1 Kings 4

Solomon's reign gave testimony to the glorious future reign of a Son of David who would be greater than Solomon. Jesus accomplished our salvation with a lowly cross, but He is coming again with the power and glory of a heavenly crown. What will the glory of the kingdom of heaven be like when the Son of Man returns?

The glory of Solomon over the kingdom of Israel was expressed through those who served him in peace. Many great men served in Jerusalem in that day, each with his own sphere of authority. In addition, twelve leaders served throughout the regions of the kingdom bringing tribute to the great king.

In the days of Solomon's reign the people prospered and were happy. Their numbers increased and there was great provision for everyone in body and soul. The kingdom enjoyed “peace on all sides” and the people from north to south in Israel lived in safety. They were glad to serve during the month appointed for each particular region under the authority of the king.

God gave the king of Israel great and memorable wisdom. He authored many proverbs and songs. He also had great knowledge of the natural order of plants and animals.

All of this good order, prosperity, peace, wisdom, artistic achievement, and intellectual attainment was a display of the glory of Solomon's reign. No other king of Israel, either before or after Solomon, could compare with him.

How then could a carpenter from Galilee possibly say that in His own person one greater than Solomon was here?

Jesus, the Son of God, came in humility and died in disgrace, but he established a kingdom that will stand forever. The glory of that kingdom in the renewed heavens and earth will be far beyond anything that Israel experienced in the days of Solomon.

When Jesus returns we will see the glorious order of a resurrection world. The tribal leaders of Israel and the twelve apostles will have their places of authority. The ones who sit on his right and on his left have been established in the mind of God from of old. The King of glory will know well how to distribute His gifts of governance He will grant authority over cities and regions to those who have been prepared through their faithfulness in His service here below. He will come again not only with redeemed people, but also with all the heavenly angels, our servants forever.

In Immanuel's new land there will be the fullness of peace and prosperity. He will separate the righteous from the wicked and there will be no occasion to fear the attacks of those who would come against God's people with evil intent. All of the citizens of the land will be filled with the perfect peace and rest of the Holy Spirit. They will be purified in all righteousness and obedience. The environment will be safe, fruitful, and full of life. Even the trees of the fields will clap their hands in the joy of eternal worship.

The Lord who prepared good works for us to accomplish even now on earth will fill our days with great opportunities to love him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. What will be the artistic and intellectual achievement in that great era of heavenly glory?

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him, these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)

The greatest glory of heaven will be the Source of all glory, heaven's God. And Jesus, the High King of heaven and earth and the divine Son of the Father, shall reign with incomparable glory forever.