The God Who Provides

When Solomon came to the throne, Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to congratulate him. In return Solomon asked him to send cedar and craftsmen for the building of the temple, and Hiram, greatly pleased, praised God and gave his help gladly.

David had shed much blood in war, and so building the temple was not his calling. That calling passed to Solomon, to whom God had granted peace throughout the land, and he made it plain to Hiram that this temple was both his father’s wish and the fulfillment of the covenant made with God. The riches, the workers, the friendship of a foreign king: all of it God had prepared beforehand.

Weigh up the credit for building the temple, and Solomon himself did not do a great deal. Even so, as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, he took up that precious charge. We too have no merit to claim, yet God has called us his children and entrusted us with the task of living through the last days carrying the lamp of truth.