Bible Study, Old Testament 
No Comments 2 Chronicles 7-9: Character or Reputation
Prayer went up, fire came down, and glory moved in. Could you ask for more?
David was known for his battles, Solomon for his buildings. It was a time of peace, so the opportunities and resources for building were available.
It is disappointing that Solomon married a foreign woman who could not be identified with the Lord’s throne. God wants each home to be a tabernacle (Isaiah 4:5–6); He wants His children to enjoy His presence (2 Corinthians 6:4–7:1). Apparently in this decision, Solomon was concerned more about politics than about piety.
Solomon was faithful in his public worship despite these inconsistencies in his life, and he continued to increase the wealth of the nation. But the people were not growing in the things of the Lord. Alexander Whyte wrote that “the secret worm . . . was gnawing all the time in the royal staff upon which Solomon leaned.”
The most important part of your life is the part that only God sees. Are you concerned about character—or reputation?