1 Kings 10:14-29 “A Dangerous Drift”
“Now the weight of gold which came in to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold,..” (14). We learn that Solomon made 200 large shield from 600 shekels of gold. He made a throne of ivory and overlaid it with refined gold. It is noteworthy that there were 6 steps to the throne with 6 lions on each of the side of the steps. We should note the repeated occurrence of the number six [the number of man] in these projects. There was so much gold that silver was not considered valuable In Solomon’s time. “So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.” (23) Consequently, Solomon was sought out by all the earth for the wisdom God gave him. This great wealth was promised to Solomon by God because he sought God for wisdom to serve His people. However, he also increased his army with horses and chariots in violation of God’s command to Israelite kings. Though outwardly Solomon seemed in a good position, we see hints of a drift into relying on Human human resources rather than depending on God. Though subtle, the drift to rely on our human abilities and capacities is extremely dangerous and should be carefully avoided.
