The Sand on the Seashore

“Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand that is on the seashore in abundance . . . Now God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment and breadth of mind, like the sand that is on the seashore.” 1 Kings 4:20, 29 NASB

Standing on a beach, we see sand in every direction. Looking down, each grain seems immeasurably tiny. Just a handful holds hundreds, perhaps thousands. Pondering the expanse of the beach, the volume of sand seems beyond counting.

Recently researchers at the University of Hawaii actually tried to calculate the number of grains of sand on earth. They estimated that the Earth has roughly seven quintillion grains of sand! (Each quintillion represents a 1 followed by 18 zeros!)

This number is so great that it defies our grasp. But this vastness is one of the ways the Bible describes God’s unlimited nature. The comparison with sand first was used to describe His blessings for Abraham, how He would “greatly multiply your seed . . . as the sand which is on the seashore” (Genesis 22:17).

The Bible uses this comparison twice within the span of a few verses in describing Israel during Solomon’s reign. They were as “numerous as the sand that is on the seashore in abundance.” And God gave Solomon wisdom “like the sand that is on the seashore.”

The picture is of blessings extending in every direction, in every dimension, beyond what we can imagine, grasp, or see. Paul expressed this truth when he wrote how God was “able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

How easy it can be to limit God! To restrict ourselves to what we can imagine. These are moments to ponder the sand on the seashore. Truly, there is no limit to what He can do. And no limits to His wisdom and power.

Prayer: Father, I believe that You can do all things. Nothing is impossible with You. Help me to trust You. Thank You for Your wisdom and unlimited blessings! In Jesus’ name. Amen.