1 Kings 6:37-7:1 - Using God's gifts

Scripture:

1 Kings 6:37-7:1
37 In the fourth year the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid, in the month of Ziv.
38 In the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month, the house was finished throughout all its parts and according to all its plans. So he was seven years in building it.
7:1 Now Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.
NASU


Thoughts:

The temple was complete after 7 years of construction (verses 37-38).  This is significant not only to indicate the size and complexity of the project, but also because the number 7 is used often times in the Bible to symbolize God's perfection.  The temple was complete according to God's design (verse 38).

It's interesting that right after mentioning the 7 years of work on the temple, we are informed that Solomon spent 13 years building his own home! (verse 7:1)  There's no indication of the Lord's disapproval here, and the Lord had chosen to enrich Solomon according to His promise, so this may not be disobedience on the part of Solomon.  However, it does give us something to ponder.  What portion of my resources do I see as devoted to God versus using for my own needs and desires?  Am I using what He's entrusted to me, as He desires? 


Prayer:

Lord, I want to see all that is under my control as Yours.  No facet of my life is truly mine, but all of it is from You and belongs to You. 

Let me live in this light, today.  May I use all that You've given me according to Your perfect plan, as You guide me.

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.