Text: 2 Chronicles 8:1&2, 11-15
Memory Verse: “Now Solomon brought the daughter of Pharaoh up from the City of David to the house he had built for her, for he said, ‘My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places to which the ark of the LORD has come are holy’” (2 Chronicles 8:11).
Solomon married Pharaoh’s daughter for political reasons. He did this as part of his effort to, through treaties, rather than wars, fortify and maintain his hold on the many territories his father, David, had conquered through his many wars (1 Kings 3:1). Solomon contracted this marriage fully aware that Pharaoh’s daughter was pagan and that such marriage offends God’s command in 1 Kings 11:1 & 2. Yet, at this time, he was sufficiently spiritually aware and able to honour God by separating his pagan wife from the dwelling place of the most Holy God, for he said, “My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places to which the ark of the LORD has come are holy.” Solomon’s action here is commendable; we must realise that the Holy God cannot dwell with the unholy. His eyes are too pure to behold iniquity (Habakkuk 1:13).
Any wonder the scripture enjoins us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers? This is because there is no fellowship between righteousness and lawlessness; no communion between light and darkness; no accord between
Christ and Belial; and, consequently, a believer has no part with an unbeliever. Surely, the temple of God has no agreement with idols to which Pharaoh’s daughter owed allegiance. What is your primary consideration in the relationships you cultivate, Christ’s or personal gain? Are you able to distinguish the holy from the unholy in making those choices?
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, help me to distinguish the holy from the unholy in my choice of relationships, so that I can honour You always.
2. Lord, give me the grace to sever every unequal yoke I have with unbelievers.