Scripture Daily

Context No. 4147 of 4322 · 2 Chronicles

Context · Reflection

2 Chronicles 8:1-6: in context

1At the end of twenty years, in which Solomon had built the LORD’s house and his own house, 2Solomon built the cities which Huram had given to Solomon, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there. 3Solomon went to Hamath Zobah, and prevailed against it. 4He built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the storage cities, which he built in Hamath. 5Also he built Beth Horon the upper and Beth Horon the lower, fortified cities with walls, gates, and bars; 6and Baalath, and all the storage cities that Solomon had, and all the cities for his chariots, the cities for his horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build for his pleasure in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.

This passage lists Solomon's many building projects: cities, fortifications, storehouses, all the impressive works of a wealthy and successful king. And a phrase near the end catches the eye: he built all that Solomon desired to build for his pleasure, in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and throughout his realm.

Solomon had begun by building the house of the LORD; now the building projects multiply, and increasingly they are for his own pleasure and grandeur. There is a quiet caution in that phrase, all that Solomon desired to build for his pleasure. It is not wrong in itself to build and to enjoy the fruits of one's labor. But knowing where Solomon's story goes, we notice the drift, from building God's house first, to building more and more for his own pleasure and glory. The heart that once sought to honor God can slowly become absorbed in its own comfort, projects, and grandeur. It is easy for the pursuit of God to give way, little by little, to the pursuit of our own pleasure.

Am I watchful that my energy and resources not drift, like Solomon's, from serving God toward building comfort and grandeur for my own pleasure, keeping God, rather than my own enjoyment, first in what I pursue?

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