Chapter 9 of 2nd Chronicles is a survey of Solomon’s great wisdom and wealth. It begins with the story of the Queen of Sheba coming to check out his wisdom. She concludes in verses 5 &6, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the? reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it.” She blesses him with great gifts. Hiram is another king who blesses Solomon with great wealth. One commentator put it this way:  “The whole passage is a kaleidoscope of opulence. Gold, silver, ivory, spices, and precious stones—each is featured in turn, alone or in combination.”

But it’s the last two verse of the chapter that struck me. The simply report Solomon’s death. It’s remarkable in the simplicity of his death report. It simply says, “Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.  And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David his father, and Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.” Man, the wisest, wealthiest, most powerful man in the world at the time, and I would argue at any time, has his entire life summed up in two brief verses. Just think about that.

I remember Longfellow’s poem, “A Psalm of Life.” One particular stanza stands out. It’s something we should never forget. Here’s my rendition of that stanza:

Days seem long, but time is fleeting
And our hearts, though stout and brave
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave!

Chuck
“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.” 1 Peter 3:8(NLT)