EGW Writings2 Chronicles 1

From Splendor to Shadow

How to Succeed as a Leader

SS 15.5

“And all Israel ... stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him, to render justice.” 1 Kings 3:28, RSV. The hearts of the people were turned toward Solomon. “Solomon ... was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.” 2 Chronicles 1:1.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 1—Solomon

PK 27.3

In his youth Solomon made David’s choice his own, and for many years he walked uprightly, his life marked with strict obedience to God’s commands. Early in his reign he went with his counselors of state to Gibeon, where the tabernacle that had been built in the wilderness still was, and there he united with his chosen advisers, “the captains of thousands and of hundreds,” “the judges,” and “every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers,” in offering sacrifices to God and in consecrating themselves fully to the Lord’s service. 2 Chronicles 1:2. Comprehending something of the magnitude of the duties connected with the kingly office, Solomon knew that those bearing heavy burdens must seek the Source of Wisdom for guidance, if they would fulfill their responsibilities acceptably. This led him to encourage his counselors to unite with him heartily in making sure of their acceptance with God.

PK 29.1

“And if thou wilt walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.” 1 Kings 3:5-14; 2 Chronicles 1:7-12.

PK 32.1

“And all Israel ... feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.” 1 Kings 3:28. The hearts of the people were turned toward Solomon, as they had been toward David, and they obeyed him in all things. “Solomon ... was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.” 2 Chronicles 1:1.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 80, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 80, 1904, par. 6

“And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.” [2 Chronicles 1:1.] One night God appeared to Solomon, and said, “Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast showed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead. Now, O Lord my God, let Thy promise unto David my father be established; for Thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Give me now knowledge and wisdom, that I may go out and come in before this people: [for who can judge this Thy people], that is so great?

19LtMs, Ms 80, 1904, par. 7

“And God said unto Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge My people, over whom I have made thee king; wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.” [Verses 7-12.]

Conflict and Courage

A Contract With God, July 1

CC 188.1

And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly. 2 Chronicles 1:1.

CC 188.2

Not in the surpassing wisdom, the fabulous riches, the far-reaching power and fame that were his, lay the real glory of Solomon’s early reign; but in the honor that he brought to the name of the God of Israel through a wise use of the gifts of Heaven.1Prophets and Kings, 32, 33.

CC 188.3

Noble in youth, noble in manhood, the beloved of his God, Solomon entered on a reign that gave high promise of prosperity and honor. Nations marveled at the knowledge and insight of the man to whom God had given wisdom. But the pride of prosperity brought separation from God. From the joy of divine communion Solomon turned to find satisfaction in the pleasures of sense.2Education, 152, 153.

CC 188.4

Satan well knew the results that would attend obedience, and during the earlier years of Solomon’s reign,—years glorious because of the wisdom, the beneficence, and the uprightness of the king,—he sought to bring in influences that would insidiously undermine Solomon’s loyalty to principle, and cause him to separate from God.3Fundamentals of Christian Education, 498.

CC 188.5

Did the Lord make a mistake in placing Solomon in a position of so great responsibility? Nay. God prepared him to bear these responsibilities, and promised him grace and strength on condition of obedience....

CC 188.6

The Lord sets men in responsible places, not to act out their own wills, but His will. So long as they cherish His pure principles of government, He will bless and strengthen them, recognizing them as His instrumentalities. God never forsakes the one who is true to principle.4The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 3:1128.

CC 188.7

The Lord told Solomon that if he would walk in His way, His blessing would go with him, and wisdom would be given him. But Solomon failed to keep his contract with God. He followed the promptings of his own heart, and the Lord left him to his own impulses.

CC 188.8

Today each one has a part to act—duties to perform and responsibilities to carry. No one can act his part acceptably without wisdom from on high.5Letter 104, 1902.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 81, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 81, 1900, par. 22

In the first chapter of Second Chronicles we read: “Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.” [Verse 1.]

15LtMs, Ms 81, 1900, par. 24

“And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.” [Verses 7-12.]

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 1—Solomon’s Spectacular Beginning

SS 13.3

In his youth Solomon made David’s choice his own, and for many years his life was marked with strict obedience to God’s commands. Early in his reign he went to Gibeon, where the tabernacle built in the wilderness still was, and united with his chosen advisers and “all the leaders in all Israel, the heads of fathers’ houses,” in offering sacrifices to God and in consecrating themselves fully to the Lord’s service. 2 Chronicles 1:2, RSV. Solomon knew that those bearing heavy burdens must seek the Source of wisdom for guidance. This led him to encourage his counselors to unite with him in making sure of their acceptance with God.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 15—Jehoshaphat, the King Who Believed God

SS 101.2

Jehoshaphat “had riches and honor in abundance.” As time passed, the king “took away the high places and groves out of Judah.” Verses 5, 6. “And the remnant of the sodomites, which remained in the days of his father Asa, he took out of the land.” 1 Kings 22:46. Thus gradually the inhabitants of Judah were freed from perils that had threatened to retard seriously their spiritual development.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 28—King Hezekiah Repairs the Damage

SS 175.4

Hezekiah appealed to the priests to unite with him in bringing about reform. “Be not now negligent,” he exhorted them, “for the Lord hath chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him.” “Sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers.” Verses 11, 5.

From Splendor to Shadow

Solomon’s Dream From God

SS 14.4

“And if thou wilt walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.” 1 Kings 3:5-14; see also 2 Chronicles 1:7-12.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 16—The Fall of the House of Ahab

SS 113.4

“And after all this the Lord smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease. And ... in process of time, after the end of two years, ... he died of sore diseases.” “And Ahaziah [Jehoahaz] his son reigned in his stead.” Verses 12-19; 2 Kings 8:24.

From Splendor to Shadow

The Warning and Solomon’s First Wrong Step

SS 28.1

The king’s relations with heathen nations brought him renown, honor, and riches. “The king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stone, and cedar trees made he as the sycamore trees that are in the vale for abundance.” 2 Chronicles 1:15. Wealth came in Solomon’s day to an increasingly large number of people; but the fine gold of character was marred.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 54—Nehemiah Bravely Rebukes Selfishness

SS 336.4

Upon hearing these words, the armed men left the captives and spoil before the congregation. Then leading men of Ephraim “took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho ... to their brethren.” Verse 15.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 3—Pride of Prosperity

PK 54.2

The king’s alliances and commercial relations with heathen nations brought him renown, honor, and the riches of this world. He was enabled to bring gold from Ophir and silver from Tarshish in great abundance. “The king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycamore trees that are in the vale for abundance.” 2 Chronicles 1:15. Wealth, with all its attendant temptations, came in Solomon’s day to an increasingly large number of people; but the fine gold of character was dimmed and marred.

PK 56.2

As a safeguard against dependence on the arm of flesh, the Lord had warned those who should rule over Israel not to multiply horses to themselves. But in utter disregard of this command, “Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt.” “And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands.” “Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.” 2 Chronicles 1:16; 9:28; 1 Kings 10:26.