Solomon Worships at Gibeon
1 Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great. (2 Chron. 1:1 ESV)
As I read today's verse, I wondered about the phrase "and the LORD God was with him." God is not a physical presence. He does not ride in the shotgun seat of our car. We cannot take God out for coffee. In fact, unlike post-Christ believers, there was not even a spiritual presence available for each individual believer. When God was "with" a person in the Old Testament, it meant that He caused a person's plans to prosper and provided physical protection and spiritual guidance.
We know that in 1 Kings 1, God presented Solomon with the opportunity to ask for anything Solomon wished. Solomon reply was not for financial success, professional prowess, or personal gain. His response showed humility and a God-reliance we would do good to replicate. "9 Give your servant, therefore, an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:9) God is pleased with Solomon's request and as a result promises also "both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days." (1Kings 3:13)
What is often overlooked is the next verse. "14 And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”
God's promise to Solomon did not release him from obedience. Solomon's bright future was dependent on his future behavior. Early in the third chapter of 1 Kings, it is recorded that Solomon "loved the LORD, and walk(ed) in the statutes of David his father." Solomon was not a free-wheeling, fun-loving son of a king who just happened to get lucky with his request and as a result get the keys to the kingdom.
His life was already defined by his faith and worship. His was not a one-time religious epiphany. As he was not released from those duties, responsibilities, and expectations as a result of God's promise to him.
Solomon's continued worship, prayers, and sacrifices were what caused God to be with him. Yes, his now-famous wisdom allowed him to make decisions and deals that brought him success, but that success would have been short-lived had he strayed from his personal relationship with God.
Any success we have today results from God's presence in our lives and our continued, daily obedience to Him. While our success may (most likely will not) reach the level of Solomon, we must still depend on God, seek him, and obey him if we are to receive his blessings.
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