"You Will Be With Me in Paradise" - KING SOLOMON'S RULE-A TASTE OF PARADISE

 King Solomon was inspired to write about what life would be  like when a future wise and faithful king would sit on the throne. ( Read Psalm 37:10, 11, 29) We often read Psalm 37:11 to others when discussing the coming Paradise.  That is certainly justified because Jesus quoted that text in his Sermon on the Mount, indicating that it will have  a future fulfillment. (Matthew 5:5) But David's words also reveal what life would be like in King Solomon's day.  When Solomon ruled Israel, God's people enjoyed special peace and prosperity in a land "flowing with milk and honey."  God has said: "If you continue walking in my statutes . . . , I will peace in the land, and you will lie down wiht no one making you afraid." (Leviticus 20:24; 26:3, 6) Thoses promises came true during Solomon's reign.  (1 Chronicles 22:9; 29:26, 28)  And there was the prospect that wicked ones would  "be no more." (Psalm 37:10) Hence, the words found at Psalm 37:10, 11, 29  had an ancient fulfillment and will also be fulfilled in the future.

News of the peace and prosperity enjoyed by the Israelites under Solomon's rule reached the queen of Sheba.  That sovereign from a different land traveled to Jerusalem to see the situation for herself.  (1 Kings 10:1) After inspecting King Solomon's kingdom, she said: "I had not been told the half. . . Happy are your men, and happy are your servants who stand before you constantly, listening to your wisdom! (1 Kings 10:6-8)  But the conditions under Solomon's rule were just a taste of what Jehovah will do for mankind under the rule of his Son, Jesus. 

Next time: "You Will Be With Me in Paradise" - KING SOLOMON'S RULE-A TASTE OF PARADISE

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