1 Kings 4 Devotional

A Glimpse of Promised Peace

“Throughout the days of Solomon, Judah and Israel dwelt securely from Dan to Beersheba, each man under his own vine and his own fig tree.”1 Kings 4:25 (BSB)

This chapter of officials and provisions is painting a picture. Under Solomon, the people of Judah and Israel are as numerous as the sand by the sea, and they are eating, drinking and rejoicing (4:20). Each family lives safely under its own vine and fig tree (4:25), and the kingdom has peace on every side (4:24). The image of countless sand recalls God's old promise to multiply Abraham's descendants (Genesis 22:17).

The chapter is careful to say where Solomon's greatness comes from. God gave him wisdom and understanding beyond measure (4:29), and people from every nation come to hear it (4:34). Even here there are hints of strain, such as an official in charge of forced labor (4:6). Still, for a season Israel tastes what life under God's blessing can be, and that taste points ahead to a kingdom whose peace will not fray. Every good season you are given is God's gift too, to be received with thanks rather than gripped.

To think about: What good gift in your life right now could you receive with thanks to God instead of holding on to it anxiously?