DCLM Daily Manna 2026: DCLM Daily Manna 16 January 2026: Danger of Compromise
Text: 2 Chronicles 1:13–17 (KJV)
So Solomon came to Jerusalem from the high place that was at Gibeon, from before the tabernacle of meeting, and reigned over Israel. 14 And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen; he had one thousand four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 15 Also the king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedars as abundant as the sycamores which are in the lowland. 16 And Solomon had horses imported from Egypt and Keveh; the king’s merchants bought them in Keveh at the current price. 17 They also acquired and imported from Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for one hundred and fifty; thus, through their agents, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.
KEY VERSE: 2 Chronicles 1:17 (KJV
“And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so brought they out horses for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria by their means.”)
As winter approached, a hunter went into the forest hoping to kill a bear and make a warm coat from its fur. Suddenly, a bear appeared, and the hunter raised his gun to shoot.
“Wait,” the bear pleaded, “why do you want to shoot me?”
“Because I am cold,” replied the hunter.
“But I am hungry,” said the bear. “Perhaps we can reach an agreement.”
The hunter lowered his gun and followed the bear home. In the end, the hunter was wrapped in the bear’s fur, and the bear had eaten its dinner. This simple illustration teaches a powerful lesson: we always lose when we compromise with sin. It may appear harmless at first, but compromise will eventually consume us.
Solomon’s downfall began with small and seemingly reasonable compromises. Fresh from Gibeon, where he sought God’s wisdom, Solomon began amassing horses and chariots, despite the clear constitutional warning given to Israel’s kings.
Possibly motivated by national security concerns, he entered into an alliance with Egypt, a powerful nation known for its military strength—but also deeply rooted in idolatry. This should have served as a serious warning sign.
Gradually, Solomon broke the commandment that said, “He shall not multiply horses to himself,” and soon after violated another: “Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away.”
What began with importing horses and chariots from Egypt eventually led to Solomon marrying seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines, including Pharaoh’s daughter. The result was tragic—Solomon lost divine favour, and the kingdom was ultimately divided.
It is important to note that the Bible does not teach hatred for Egypt or its people. Egypt was—and remains—a significant nation with many believers. However, Egypt spiritually represents the worldly system—a system capable of enslaving God’s people.
Thus, returning to Egypt symbolises returning to worldliness. This is why Israel’s kings were warned not to cause the people to return to Egypt. The warning was not against people, but against principles and ideologies that oppose God.
As believers today, we must remain vigilant. Compromise weakens spiritual discernment and slowly erodes godly convictions. What begins as a small concession can end in spiritual ruin.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Compromise blurs the line between the godly and the worldly.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Daily Manna 16 January 2026
