Today we are reading 2 Chronicles 8. In this chapter we read about Solomon’s administration and division of labor including enslavement. “Thus was accomplished all the work of Solomon from the day the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid until it was finished. So the house of the Lord was completed. Then Solomon went to Ezion-geber and Eloth on the shore of the sea, in the land of Edom. And Hiram sent to him by the hand of his servants ships and servants familiar with the sea, and they went to Ophir together with the servants of Solomon and brought from there 450 talents of gold and brought it to King Solomon.” 2 Chronicles 8:16-18 ESV God blessed Solomon in many ways. For the non-Jewish inhabitants of Canaan, God initially commanded to remove them from the land. Now Solomon is enslaving them for forced labor. This was not God’s will. God wanted them removed and for Israel to keep separate from them. The purpose was simple—social and spiritual distancing—to protect His people from pagan religions. Who do you regularly associate with that does not worship God? How can you protect yourself spiritually? May God put in your heart to keep Him first in your life. Pastor Tim
