2 Chronicles 11:5-12:16 - Rehoboam's Reign

2 Chronicles 11:5-12:16

So King Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned. Now Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the Lord had chosen from all the tribes of Israel, to put His name there. And his mother's name was Naamah the Ammonitess. And he did evil because he did not set his heart to see the Lord. (12:13-14)

Message: Rehoboam's Reign

Time: 2 Chronicles, like 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and was separated into 2 books in 200 BC when the Septuagint was translated. This book focuses on Judah from 971-586 BC. The chronicler focused on the blessings God bestowed when leaders were faithful to His law. It covers Solomon's ascension to the throne to Judah finally carried into exile in Babylon. 

What the Lord is Saying: Rehoboam is now enshrined as the first king of the southern territory, known as Judah, which mainly encompasses Jerusalem, the most favored city in that region. Rehoboam had rebelled against wise counsel and instead listened to the counsel of youth, but in God's divine providence this was the path God used to separate the northern and southern kingdoms. While Jeroboam gets most of the areas with the Northern Kingdom, Rehoboam does secure the most favored area of Jerusalem - an area that even now almost 3,000 years later is still a prominent place. He will also now mention the cities that he fortifies, repairs, and enlarges in order to build up a strong defense toward the Northern Kingdom. There is Bethlehem, 2 hours south of Jerusalem and Etam next to it. Tekoa is 2 hours then south of Bethlehem. Also Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam, Gath, Mareshah, Ziph - cities that could be in the south eastern part or the hill country. Adoraim (southwest), Lachish (west), and Azekah, Zorah (birthplace of Samson) and Aijalon (of the 15 mentioned here these are the furthest north), and Hebron. 

The Levites or chief priests were not welcomed with Jeroboam so instead they came to Jerusalem, under Rehoboam where they felt safe and appreciated (v. 14). And yet Jeroboam also provided other high places for the worship of Baal and goats (v. 15). [Note: I don't think it is the role of the Christian to encourage alternate forms of worship; they will most likely happen anyway, but we are not to help make them happen.] The best Israelites united themselves in Jerusalem for worship (v. 16). And so for the first 3 years of Jeroboam's reign all was well with r egards to the people's worship of God (v. 17). It appears that Rehoboam then takes 2 wives (v. 18) and this is affirmed in verse 21 stating he had 18 wives and 60 concubines. This resulted in 28 sons and 60 daughters. Thus, the sins of Solomon in taking many wives is now seen by his son Rehoboam. 

Thus, at the beginning of chapter 12 it sees that "he (Rehoboam) and all Israel with him forsook the law of the Lord." This forsaking would have consequences. In verse 2, Shishak the king of Egypt comes up against Jerusalem and "captured the fortified cities." Shemaiah the prophet tells Rehoboam from the Lord, "You have forsaken Me, so I also have forsaken you." But fortunately in response - "the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, "The Lord is righteous."" It was wrong to forsake the Lord, but after a little judgment the people remark that the Lord is righteous. They turn from their evil ways, even if it is just for a moment. But even in that moment there is a reprieve. Thus, God continues to acknowledge and do something after the repentance of His people. In verse 7 he says, "My wrath shall not be poured out" and yet "they will become his slaves."  

In verses 13-16 is a little summary. Rehoboam reigned 17 years from age 41 to 58. But "he did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the Lord." Yes, he repented at times. Yes, he did say he was sorry when evil came his direction, but "his heart did not seek the Lord." His repentance was momentary, but his life was not lives toward the Lord. It was a momentary life or turning to God. God wants a life consistently lived for Him. God wants our entire life and heart. We are to "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:5). 

Summary: Rehoboam's reign is marked by taking on many wives and concubines and forsaking the Lord which results in a king of Egypt taking over the land, but not destroying it because the people repent. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "When we hear from the Word of God about our sin, the proper response is repentance."

Prayer: O Lord My God, you are the great I AM. I want to be that person that is said to seek You all of the days of my life and make you known. Help me God to be that person. I miss the mark I know. I question. My faith can be wishy-washy, but I pray that my life looks like one that seeks you. Thank you for the clarity of understanding You have provided me and the good time to read and study Your word. Lord, give me wisdom and strength. Give me the words to say. Give me focus on You. Defeat enemies and be glorified. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

1 Kings 12:1-24 - A Young King's Folly

I Kings 12:1-24

And he spoke to them according to the advice of the young men, saying, "My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions. (verse 14)

Message: A Young King's Folly

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah.

What the Lord is Saying: Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and grandson of David, is now the central figure. Rehoboam heads to Shechem to be crowned king through a ceremonial process with representatives from the 12 tribes. In the last chapter it was prophesied that Jeroboam would be in charge of the ten tribes of the northern part of Israel. He was a former servant of Solomon and placed in charge of parts of the labor of the temple and changes. After Solomon's death he had fled to Egypt (verse 2) and now hears of Rehoboam's assent to king. He returns to speak to Rehoboam (verse 3). 

Jeroboam mentions to Rehoboam in verse 4, "Your father made our yoke hard." Solomon's reign was marked with prosperity but in building a lot he also placed a lot of pressure on his labor force, to build a temple but then also build his much larger palace. Prosperity takes hard work. It is not simply hand-outs. It is hard work building something. So Jeroboam petitions Rehoboam to "lighten the hard service of your father...and we will serve you." The problem is not hard work but instead forced labor. This is the problem that remains, forcing people to work. The evils of society speak of this often - forcing people to be sex slaves is one of the biggest problems today. Rehoboam responds that he needs time to deliberate and think of this. Sometimes we need time to consider a path forward. 

In verse 6, Rehoboam counsels elders. This is good - to go to those who came before him, to the elders. He goes to those that previously counseled Solomon. In life, hopefully we seek aid from the wisdom of others. Hopefully our leaders are being counseled by others. The elders recommendation to Rehoboam hold true today in verse 7, "Be a servant to this people...serve them...speak good words to them." 

But instead Rehoboam "forsook the counsel of the elders" and instead "consulted with the young men" instead that had been serving him and they told him to say to Jeroboam in verse 11, "I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions." Basically, you thought you had it hard, but I will show who is really tough. In verse 12, the 3 days is up from verse 5 and Rehoboam tells Jeroboam what the young men told him. 

And yet, this was God's sovereign will - judgment on Solomon's idolatry, splitting the kingdom with Jeroboam who receives the bulk of the split while Rehoboam receives the least. Only a small portion of people would remain loyal to David (Judah) while the bulk would go in the direction of Jeroboam. The people, Israel, responded by stoning to death (verse 18) the man in Adoram who had overseen the force labor under Solomon's reign. The people made Jeroboam king over all Israel (v. 20) and the ten tribes. Rehoboam and the people of Judah wanted to fight Israel, but God said no (v. 24). The division of the kingdom fulfilled God’s judgment on Solomon’s unfaithfulness and His prior word concerning Jeroboam. Rehoboam’s loss of the northern tribes was not to be reversed by force.

Matthew Henry comments, “God serves his own wise and righteous purposes by the imprudence's (lack of good judgment) and iniquities of men.” This passage doesn't go in the direction you would think with Rehoboam listening to wise counsel, but instead listens to foolish counsel but in so doing God's sovereign ways are fulfilled. God works things out in the way he had mentioned by fulfilling wrath toward Solomon and Israel, splitting the kingdoms and yet not allowing a civil war between the people. 

Summary: Jeroboam petitions Rehoboam for mercy and does not receive it and in return receives the 10 tribes of Israel while Rehoboam gets Judah and a division results. 

Promise: God uses our decisions to achieve His purposes. 

Prayer: Lord, I think that my default thinking is that my decisions achieve purposes that will work out in my favor, but this passage shows that decisions made by people, selfish decisions, can also work out in your favor and result in judgment sometimes. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Kings 11:9-43 - Solomon's Final Days

I Kings 11:9-43

So the Lord said to Solomon, "Because you have done this, and you have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant. Nevertheless I will not do it in your days for the sake of your father David, but I will tear it out of the hand of your son. (verse 11-12)

Message: Solomon's Final Days

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah.

What the Lord is Saying: In the last lesson, the disobedience of Solomon was described. Disobedience is often simple - it is trading God for something else in life. The main thing that led to sin of Adam and Eve was selfishness and wanting something that wasn't theirs. It was questioning a situation. It was an unwillingness to live within the standards set up. And that is a problem that continues throughout our lives today. 

Solomon had a way within him that seemed right and he pursued it rather than lining it up with God and what God thought was right. But it also could be that he looked at the things he was doing for God and felt like he was okay with doing some things his way or for himself. Thus, there wasn't a complete surrender to God and His ways. 

11:9 says "The Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned away from the Lord." God had blessed and called Solomon and his turning away was outside of the will of God. He expected more of Solomon. Instead he went "after other gods." I think we don't call the vices and sins in our lives other gods but I think they really are. I think we downplay those other things often and try to frame them as sounding not as offensive to God. And because of his turning away there would be consequences. I think this is the lesson here - our sin has consequences. 

Verse 11 the Lord says, "I will surely tear the kingdom from you" which means the kingdom goes from being united to being separated - splitting into Israel (north) and Judah (south). A reminder that unity is preferred over division. But while there is a long term consequence there is also a shorter term consequence - verse 14 - "The Lord raised up an adversary...Hadad the Edomite." Hadad is associated with a storm god and the Edomites have long opposed Israel. 

Context is provided. Joab, the army commander under David "had struck down every male in Edom" (verse 15) staying in Edom 6 months to make sure it was complete and carried out. Hadad was a young boy at the time, but he fled to Egypt with others in exile and was provided a home and food by Pharaoh, establishing him as an ally. Pharaoh gave Hadad the sister in his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen" (verse 19) as his wife, had a son named Genubath and was brought up in the Pharaoh household.

Then upon Hadad hearing of David and Joab's death, he sought to return to his home country, though Pharaoh wondered why he would leave. This became Solomon's adversary, allowed by God, something that can occur (Judges 2:14). A reminder that we not only wait for God's judgment upon death and in the future for all mankind, but judgment also is present at times in life, most often when we see the corruptness of national leaders. 

"God also raise up adversary...Rezon the son of Eliada" (verse 23). Rezon is also connected to David's previous reign in defeating Hadadezer king of Zodah (2 Samuel 8:3).  Rezon "gathered men to himself...and they went to Damascus (a strategic location in the ancient near East; verse 24)."

Once again, "King Solomon loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharoah, Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian and Hittite women" (verse 1) and in the process has enmity with men from those kingdom like Rezon and Hadad. 

In verse 26, "Jeroboam...Solomon's servant...also rebelled against the king." Solomon originally placed Jeroboam as one of his servants. He was an Ephraimite (within the tribe of Ephraim), a tribe of leadership and strength. As a servant, Jeroboam showed loyalty and was part of the administration of Solomon. There was a repair in the wall of the city. Jeroboam was placed in charge of the labor force. And during Solomon's reign, the prophet Ahijah met Jeroboam on a road (a divine appointment). Ahijah took his cloak as prophets often used physical objects to illustrate divine truths. He tore the cloak into 12 pieces, signifying the 12 tribes of Israel. And Ahijah gives Jeroboam 10 pieces. "Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes" (verse 31). The ten tribes represent the majority of the Israelite nation, which would form the northern kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam's rule.

Ahijah lets Jeroboam know that taking ten tribes is "because they have forsaken Me." And verse 33 is a tough verse of judgment: (1) "worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of Sidonians" - a prominent deity in the ancient Near East, associated with love and war; their worship practices often included rituals that were abhorrent to the Israelites, such as temple prostitution. The worship of Ashtoreth represents a direct violation of the first commandment, which prohibits the worship of other gods (source); (2) "Chemosh the god of Moab" - deity of the Moabites, a people often in conflict with Israel. The worship of Chemosh included practices such as child sacrifice, which were strictly forbidden in Israelite law; (3) "Milcom the god of the sons of Ammon" - involved detestable practices, including child sacrifice. 

And then there is mention of metaphors signifying the disobedience of the people. "they have not walked in My ways" - Walking in God's ways is a metaphor for 'living according to His commandments and statutes.' Not walking in His ways led to judgment and exile. Verse 34 mentions that the remnant is because of "My servant David whom I chose, who observed my commandments and statutes." The contrast is "not walking" and "observing." -- this is hard, especially after reading Solomon's prayer in I Kings 8. But it is like that never happened. His words were one thing, but his actions were more important and unlike David who had bouts of sin, Solomon seems to have let sin crept into his life and stayed in the name of foreign wives. 

In verse 36, "But to his son I will give one tribe" or a remnant and this is Solomon's son Rehoboam. God says this is because of David and his faithfulness and therefore while there is judgment upon Israel and there is division, a remnant remains. There will be a "lamp always before Me." And this is in Jerusalem - clearly a place of significance for God. Yes, a symbol of His presence but also it has a role in end times - Zechariah 14:4 - The prophecy of His Second Coming - "In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east." 

In verse 40, despite the divine sovereignty from the disobedience Solomon, "Solomon sought to put Jeroboam to death." He sought to take matters into his own hands, but Jeroboam fled to Egypt. 

"Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel for 40 years." And "His son reigned in his place." 

I have taken my time with this text as I have studied it daily, but it has taken me 4 days to get through it. It remains a haunting text to me knowing the life of Solomon and yet the judgment that comes from him, despite him worshipping God and praying to Him and leading a life at times of wisdom to God and taking care to build the temple and furnish it. Yet, he married foreign wives. To me, he did a lot of right things and at times had his heart turned toward God, but he clearly had God's judgment. I am not sure what to think of this. Maybe I tend to focus on the good rather than the bad and wonder about these acts of obedience that I see in people. 

Summary: The Lord was angry with Solomon. His final days was marked by God raising up adversaries and splitting the Israelite kingdom. And then he died. 

Promise: God has grace on me and spares me often from the repercussions of my sin. 

Prayer: O God, king of the earth, king of all. You are righteous and true and You are holy. You recognize our frailty as people and how we often walk away from You. You give us grace and spare us very often. You give us moments of victory. Solomon lived a lavish life. He had the finer things of life and you remind me of this. Wealth was big in his life and as I look at and see people experiencing this, that lifestyle is often what I want to emulate, but I am to be obedient to your commandments and statutes. You expect a people to be faithful first and the riches come to some but not to others. This is your grace and your providence and your divine way. I am grateful for whatever gift comes my way. Lord, I pray my life ends well, like my friend Karl. He had good people in His life and it encouraged him to remain steadfast and learn Your Word. Lord, good people are needed and present in our lives. Help me to be this to other people. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 11:24 - Give Freely

Proverbs 11:24

There is one who scatters, yet increases all the more. 

And there is one who withholds what is justly due, but [it results] only in want. 

Message: Give freely

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: The King James version of this verse is "One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor." New Living Translation says, "Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything." The principle seems clear, perhaps here more specifically applying to our money. We are to see it as a gift from God and as such we are to give it away freely. The New American Standard version seems to move beyond only the thinking of money and more of the idea of anything in our life in which we have an opportunity to give - our time and our finances. Both are significantly important in our lives. It seems that thinking about time and applying this to giving freely my time actually gains more time. 

I give my time to people and being with them and serving them rather than being at home so often and sitting in front of a screen. God's blessings are tied to our willingness to share with others, reflecting the selfless love of God. 

When my focus in only on myself and only taking care of my own needs, there is never enough money, but as I shift that focus and give to others freely, then it makes my heart feel good and blessed. And suddenly the cares of this world are not as great and what I need is not so great. 

This verse almost communicates that there is something magical that occurs when we give to others. 

Prayer: Lord, show me how we are to give. You have put people in our life with needs and as they come to us, show me how I am to give freely, expecting nothing in return. This may include family members and children. Direct me Lord. And show me what this means with all aspects of my life.

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Kings 10:14-11:8 - Solomon's Disobedience

I Kings 10:14-11:8

And Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not follow the Lord fully, as David his father [had done]. (11:6) 

Message: Solomon's Disobedience

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah.

What the Lord is Saying: Solomon was indeed wealthy. "King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom" (10:23). Solomon accumulated wealth annually. Traders and trade was significant under his reign and Israel's strategic location made it a hub for commerce. He had so much gold he used it in shields. The House of the Forest of Lebanon (verse 17) was a place to store treasures. He used ivory in construction of the throne, showing opulence. Gold was also readily available at the time. Silver was actually not as much of a luxury due to the abundance of gold. In verse 27, "The king made silver [as common] as stones in Jerusalem." His wisdom is also legendary with the books Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon associated with him. 

But Solomon had a problem - "he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines, and his wives turned his heart away." He formed alliances with other nations through these women, nations were often hostile toward Israel. The concern was intermarriage would lead someone away from worshipping God.  His heart was divided between his love for God and his love for his wives. And as he aged, his heart turned away from God, sometimes a problem for aged men. Aging can bring challenges to maintaining the same fervor for God. "His wives turned his heart away after other gods, and his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God" (verse 4). 

I think of this verse and the impact these wives had on Solomon, turning him away from God. Yet we think of Solomon as a man of great wisdom. The principle here is found in the verse and it is real and true. I am seeing this occur in someone life that is close to me. I am watching a woman (though it could be a man as well in other situations, but in this case a woman or girlfriend) take this person off course. He was deeply involved in church prior to her, but since her he has not been as strong in church and continues to wander and find reasons for himself to not be involved. He has become divided and the focus on spiritual things is not as strong as it once was in his life. It makes me think about my own life and making sure I am being careful about what might be moving me away from God and serving Him. Are there other gods in my life? I think in reading this about him having so many women seem preposterous today, but in a way men can have a tendency to do this with the lust of the eyes and more specifically pornography. Through that people can form a union with those pictures even though it is not the same as real life, but back in those times real life relationships with women was the option. 

In Solomon's life it also seems like riches also became a problem and might have lured himself away from God as well. I think Solomon had a lot of respect for God. He followed the ordinances, but still his heart, later in life especially, had turned away from God. In this passages he is compared often to his father David. David's sins were apparent as well, but maybe didn't stand out as much. Like Solomon he penned many of the wisdom literature (Psalms). 

Summary: While Solomon accumulated a lot of riches and had access to much wealth his life was also marked by union with many women and this led him away from following God completely. 

Promise: Only Christ will never fail in our lives and while there are good men in life all of us have areas of compromise. 

Prayer: God, you are rich in mercy and you make real people that have real problems. I want to be guided by your principles and seek You. I thank you for Solomon and the wisdom that he had but also see some of his words about being lured away by women he wrote he fell victim to in his life. I thank you for the wisdom he had and you gave him. Help me to be wise and focus on doing things right. Thank you for the peace that is found in You. Lord, thank you for my friend Karl and hearing of his passing yesterday, I am thankful for the man of God he was and the testimony he had for others. He struggled in his life as well with many sort of temptations, but he ended well and I am thankful for this. Thank you for placing Him in my life. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Chronicles 8:1-9:12 - Solomon's Accomplishments and Renown

2 Chronicles 8:1-9:12

Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to Jerusalem to test Solomon with difficult questions. She had a very large retinue, with camels carrying spices, and a large amount of gold and precious stones; and when she came to Solomon she, she spoke with him about all that was on her heart. (9:1)

Message: Solomon's Accomplishments and Renown

Time: 2 Chronicles, like 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and was separated into 2 books in 200 BC when the Septuagint was translated. This book focuses on Judah from 971-586 BC. The chronicler focused on the blessings God bestowed when leaders were faithful to His law. It covers Solomon's ascension to the throne to Judah finally carried into exile in Babylon. 

What the Lord is Saying: Today is Sunday morning, prior to church. This is when I begin this lesson though not sure what day it will be that it ends as my study of late is taking longer each day. I really enjoyed chapter 7 after I really enjoyed the prayer in chapter 6. Though for some strange reason those two lessons were over 6 weeks. I just get off doing too many different things in the morning. Not bad, just trading best for good. 

Chapter 8, verse 1-2 - Solomon is done building the temple and his own house and now he moves to building "the cities which Huram (or Hiram) had given to him." Hiram, the king of Tyre, was a significant ally of Solomon. He now enlarges his territories, capturing and building cities "in all the land under his rule" (verse 6). The people not destroyed but left in these cities "Solomon raised as forced laborers" (verse 8). From the sons of Israel he made rulers over the people. He set up his government in the way he felt best. Laborers were needed and rulers. He was a leader and he led in the way he thought was best. 

In verse 11, he establishes a house for his wife, separate from the holy places (house of David and where the ark of the Lord had entered). 

In 12 and 13, "Solomon offered burnt offerings...according to the daily rule...for the sabbaths, the new moons, and the three annual feasts." This seems like an ordinance. Leviticus 1 details burnt offerings - "a male without defect (v.3)...to make atonement (v.4)...the priests shall offer up the blood and sprinkle the blood around the altar (v.5)...cut it into pieces (v.6)...offer up in smoke all of it on the altar for a burnt offering (v.9)...a soothing aroma to the Lord (v.9)." The animals can be from the herd (a young bull), from the flock, of the sheep or of the goats, or birds, the turtledoves or young pigeons. The daily rule references Exodus 29:38-42, "you shall offer...each day, continuously. The one lamb you shall offer in the morning; and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight...a soothing aroma, an offering by fire to the Lord. It shall be continual burnt offering throughout your generations." [Note: I went to a Greek Orthodox church 2 weeks ago and this is one thing I noticed - a soothing aroma in that place...the priest swung a Thymiato during services to burn incense, which symbolizes the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.] I wonder if this is one reason we make sure we bathe and prepare ourselves with our best clothes for church (or our best presentation) so that our bodies might be a sweet aroma to the Lord. 2 Corinthians 2:15, "For we are a fragrance of Christ to God." The goal of the burnt offering was to offer atonement which is made to turn away wrong and restore harmony with God. My belief is this offering must be outside of my self, like a lamb, or like Jesus, with the goal of it being an aroma or fragrance to God. Ephesians 5:2, "Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." 

----

Now it is Monday. I really enjoyed learning about burnt offerings yesterday, the atonement and how Jesus replaced the animals that had been sacrificed daily. "For the death that he died, He died to sin, once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God." I have been speaking online to a young woman that sounds Muslim. She says Paul's words are the works of Satan. And yet there is a connection between the Old Testament offerings and the sacrifice of Jesus. 

Solomon was committed to observing the religious practices instituted by God through Moses or the Torah. He mentions the daily rule of the burnt offering, the weekly Sabbath, the new moons (monthly festivals), and the three annual feasts -- the feast of Unleavened Bread (associated with Passover, commemorated Israel's deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12:17-20)), the Feast of Weeks (celebrated the wheat harvest and the giving of the Law at Sinai; in the New Testament this was Pentecost which marked the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the Church, and the fulfillment of God's promise to write His Law on believer's hearts), and the Feast of Booths (or Tabernacles, rejoicing and remembering Israel's wilderness wanderings, anticipating the future dwelling of God with His people). 

I immediately think here that I wonder if we are this intentional in our celebrations yearly about commemorating God's activities or if we are more focused at times on our worldly reasons for gathering. Jehovah's Witnesses I understand do not celebrate any of the world's holidays including birthdays, citing all are pagan. This seems unnecessarily too radical and yet the idea to focus more on God seems admirable (even though I believe most of the JW doctrine to be an offense to God and His word; it has a questionable foundation). 

These feasts were times of communal worship, thanksgiving, and remembrance of God's provision and deliverance.

----

Now it is Tuesday and in verses 14-16 Solomon "appointed the divisions of the priests for their service, and the Levites for their duties of praise and ministering before the priests according to the daily rule." And then in verse 16, "the house of the Lord was completed." Every detail has been addressed. The financial resources (storehouses) are present. The duties of praise makes me think of worship service and signing songs. Solomon's reign is marked by wisdom and wealth, where peace and prosperity abound. 

In Chapter 9, the queen of Sheba arrives to question Solomon with riddles which was an intellectual exchange common in those times with kings to question their wisdom and discernment. "And Solomon answered all her questions" (verse 2). And seeing all he had done, "she was breathless" (verse 4). The queen of Sheba recognizes though that all this is because of the Lord God's blessing -- "Blessed be the Lor God who delighted in you, setting you on His throne as king for the Lord your God; because your God loved Israel establishing them forever, therefore He made you king over them, to do justice and righteousness." 

Israel has a special distinction and love by God. Deuteronomy 7:7-8, "The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the people, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the Lord loved you, and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the Lord brought you out by a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt." 

Solomon exemplified power, wealth, and influence during his reign. This chapter mentions his building projects and at the end identifies trade routes. Solomon leaned on Hiram for help in establishing sea commerce. Sheba came to test him and saw his immense wisdom and Solomon gave her gifts. Yet, through all of this activity Solomon was also committed to the religious practices. He was a strong businessman and leader, but also very committed in his faith and obedience. 

Summary: Solomon demonstrates his power, wealth, and influence while also showing his commitment to worshipping God daily and seeking forgiveness for his sins. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, the Lord often rewards His people materially when they serve Him. 

Prayer: O God, you set apart people for your service and here with Solomon he responds by building the house of the Lord, his house, setting up every detail and along the way continues to worship and praise you through daily offerings. I know you have blessed me and I focus on You through my time in serving You and worshipping You. Yet Lord, I pray that this is done well and correctly. I struggle at times with daily prayers. I do praise your name and am thankful for your blessings. I'm thankful for that which you established in me. I pray for others and want to see change and am in discouragement when this does not occur. It is hard to keep fighting the fight. It is hard at times to press on. Last night, I simply wanted the distraction and so turned on the TV and watched shows with Pamela, maybe with a desire to escape things I had heard that concern me. I shy away from this Lord. Forgive me Lord for my doubts. Help me and make yourself known to my family always. I want to rest in You. I thank you for my wife and all those before me that seek you and pray that your will is continually done. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Chronicles 7 - The Temple Celebration

2 Chronicles 7

...and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (verse 14)

Message: The Temple Celebration

Time: 2 Chronicles, like 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and was separated into 2 books in 200 BC when the Septuagint was translated. This book focuses on Judah from 971-586 BC. The chronicler focused on the blessings God bestowed when leaders were faithful to His law. It covers Solomon's ascension to the throne to Judah finally carried into exile in Babylon. 

What the Lord is Saying: I was really moved by Solomon's prayer of dedication in 2 Chronicles 6. In that prayer Solomon addresses God and also teaches people that the Temple is a place for the people to come to God, seek forgiveness for their sins and recognize their wrongful actions are an offense to a Holy God. Solomon also pleads to God to minister to those in need - like foreigners and those in battle. (The same prayer is recorded in 1 Kings 8:22-61.) 

One difference with I Kings is a benediction or a challenge he communicates to the people in verses 56-61, " “Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses. May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience to him and keep the commands, decrees and laws he gave our ancestors. And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day’s need, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God and that there is no other. And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.” What a wonderful closing thought that can be repeated by me and others. God has given us rest. He has not failed. May He never leave us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience and keep the commands. May God uphold the cause of His servant and His people Israel daily with the purpose of all people knowing Him. May we be fully committed. To know God and to make Him known. 

Chapter 7, verse 1 says "when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house." If one thing stands out here it is the importance of praying. In the aftermath of praying is God giving a blessing and validating the offerings of his people. The Lord loves and wants to hear from his people. And we are thankful for this as there were in this time "praise to the Lord, saying, 'Truly He is good, truly His lovingkindness is everlasting.' " We pray. God confirms himself to us. He sends love and we are blessed and go back to praising His name. 

I am thankful for a church that acknowledges this and continues to praise God and His name always. In verse 4, "King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen, and 120,000 sheep." Oxen represents hard work and sheep represent God's people, the Israelites. I wonder if these #'s are more metaphorical than actual. That is a lot of animals and maybe in a way this is saying that the Israelites numbered that many people at the time and were communicating to God we are here to offer our entire life to God. And the numbers speak of the significance of that commitment. 

"They held a solemn assembly, for the dedication..." - they continue to dedicate the temple and its uses and their future sacrifices to God. "Solomon finished the house of the Lord and the king's palace." 

The next section of this chapter is 12-22 with the heading, "The Lord Confirms the Covenant." The Lord is the name used in the Bible out of reference for the Hebrew letter YHWH. "The Lord appeared to Solomon at night and said to him, "I have heard your prayer" which is good because Solomon has been praying (2 Chronicles 6). God listens to our prayers. The Lord also states that "this place (the temple) is a house of sacrifice." 

He explains then in verse 13 a conditional statement - if He were to control the weather in such a way to stop rain which means agriculture can't receive the water they need for plants to grow and then also sends locusts to devour the crops already established and pestilence and plague to confirm his withholding of what they value as important - if God were to do all of this and then His people respond by turning from their wicked ways then He will forgive their sin and heal their land. I think this communicates that God is active. He does not simply wind a clock (of history) and let it run. He is present in life. And any time a weather issue comes, it should drive us to our knees and thank Him. Weather problems are increasing. Science wants to only give credit to climate change for the reason, but perhaps God is growing displeased. And hoping to wake people up.   

This is verse 14 -- "My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and heal their land."  Pray - seek God - turn or repent - God hears- forgives and heals our land. 

In verse 17 and 18 God continues: "walk before Me....do according to all that I have commanded you and will keep My statutes and My ordinances." And then God "will establish your royal throne." We are to walk in God's ways, in the ways He has instructed us. And we are to keep His statutes and ordinances. 

I am a little perplexed as to ordinances. It seems every denomination and every non-denomination has a different definition of what is included in ordinances. I think what concerns me about making sure we do them is the piety or boastful feeling that may result. Maybe also the feeling that doing them makes you special or feeling set apart from those that don't. It seems we do them out of a response for God's love for us. In essence, his words here should not be alarming anyone that follows God. Seek God, turn from wicked ways, keep doing what He says we need to do - simply show my allegiance to Him. But perhaps in this passage we have examples. Prayer, repentance, turn from sin, have feasts, gather together to commit His provision to Him, be humble. These are ordinances or practices we need to continue to do. 

The idea of God "will establish your royal throne" to me is similar to Paul's words in Romans 8:28-39 - "Nothing can separate us from the love of God." I think with the royal throne God is saying I will never leave you. You will always be My people. God will always be there to take care of us. 

Likewise in verse 19 - "if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments...and go and serve other gods...I will cast (you) out of My sight." It seems we can't be surprised then when things don't go our way. 

This is a really good chapter. I admit, I have taken my time getting through it. But, it is a great chapter and full of lots of great ideas and acts of obedience and evidence of God's love for us. 

Summary: After Solomon prayer of dedication, God makes a covenant with His people as they walk in obedience, pray, humble, obey, and turn from their wicked ways. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "When God’s people go astray, He will restore them if they return to Him."

Prayer: God, you bless your people. You prepare a place for them and in response we are obedient and you bless us, but as people turn from you, you deal with their obstinance and their sin. The order of things is simple. Live in obedience and expect good things. Help me to remember this passage. Take me back to it and let it remind me of your commitment to me. Be praised. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.