I Kings 7:13-51 - Furnishings for the Temple

I Kings 7:13-51

And Solomon made all the furniture which was in the house of the Lord: the golden altar and the golden table on which was the bread of the Presence. (verse 48)

Message: Furnishings for the Temple

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: The first part of chapter 7 basically describes Solomon's palace and its attributes. Early verses had spoken of the Temple but after it has been completed in 7 years, then the matter switches a moment to his palace which is bigger. Following this and beginning in verse 13 it seems that Solomon now switches back to the temple. In essence, what we have here is Solomon's building projects. Here is an outline for this chapter as I continue to use BibleHub for helps, but I also found this site which this lady has created to describe her journey through reading the Bible:

ii.  The Palace  ( 7:1⁠–⁠12 )

iii. Furnishings for the Temple  ( 7:13⁠–⁠51 )

1. The Pillars and Capitals  ( 7:13⁠–⁠22) - Solomon solicits help from Hiram, a man skilled in bronze. He "had great skill, understanding, and knowledge for every kind of bronze work." The bronze pillars were at the front of the temple. I just realized that God in choosing Solomon to build the temple chose someone of wealth who could outfit a temple with the highest quality of items. The pillars were not structural but symbolic, representing stability and strength. The height and design of the capitals would have drawn the eyes upward. The pillars had capitals or specialty decorations. 

2. The Molten Sea  ( 7:23⁠–⁠26 ) The sea is a large basin used for ceremonial cleaning showing purification. The cast metal means it was made through a casting process. Verse 25 says, "The Sea stood on twelve oxen" so the basin stood on 12 oxen possibly referring to the 12 tribes of Israel and the oxen were common sacrificial animals that were also symbols of strength. [Note: This verse is repeated in 2 Chronicles 4:4.] There are 43 verses in the Bible that mention oxen. It's purpose was simple, to wash hands and make one clean. It was an act to prepare oneself as we enter into a time of worshipping God, of performing rituals. In society, we do this to make ourselves clean, but in these times the purpose was to be clean before the Lord. That idea of being clean is central to our faith. We are to be a holy people, set apart to Him and for Him. And we see this in life. I think of the COVID-19 times of being free from germs and the most important activity that was mentioned over and over was to wash your hands. Even during sickness we often hear this. How amazing that this is one of the central ideas of our faith - to be clean. Even in the ordinance of baptism is that act signifying before God and everyone that we are clean and our sins are no more. It is a fundamental and core picture or metaphor of the cleansing we are before Him. We are set apart. We are different. I am so sad for those many people of faith that don't get baptized. 

3. The Ten Bronze Stands (7:27⁠–⁠37) - It is amazing to be that there are 11 verses here describing the stands. Each stand was bronze as bronze is currently being used for its durability and being able to withstand weather. The stands are movable as they have wheels around them and these wheels are described as chariot wheels. On each stand is lions, oxen, and cherubim. Lions are strength and majesty, oxen are stability for service and sacrifice, and cherubim are angelic bringing in the presence of God. These stands have a meaning about them, more than what simply meets the eye. Hiram was the one that built each of these stands. I spoke to a Hiram today. He did jury duty with me. I wish I would have remembered this name when I spoke to him. The stands were on wheels and each stand had a handle at each of the four corners. These stands were made to be moved about. 

4. The Ten Bronze Basins  (7:38⁠–⁠39) - The description of the stand is 11 verses while the description of the basin sitting on the stand is but two verses. The foundation was important so the basin could be used. These stands and basins would be used a lot at times, with priests moving them around, making sure they are clean and the sacrificial elements are clean. The basins are not small, but large to handle substantial gallons. Five stands on the north side and five on the south side. Though the animal would be sacrificed it would be cleaned. And the basins were also to clean tools used. 

5. Completion of the Bronze works  (7:40⁠–⁠47) - Pots, shovels, and sprinkling bowls are also mentioned as made by Hiram out of bronze. And then everything is mentioned again and repeated in summary. Again, there is a strong meaning here. 

6. Completion of the Gold Furnishings  (7:48⁠–⁠51) - In addition, there is the mention of 12 loaves of bread which will be a continual offering. This represented the 12 tribes of Israel. Also wick trimmers to keep the light going and present. Also bowls for sprinkling the blood. Ladies or door hinges, and censers or fragrance to ensure a pleasing aroma. 

As I read these descriptions they are all intentional in their description meaning the attributes of this temple that are being built are not haphazard, but have intentional meaning. The temple in all of its parts held something of significance. In some ways to look and see a lot of the churches in Europe that hold significance in their structure, those places seem to mirror somewhat the idea of the Temple. 

Summary: All of the elements and structural parts of the temple are described with a strong emphasis on preparation and organization of material in performing the sacrifices. 

Promise: Each person has unique gifts to include in the service to God. 

Prayer: O God, there is order in sacrifice. There is preparation that you have shown me. I wonder if I take time to prepare myself in this way. Help me to stop and evaluate and not be in a rush, to take matters seriously. We do not have all of these elements today nor need them. Jesus you did much in preparing to be sacrificed for our sins. But even as I worship you regularly I can do much to prepare myself properly. Forgive me for rushing in and sitting down and starting without any time to prepare myself. I'm too focused sometimes on accomplishment and getting it done. I think again of my mom and the table she had in the house set aside for her time with You. I think of her chair that she had in the living room that was her and was set aside for praying and spending time with You each day. I am thankful for her great example. Slow me down Lord. Help me to think of others more and what they are doing in their service. Thank you for the time. 

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

Psalm 97 - Perfect Hatred

Psalm 97

You who love the Lord, hate evil! (verse 10)

Message: Perfect Hatred

What the Lord is Saying: I was going through my mom's papers recently. She kept a lot of papers and was devoted to God in an intense way that I am still discovering. Her time dwelling in God's presence is significant. A couple of weeks ago I sat at her desk. She had a chair in the living room that I often saw her at when I came up the stairs in the morning to get my breakfast and get ready for school. She was in that chair in the early morning hour, praying and studying. But in the den area now, where there was a pool table when I grew up, is another round table which scripture cards on it, a basket with a prayer book devotion and also another one of Mom's bibles. She had multiple Bible's and all had many markings in them. She had multiple devotions. There was a lot of variation. I guess I am the same way. But she had many different devotionals where I have been using the same one for years - Tabletalk - though inching my way through it. As of right now, I am still focused on the 2019 issues. 

The paper I came across this time was a page taken out of the devotional book, "Our Daily Bread." There are two sides or two entries to the paper, so I am not sure which devotional my mom had saved this piece of paper. Haddon Robinson wrote the devotional and I think wrote many of the devotions for Our Daily Bread. She had me listen to a sermon or teaching that he had done one time. I also don't know when this came out, but the entry says, "October 21, Friday." Prior to my mom's death that date occurred in 2016. 

I don't find this particular devotion online anywhere. The devotion ends with a prayer. My mom prayed a lot and she often had prayer books. She gave me one for my birthday on September 4, 1988 when I turned 21, that she did in calligraphy from some prayers by Tozer. In one of this books, each chapter ended with a prayer. Well, each of these entries ends with a prayer. 

I suppose I am trying here to better understand my mom. I admired her and she helped me know God. And in her I saw someone that I wanted to be like. I think I am like her. There are truths here that she saw and that made an impact on her. There are remnants of this throughout the house. She encourages me. And helps me to know God better. 

The prayer reads: 

Dear Father, help us to handle hatred with utmost care. Help us to direct our hatred only at the things you despise. Teach us what it means to hate the sin and love the sinner. Amen. 

Simple. Direct. 

On the drive in yesterday I was thinking about me and my struggle to pray. And I thought of my mom and wondered if she had the same struggle. And even at times the same struggle to read the Bible and depend on it. I think she might have because she had so many 'help's' in her life to get her knowing God and knowing His truth.  

The lesson from this devotional is in loving the Lord I am to hate evil. 

Looking at this text - Psalm 97 - I refer to one of my books by Phillips, "Exploring the Psalms." I also take a moment to look on BibleHub at the summary stated of this chapter. The chapter begins with "The Lord Reigns." 

Phillips says this Psalm looks forward to a time when the Righteous One, the Beloved will return to Reign on this earth. It is a Psalm of Prophecy, looking forward in the future to the Millennial reign. He sees the first 9 verses as speaking of Jesus the Reigning One and those verses describe him ruling nature and ruling nations. The earth and with the clouds and darkness about Him, rolled away, and there is fire, burning up His enemies, lightning enlightens the world and the hills melt in His presence. This earth responds to His reign and surrenders to Him. And then in verses 6-9 the peoples respond to Him. All those with idols will see them as worthless. Instead "Worship Him." Zion or the Jewish people have often persisted in unbelief of Jesus but they will see that God is exalted and the Lord is most high. And then in verse 10-12 the lives of the people will be seen because the Lord not only reigns but is Righteous. And it is here the people are told to hate evil. Evil is in society but we are on the side of hating it at every turn. And we are delivered from its hand. There is light and gladness and we give thanks for His holy name. 

BibleHub isn't specific in its summary of this being prophetic but it is prophetic in that it showcases God's sovereign and just rule over all of the earth and all people at any time - past, present, and future. There is opposition of the Lord at times such as idols and enemies but there will be a point when these are no more. And the people of God are always to be about hating evil. Because we are those who love the Lord. So maybe this text is speaking about a future time when these situations which right now are ideal but not true because there are opposing forces, but one day there will be a earth that is only about God. So that is the hope. Right now, we are to be a people that hates evil, but right now we are back and forth in that regard. We are selfish and self-serving and defensive and not always only about good. I am to hate evil at every turn, but right now I don't and let it in at times. 

So I return to the prayer of this passage which I am thinking for my mom is found in this passage and Haddon Robinson also mentions Amos 5:15, "hate evil, love good." 

Prayer: I read the prayer again God - Dear Father, help us to handle hatred with utmost care. Help us to direct our hatred only at the things you despise. Teach us what it means to hate the sin and love the sinner. Help me God to only be about You. Don't let my personal feelings impact what you hate. I pray that I can read Your word each day and understand it and not read into it. Let me accept it and read it for what it is. God, I want to be that person that hates evil. I don't want to go along with it simply because others do. I want to stand up and be strong. O God, help me to truly be that person. I am to hate what you hate, but I admit a struggle with this so often and knowing what it is. Truth is hard for me often to come by. 

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

Proverbs 11:23 - My desire

Proverbs 11:23 

The desire of the righteous is only good.

But the expectation of the wicked is wrath. 

Message: My desire

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 contrast between the righteous and the wicked continue. As I am reading and thinking about the righteous person I see a person that is God-fearing and seeks to do good throughout life. This is a person that wants to live in accordance to God's will. It is a life that is lived reflecting God's character and reflecting His commandments. It is knowing what to do and then also doing it. As I read and study the Bible and read of the different individuals lives, the common thread are those that trust God, believe God is real, understand that God must be in our lives and that now for us living on this earth, we are to walk in the way of God and the way His Son Jesus prescribed. At this time of Proverbs, the name of Jesus was not clear, but His mission and the providence of covering sin was known. Sin was a reality and in the life of those with God sin can only be cleansed by way of blood. And yet our lives must be lived in the best way possible. A Christian wants therefore to align their life with God's purposes which will then result in outcomes that are beneficial and constructive. 

Thus, at this time, the mission is the same in the life of the righteous person during Old Testament times or the time of Solomon (930 BC) as it is in the time of Christ (1,000 years later) with the mission about living in a righteous way, trusting God, walking in His ways, looking to him for guidance and direction, trusting in Him. The transaction of covering sin was found in the temple, annually, through an offering offered by the priest. This was needed annually. But later when Jesus came sin would be covered once for all.

For this lesson and this Proverb today the focus seems to be on desire. The righteous are those that do good. The God-fearing person is good as God's commandments and ways are being followed. But the focus here for me is primarily on desire. The righteous person following God has a desire to pursue righteous living and in return good. Desire is my inner longing. It is my aspiration. 

The Hebrew word here is transliterated from the Hebrew into the English letters as ta'avah. This Hebrew words derived from the word avah which means to incline toward. Desire is appetite. It is longing, craving. Thus, desire can be that which we seek. As such, to bridge these ideas is to say that in life I am to crave or desire or incline myself towards and seek after righteous ways. I have a choice each day in my activities.  

The contrasting word here is the expectation of the wicked. It might seems harsh but the wicked are those that are not of God. It seems like today in our world, we typecast most people as being good and among all of those good people, some are really spiritual, some have a belief in God, but some are not believing in God but still wanting to live good lives. It is only a small minority in life that we would call wicked and yet it seems possible in life or in the eyes of God that the number of people that belong in the wicked realm is perhaps much more. The people that really are defining each day and decision about God and choosing things that please him in their actions at all times seems to be less and less. I mean, I suppose it is hard to say but just listening to all of these people in the court room and hearing their excuses and desire to get out of service, just seems like many of those are not going to church. In other words, the wicked here are probably made up of a lot of people we would not necessarily brand as wicked. But in God's eyes they are wicked. 

Do the wicked expect wrath? Is that what this verse is saying? Other translations have the word as hope instead of expectation. Maybe this is a simple contrast in those following God have good and those not following God will receive wrath. This is the outcome we believe are for those that do not follow God. I have read in other places that the only way a person comes to the knowledge of God is by God's mercy. So there are many that do not receive that mercy and clearly are in the way of the wicked. 

This week I have been serving on a jury and it has been unsettling at times to see people shuffle in out a court and see the outcomes that are resulting in their decisions. It is hard to see that way of life in many ways. I am wondering if they have these desires for good or for wrath. There is always hope people can turn and be reformed. But for many simply being caught in that situation is not a good sign. In life, we are not simply to seek after that which is good. The writer here never seems to be saying only this, rather the writer is extolling the person that is righteous or seeking after the ways of God. This is the person we are to emulate. We first must be this person and then seek after good and not evil. Don't return to the old man that is spoken of in 2 Corinthians 5:17. 

Prayer: God, you are to be praised. And you are to be feared. Your ways are not man's ways. I pray and hope that man would embrace You as God and Lord. It is hard to see and watch other outcomes in life. Of those that are choosing not You. Many are trying to live their life without you at the forefront. You are not simply a force, but life in abundance. You are the fullness of all. Help me to help others know you and see you as Lord. Show me how I can move myself towards those that do not know You or need to know You. And as I live, let my desire then always be towards that which is good. 

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

I Kings 6:37-7:12 - Solomon Builds the Palace

I Kings 6:37-7:12

In the fourth year the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid, in the month of Ziv. And in the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, which is the eight month, the house was finished throughout all its parts and according to all its plans. So he was seven years building it. (verse 37-38)

Message: Solomon Builds the Palace

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: Chapter 6 records the building of the temple with the chapter ending that the temple was finished in 7 years - a number of completion and perfection in the Bible. Chapter 7 begins the record of Solomon's palace. 

The Tabletalk devotional I read is somewhat critical of Solomon and remarks that because it took 13 years for Solomon to build his palace that this must mean that he had a greater concern for his palace over the temple. And his palace was larger. I am not sure I would come to the same conclusion. I am thinking that the temple was the priority and so he made sure to focus on it while his palace was larger and it had multiple uses. The use of the temple was more singular. 

I do agree that achieving this balance between things of God and things of man is difficult. At times, it seems selfish to do anything for self and all time must be spent on things of God. Maybe I place this expectation on myself but it is hard to know the correct balance in life. From reading to studying to time worked. 

Summary: The Temple is completed in 7 years. Solomon's palace is completed in 13 years. The Temple was first to be completed and the priority. The palace had multiple functions and was larger.

Promise: We must balance our concern toward the things of God with concern toward our own matters.

Prayer: Lord God, I need your wisdom. I notice a tendency in my age to get distracted more and to be have more that I feel involved in and more that I feel like is a priority. Yesterday, I went through papers and saw documents with lots of information I had prepared and wondered if I am as productive today. Help me God. There are so many things I feel a need to do. Even in the morning, when my mind is clear I have a need to get up and study and yet I sleep and when I arise have little time. It is a struggle for me continually. And I know my self-talk is poor. Help me to balance God.  

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

2 Chronicles 3 - Solomon Builds the Temple

2 Chronicles 3

Then Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord had appeared to his father David, at the place that David had prepared, on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. (verse 1)

Message: Solomon Builds the Temple

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: It has been a lot of preparation, which is understandable, given the magnitude of the temple. But now in these verses is the beginning of the construction in the fourth year of Solomons reign. 

This first temple will be a historical site, and the writer mentions the significance of the site as a place where the Lord appeared to his father David. Mount Moriah is also where Abraham offered Isaac. The site was also a threshing floor. This was recorded back in I Chronicles 21:18, "Then the angel of the LORD ordered Gad to tell David to go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite." While it is mentioned as Ornan the Jebusite's threshing floor, this was purchased by David as mentioned in 2 Samuel 24:24, "The king (David) said to Araunah, "No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver." He bought it and built and altar there for it to be a place of worship. 

The threshing floor is a common open space that was used for separating grain. It was an activity that only occurred during harvest time. Threshing separated the edible from the inedible. A reaper or someone that harvests crops would take a bunch of stalks of wheat with one hand, bending over, and then with a sickle in the other hand would slice or cut the base off and then take the remaining stalk and bind it into sheaves. Taking it then to the high hilltop, a sledge board with rocks in holes would beat against the stalks and help loosen them. This would be followed by throwing the stalks somewhat in the air with a winnowing fork and the wind or breeze would do the separation. 

Thus, the valuable grain separated from the worthless chaff by the wind. It is a reminder to me that God separates what is valuable and useful from what is not. Thus, it was a metaphor for God separating that which is ordinary into chosen or wicked. The wind or the Holy Spirit takes someone through the refining process with the result of the Word of God becoming alive in the person by the active agent of God in that person's life. The word takes root in the person. The person is chosen by God. 

Like many metaphors it uses an event or situation that was common in that day to help people understand. For those living in Bible times, grain represented 1/3rd of their diet.

When I think of my life, I don't see that I have accomplished anything spellbinding, but I have been witness to God's goodness through the reading and study of His word. 

Starting in verse 3, the description of the temple begin, starting with the foundation (v. 3), the porch or entrance where someone transitions from the secular to the sacred (v. 4), the main room (v. 5) being a central room where priest performed daily rituals to emphasize the sacredness of the space. For me, in the main room is where I read and study God's word and train myself daily for Godliness (I Timothy 4:7-8). 

Then more specifically is the design of the temple mentioned - the exterior (v. 6), the beams, thresholds, walls, doors (v. 7). 

The holy of holies is mentioned (v.8), the most sacred part of the temple where the priest would enter but one day of the year to offer atonement. This atonement is described in Leviticus 16. It is a vivid description whereby a goal is taken for an offering to "make atonement for the holy place, because of the impurities...their transgressions...in regard to all their sins." And following the sacrifice, to "sprinkle some of the blood on the horns of the altar seven times" with "the goat bear on itself all of their iniquities" and then the body is bathed in the water to purify oneself like we do with baptism now. That baptism is another metaphor to show us the death and resurrection of Christ. And bathing oneself occurred prior to going to the Tent of Meeting, the place where we worshipped God. Our lives worship him and we need that baptism in our life. 

And Jesus will be the final scapegoat. "For it is on this day that atonement shall me made for you to cleanse you, you shall be clean from all your sins before the Lord" (verse 30). 

This holy of holies is described in much detail with the cherubim in the room, representing the presence of God in that place. 

Verse 14 mentions the veil where there is separation from the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place. 

This same description of the temple is also mentioned in 1 Kings 6. In verse 7 there is a mention of "neither hammer nor axe nor any iron tool" used in the building. Thus it was built in silence and also without any instruments of war. Verse 38 mentions a seven year process to build the temple. 

To read of this description and the details and the awe. There should be an approach I have towards God of reverence and awe thinking of all he has done in building this sacred place of worship, first in decoration but ultimately in building me - my self and designing me in the way he has. Our bodies are a temple, designed by Him. 

Summary: Solomon builds the temple in 7 years with the site being on the threshing floor marking the separation God makes in us from the secular to the sacred. 

Promise: We should approach God in worship with reverence and awe. 

Prayer: Lord, I have been busy in my life this past week, taking time many days to get through this study and as I did, took intentional days to think about the threshing floor, the place of separation that you have instituted in my life, that you have made happen. It is only by your mercy and love that I am a child of yours and made for your use. You have washed me in your spirit but also I bathe through baptism into the work of what you have done. I make myself clean so I can go into all the world and make your name known. Lord, thank you for the detail of this temple and raising up me as the temple and raising up your son Jesus to make the most ultimate sacrifice. I have described this to people and it seems funny to them or unusual, but a scapegoat is needed to cover sin. Lord, it is sad how in our day only certain sins are valued and yet thankful that there are any at all that are mentioned and yet there is so much in our life that is corrupt. Thank you for making me a new creature and bathing me anew and afresh to walk in life. Lord, there is so much that you have done and completed. And now I walk in newness of life. 

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

I Kings 5 - Solomon Prepares for the Temple

I Kings 5

So Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders and the Gebalites cut them, and prepared the timbers and teh stones to build the house. (verse 18)

Message: Solomon Prepares for the Temple

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 Chapter 4, Solomon establishes his leaders and all of the provisions or different elements needed for the temple. All seems to be in order now to start preparing the temple or getting close to building it. There is much presentation in building something. I am engaged in this at my job right now - a development - city / private partnership but in this building is lots of preparation. It is large and a little unusual in what it will accomplish. There isn't just one focus but many - transit and housing and entertainment. There is a lot at stake. And lots to take care of in building this. 

In Chapter 5, Hiram, the king of Tyre has heard that Solomon is the new king in place of David. Tyre was known for its skilled artisans. Hiram is mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:11 when Hiram sent "cedar logs and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David" or a home for David in Jerusalem. Once again, Hiram and his skilled artisans are needed. In verse 6 Solomon mentions a need for "cedars from Lebanon" and in return "I will give you wages for your servants." And it seems the Sidonians are the one's doing the cutting for Hiram, the inhabitants of Lebanon, which Hiram's authority extended over. The text says, "there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a covenant" (verse 20). This arrangement seems to have lasted for years as the need was present.

There laborers all over Israel for this purpose. While there was payment, it was not consistent. Verse 14 mentions, "they were in Lebanon a month and two months at home." This would result in future trouble. 

Note: Parts of this chapter are also repeated in 2 Chronicles 2. 

Summary: Solomon hires the Sidonians and people of Tyre to provide cedars for the construction. 

Promise: We are strengthened to undertake even the most arduous of tasks.

Prayer: God you are holy and you have plans for your tabernacle and for your people. Let us always honor you and trust in Your ways. Thank you for these stories and showing your involvement in our lives, in the decisions we make, in the things we are doing each day. You provided these materials and you show me the need to pay people fairly. I want this in my life with the workers in our lives. It seems odd that we are not paying people better. The city is providing people a sort of stimulus payment which I suppose is something nice they are doing, paying those more who make less, which is good, but Lord, continue to give those with less more and help raise their wages long term. Lord, there is much that is more expensive in life. Help people to have what they need. 

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

Proverbs 15:1 - Your Gracious Answer

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath

But a harsh word stirs up anger. 

Message: Your Gracious Answer

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: We often have an inner voice in our discussions with people that defends ourselves, making sure we are right and that the other person must be wrong. Sometimes we too quickly do not listen to the words spoken. We are tempted to be "harsh" and in the process we "stir up anger." 

And so in these instances, when I am being confronted or corrected or given an assessment on who I am, I must think about how I respond in that situation. The way I am supposed to answer is with gentleness. The person is often not looking for a fight in saying those words. Can I take a moment to consider their words? 

Prior to my wife and I getting married, the person that was our matchmaker was with her husband in another city, 17 hours from where we were getting married, and so taking a flight there was probably the one way to get to our wedding. But they quickly said "no" and so after reading a book and this issue continuing to not go away, I got on the phone and in the best way I knew confronted the issue. I was not met with any sort of kindness, but instead must defense. And for whatever reason, it simply seems that our relationship never recovered. These people were so important in us being together. We were in their wedding but now they would not be present for ours. That was hard. It was their choice, but it still stung. I wish in that situation they would have been kind. 

It reminds me that in our life we don't have too many instances of being confronted. Most people are fairly nice in their approach. We are often trained in not having conflict. In retail establishments there is the notion often, "the customer is always right" which means if there is ever a grievance raised of a transaction, the customer gets their way. This verse is not saying this. We don't simply take words confronting us in order to keep the relationship strong. 

I find in my marriage that this is the relationship that we tend to communicate these sort of problems the most. And it seems that I am often the one sharing a hurt. But I often do it in a way where I paint a picture of assuming what the other person is thinking. Sometimes, but not all of the times. "A gentle answer" is what I am hoping for. An understanding answer. Simply hearing me, but often I get defense. And often I am on the defense. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to not get defensive when I am being confronted. Help me to hear what is said. Help me to listen. I want to listen. And help me when I have the opportunity, especially with my wife to think before I speak and say things in a gracious manner. Lord, when things are hurtful I want to share my opinion and how I am feeling. Help that conversation to occur but in a way that does not stir up anger. 

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