Man of peace
1 Chronicles 22:2 – Chapter 24
As the focus shifts from David to Solomon we see that 1 Chronicles presents Solomon as a man of peace.
While we usually connect him with the attribute of wisdom, there’s no doubt the two are connected—wisdom can prevent a lot of the conflict and chaos of life.
David tells Solomon that the word of the Lord came to him and God said David would not get to build the temple because “You have shed much blood and have fought many wars.”
In contrast, God said to David, “But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign.”
The name “Solomon” sounds like and may be related to the Hebrew word for “peace.”
We don’t usually think of the Old Testament world as a peaceful one, and Solomon’s reign has its share of conflict, but compared to what came before and after it was relatively quiet.
Sadly, we don’t usually look for or find leaders who are men and women of peace, whose leadership is characterized by rest and quiet. Maybe we’d be better off if we did.
Coincidentally today’s proverb speaks of the heavy weight of a “fool’s provocation.” In a world full of people who provoke conflict for its own sake, there’s wisdom to be gained there.

Tuesday meditation

Proverbs 27:3-4
Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.
Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

Prayer focus
God, lead us to be men and women of peace, that we may bring your peace to the world.

-Rev. Mark Fleming