 feet wide and maintains the proper Flag dimensions, as described in Executive Order #10834. This Flag is 6.65 acres and is the first Floral Flag to be planted with 5 pointed Stars, comprised of White Larkspur. Each Star is 24 feet in diameter; each Stripe is 30 feet wide. This Flag is estimated to contain more than 400,000 Larkspur plants, with 4 -5 flower stems each, for a total of more than 2 million flowers. For our soldiers.....   When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our servicemen. There is nothing attached..... Just send this to all the people in your address book. Do not stop the wheel, please. "In God We Trust"

Until next time…