THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
Chapter XIII. Can we attribute the realization of the promise of peace to the period of Solomon's rule? To seek such a vast blessing in this temporal life on earth seems unwise. Is it not commonly thought that this peace was achieved during the tranquil reign of Solomon? Scripture presents this era largely as a precursor to what is to come. However, this notion is swiftly countered by the following statement: "The wicked men shall no more encamp against him," which is immediately followed by: "As before, from the time that I set judges over My people Israel." Before the establishment of kings, judges were appointed for the people from the time they occupied the promised land.
Read more (178 words)
Throughout that period, wicked men, or foreign foes, continually disturbed and oppressed them, as Scripture attests. Peaceful times were often interrupted by conflicts; notably, there were even longer periods of tranquility than during Solomon’s forty-year reign, such as the eighty years of peace under the judge Ehud. Therefore, it should not be assumed that this promise specifically refers to the era of Solomon, let alone any other monarch. Solomon indeed ruled with unprecedented peace, but this nation never experienced a reign entirely devoid of threats from adversaries. Given the shifting landscape of human affairs, no nation has ever enjoyed complete security free from the fear of enemy incursions in this earthly existence. Thus, the promised location of lasting peace and safety is an eternal realm, decreed by the Eternal in the heavenly Jerusalem, where the true nation of Israel will reside, for its name signifies "seeing God." It is with a sincere hope for such a reward that we should navigate our present trials of faith. Of the house of David: see 2 Samuel 7:29. 2 Samuel 7:29