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." 

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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.

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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 Samuel 15:1-17 - Absalom Makes a Play for the Throne

2 Samuel 15:1-17

Moreover, Absalom would say, 'Oh that one would appoint me judge in the land, then every man who has any suit or cause could come to me, and I would give him justice." (verse 4)

Message: Absalom Makes a Play for the Throne

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: Once again I am struck by the fact this chapter is not about David. Absalom instead starts out asserting himself. Verse 2 talks about how he would stand at the gate of the city and try to be the first line of defense for anyone entering the city and wanting to speak to the King. And whatever they would say Absalom would make it out that the King can't see the person and instead it would be great if he could himself make a decision on behalf of the person. Verse 1 begins with some time has passed and then in verse 7 it mentions that 4 years has passed but this is from the time of his return from exile. 

Absalom asks to go to Hebron, a significant city in the region. It is a burial place for patriarchs. David lived in Hebron previously and this is where the Lord had anointed him. David tells him to go in peace. Absalom puts spies throughout the area, on the lookout for him, while in Hebron he sets himself up as king. Many had followed Absalom but they most likely didn't really know what his intent was there. 

Absalom is employing a lot of strategy, waiting for the right time to go to Hebron and then sending out spies. In verse 13, David finds out from a messenger that "The hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom." David realizes that Absalom has assembled a significant group of men to defend him and so he needs to mobilize well. And so David assembles everyone and makes a move towards Hebron, but leaves a remnant behind. 

Summary: Absalom goes to Hebron where David was anointed setting up a place where he wants to be king and David goes after him, realizing his kingdom has been divided. 

Promise: Parents should be asking the Lord for the wisdom necessary to understand their children.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be discerning and to cautious about my children or anyone in my life that is seeking to unseat and distract from what you have led me to do and be. 

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

Proverbs 10:13 - Not knowing can hurt

Proverbs 10:13

On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found,

But a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.

Message: Not knowing can hurt

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: Still thinking about verse 12 as it was convicting to me. A lot was said to me personally, from that verse. I am shocked at what a person of hate I can be at times (my inside voice) as I sit as judge and jury over many. 

Verse 13 now at first glance is a verse that I think we used in raising kids to justify spanking. Spanking is an interesting idea. For the rod, we called the TLC but I don't think we did a good job with it in that way. Instead, it was a device that inflicted pain that was just not our hand. Maybe it got the point across, but I am not sure. I think our youngest got the brunt of it growing up. I despise a lot of my parenting in those days - as I focused too much on respect and behavior, had little grace and didn't engage in enough humor. It remains a huge regret in my life. Like the previous verse, I felt like my hatred was too great toward behavior that I did not like in others. 

This verse contrasts the discerning with those who lack understanding. Discerning is to show good judgment and understanding. The King James Version uses the word understanding in both phrases, comparing one who has understanding to one who is void of understanding. The one with understanding merits wisdom, while the other who is void of understanding receives reproof or even rebuke or some sort of unwanted attention befalls him. 

The manner in which we can conclude a persons understanding is through their actions or behavior. When our children act improperly toward one another it was concluded that they liked understanding and showing respect and therefore needed a TLC/rod. It is somewhat similar to the riding whip for a horse or a choke collar with a dog. They are to encourage correct behavior and yet in the process they come with some sort of pain.    

Wisdom is the ideal here. Wisdom is taking information and then understanding and placing it into action in a way is appropriate for differing situations, having good understanding of what is right and wrong, knowing the decision to make in even strenuous conditions. It is learning from the past. It is doing the right thing. 

In my role of manager, I believe I am expected to be a person that has a lot of wisdom. I have a lot of experience in many different areas and can see the big picture of it all and can therefore make recommendations on how things are to work. 

We need to expect correction when we don't know. 

Prayer: O God, forgive me first of all for improperly exercising the rod toward my children. I know in your grace you cover me. And I am thankful those occurrences were not often. Lord, help the pain that people receive when people act foolishly move those individuals to right living. Lord, we need to be people that make good decisions, act wisely, and glorify You God. Again, help me to accept correction. Thank you for teaching me your statutes. 

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

My Utmost for His Highest - June 8th - What Next?

Determine to know more than others.  If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. - John 13:17

    If you do not cut the moorings, God will have to break them by a storm and send you out. Launch all on God, go out on the great swelling tide of His purpose, and you will get your eyes open. If you believe in Jesus, you are not to spend all your time in the smooth waters just inside the harbor bar, full of delight, but always moored; you have to get out through the harbor bar into the great deeps of God and begin to know for yourself, begin to have spiritual discernment.

    When you know you should do a thing, and do it, immediately you know more. Revise where you have become stodgy spiritually, and you will find it goes back to a point where there was something you knew you should do, but you did not do it because there seemed no immediate call to, and now you have no perception, no discernment; at a time of crisis you are spiritually distracted instead of spiritually self-possessed. It is a dangerous thing to refuse to go on knowing. 

    The counterfeit of obedience is a state of mind in which you work up occasions to sacrifice yourself; ardour is mistaken for discernment. It is easier to sacrifice yourself than to fulfill your spiritual destiny, which is stated in Romans 12:1-2. It is a great deal better to fulfill the purpose of God in your life by discerning His will than to perform great acts of self-sacrifice. "To obey is better than sacrifice. (I Samuel 15:22)" Beware of harking back to what you were once when God wants you to be something you have never been. "If any man will do . . . he shall know. (John 7:17)" 

 - From Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" - Classic Edition

Highlights and Underlines are courtesy of Mom from her print edition

My thoughts

Moorings - Lines that tie you to the dock. Don't stay in the safe place and never out on the water. Get out to the depths. Don't pause when told by God to do something. Don't plan on doing things for God; let God instruct you daily and then follow Him to do it. Knowing more is trusting more and doing more. 

My Utmost for His Highest - March 31st - Heedfulness v Hypocrisy In Ourselves

If anyone sees his brother or sister committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will, for him, give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death; I am not saying that he should ask about that. - I John 5:16

If we are not heedful of the way the Spirit of God works in us, we will become spiritual hypocrites. We see where other folks are failing, and we turn our discernment into the gibe of criticism instead of into intercession on their behalf. The revelation is made to us not through the acuteness of our minds, but by the direct penetration of the Spirit of God, and if we are not heedful of the source of the revelation, we will become criticizing centres and forget that God says--". . . he shall ask, and He shall give him life for them that sin not unto death." Take care lest you play the hypocrite by spending all your time trying to get others right before you worship God yourself.

One of the subtlest burdens God ever puts on us as saints is this burden of discernment concerning other souls. He reveals things in order that we may take the burden of these souls before Him and form the mind of Christ about them, and as we intercede on His line, God says He will give us "life for them that sin not unto death." It is not that we bring God into touch with our minds, but that we rouse ourselves until God is able to convey His mind to us about the one for whom we intercede.

Is Jesus Christ seeing of the travail of His soul in us? He cannot unless we are so identified with Himself that we are roused up to get His view about the people for whom we pray. May we learn to intercede so whole-heartedly that Jesus Christ will be abundantly satisfied with us as intercessors.

Oswald Chambers - From My Utmost for His Highest Classic Edition

- Underlines and highlights are courtesy of Mom from her Print Edition

Mark 11:12-14 - The Fruitless Fig Tree

Mark 11:12-14
12 On the next day, when they had left Bethany, He became hungry. 13 Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if perhaps He would find anything on it; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And His disciples were listening.
Message: The Fruitless Fig Tree

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is on his way into Jerusalem to begin the week leading up to the cross. But, we aren't sure these events really only take up a week. First order of business was procuring a donkey that some of the disciples went to get and then riding into Jerusalem on it, thus fulfilling prophecy of a king coming in on a donkey. The people knew the significance of this and draped things on the ground as well, but they may have not completely understood His messianic focus of ushering in the kingdom of God, thinking he was simply ushering in a restored Israel. Jesus went straight to the temple, but only to look around and then returned to Bethany to rest.

On the next day - so it seems that it is now one day later. they had left Bethany where Jesus had been resting or preparing for what was ahead and He became hungry. Maybe he was just hungry or maybe he realized that he needed food for what lie ahead.

Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if perhaps He would find anything on it; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. Interesting. From Mark's perspective or rather Peter's, he would go to a fig tree, hungry, and there would be nothing on it to take. Didn't he know this? It would seem, but then he made the command - He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” The tree had no fruit so therefore no was to eat fruit from it again. And His disciples were listening.

Well, I don't see what this is about so I will first look at the commentary given from the Tabletalk magazine on the date I am currently reading - October 18, 2016. It remarks this passage as an example of an enacted parable or perhaps a real life event that could teach us something rather than a parable which was often a story that wasn't real. Enacted means that their actions conveyed a truth. In this situation Jesus goes to a tree, a fig tree, in leaf. It being in leaf meant that it appeared to have borne fruit, for a fig tree bears fruit first and then leaves. Mark had responded though that it was not the season for figs. Perhaps Mark thought he saw something that Jesus didn't, but either way Jesus seeing a tree with figs, rather in season or not, it should have probably had some sort of size of figs.

In Hosea 2 is an example of the judgment upon Israel and it mentions in verse 12 - I will destroy her vines and fig trees. So fig trees, barren fig trees are an example or foreshadowing of judgment upon Israel. Thus, what he does here is curse the fig tree by saying  - “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” The curse was a sign that judgment was about to come to Jerusalem. The fig tree represented the people of Israel of which a curse was pronounced suitable to its condition.

This could even have more far reaching curses upon the Church that appears healthy, but alas there is no fruit. At this point it is cursed or a curse falls on it.

Summary - Jesus is leaving Bethany on his way to Jerusalem and sees a fig tree in leaf and expects to find fruit for leaves form after the fruit has occurred. It is not the season for figs so therefore it was not thought that there was any fruit that had already been taken. So what Jesus sees is a tree that appears to have fruit and has nothing. It appears healthy but it isn't, so pronounces a curse on it, a divine judgment that it will never be healthy.

Promise: We are to bear fruit for God's glory, and if we are not bearing fruit in service to God and neighbor, we must repent and rely on His grace. If we do not, that may be a sign that we are not in His Kingdom at all.

Prayer: Lord, your words are strong. We as a people are meant to bear fruit. Lord, I am meant to bear fruit. Sometimes I don't see it. Forgive me for that and let my hope be in you for what I can't see. I should have peace for doing the things you have called me to do and then I can trust that you are working them out.

Mark 6:19b-20 - Herod's Discernment

Mark 6:19b-20
¹⁹ could not do so; ²⁰ for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him.

Message: Herod's Discernment

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus arrives in Nazareth, about a 3 day journey from Capernaum. He has made it to his hometown and he speaks in the synagogue. Many of his people did not accept him; he continued to heal, but maybe not to the extent that he could because of their unbelief. The message still goes out. Jesus commissions his disciples with the message of repentance. Many hear of Jesus and his message, wondering where he came from and who He really is: prophet, priest, king. Included in this wondering is Herod Antipas, who killed John the Baptist. John called out the sins of Herod Antipas and his wife and they responded with violence against John the Baptist.

At first glance, this reminds me of the death of Jesus. Pontius Pilate, like Herod, I don't think was convinced that Jesus' death was justified, as Herod was towards John the Baptist. There was something special and different about these men. For Herod he used to enjoy listening to him. Herod knew that John was a holy and righteous man. Despite the depravity of man, man seems to still be intrigued by righteousness. 

Many people love good preaching, as long as that preaching stays away from their sin and confronting it. This is often the danger in preaching then, to not speak of sin, but to give the audience what they want, a feel good message, a message of self-improvement, rather than exposing sin. Herodias initially wanted to put him to death, and could not. Herod would not allow it because he received a benefit from John being alive. This is the message of this passage - the conflict that occurred with Herod regarding John. 

The word fear in verse 20, in the Greek, is a mixture of reverence and superstitious dread towards the prophet and man of God. Most likely there were frequent meetings that took place between the two.  He was not worthy of execution. Perhaps he did not understand him completely, but he was not worthy of death.

Summary - This is a message to remind me of the importance of staying true to the Gospel message. Herod Antipas was obviously conflicted in his feelings about John the Baptist, feeling obligated to please his wife and yet also having fascination for the message that John brought to him.

Promise: The truth of God's word will get through to people. We do not need to change the gospel to make people recognize its truth. We should be faithful to proclaim it.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the way your messages penetrate our lives. Help preachers and people stay true to the message of repentance and exposing sin in people. Help me Lord to be this type of speaker. Sin is real and it needs to be at the forefront of our speaking.