2 Chronicles 6:12-42 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication

2 Chronicles 6:12-42

And listen to the supplication of Thy servant and of Thy people Israel, when they pray toward this place; hear Thou from Thy dwelling place, from heaven; hear Thou and forgive. (verse 21)

Message: Solomon's Prayer of Dedication

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: The Temple has been built by Solomon, the furnishings have been added, the Ark has arrived and now here at the end of 2 Chronicles 6 is Solomon's prayer. I looked at another prayer to start this month's lessons back in April that David had given that was beautiful. It was prior to the anointing of Solomon. As Solomon begins to pray he doesn't just stand anywhere, but stands at the altar. I liken this to standing at the front of the people, at a podium, in church. But it has a bigger meaning here for it represents the pivotal reason for the Temple. This temple is the place for sacrifice, for atonement of sin. It also is a place of worship. Worship extols God as the provider for our ransom, atonement and making us right with God. Thus, here is where Solomon prays. 

It begins with verse 14, a beautiful opening - "O Lord, the God of Israel, there is no god like Thee in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing lovingkindness to Thy servants who walk before Thee with all their heart." God keeps covenant and shows us lovingkindness. And then we as a people walk before Thee. But God keeps covenant with us first and shows us love first. And then we walk before Thee in response. In the prayer, Solomon confirms the promises made to David and the promises God will keep. The people of God need that assurance that God will do what He promised. 

In verse 18, "But will God indeed dwell with mankind on the earth?" And God that has regard to his servant's prayers (verse 19) and "listen to the supplications of Thy servant" (verse 21). Verses 22 and 23 also mentions the importance of the Temple as a place to settle disputes between people - namely those who sin and then take an oath. Verse 24 and 25 mention people returning to God after a time of turning away from God. God is to bring them back to the land He promised to their fathers before. It is as if the temple becomes the central place to come back to God after sinning. This seems to be where the idea of confessing sin to a priest possibly has its origin. 

In verse 26, the withholding of rain for agriculture is connected to people's disobedience. They then go to the temple to confess His name, turning from their sins. We go to the temple, yet in verse 27 God is "in heaven and forgive the sin of Thy servants." As people we need God's forgiveness. 

In verses 28-38, Solomon records activities that people of God do or find themselves in (famine, traveling foreigners, soldiers, sinners) and then a request from Solomon to God for each -- "hear from heaven their prayer and their pleading (verse 35)." For the famine, Solomon adds the word "forgive." He says to traveling foreigners "to do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You." For those in battle, "maintain their cause." And for those who have sinned, "repent." 

Once again, I really appreciate these prayers. They serve as a guide I think in helping us see how we can pray. This is a prayer of confidence. I think of all of the prayers that are offered for health related reasons and wonder if we need to make sure as we pray that we are also talking about sin and forgiveness. Health related issues are the result of sin and so with sin we need to talk of forgiveness. 

In the last 3 verses are some concluding thoughts or excerpts, "My God, please, let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place...Lord God, do not turn away the face of Your anointed; remember Your faithfulness to Your servants.”

These words - please, do not, remember, hear - these are words I don't think I use much in my prayers, if at all. Need to change this. 

Summary: After the Temple has been completed, Solomon offers a prayer that centers on the Temple as the central place of refuge for God's people to navigate life.  

Promise: The Lord meets His people wherever they come together for worship.

Prayer: O Lord God, you are Savior, Lord. My God, please let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place. God, do not turn away the face of Your anointed; remember Your faithfulness to Your servants. Lord, I am a sinner, but I repent of my sin and come to You begging Your forgiveness for the many ways in my life I have sinned against You, not only recently, but in my life and not only me, but my family and humanity. Your grace is needed in this day. O Lord, is there is no god like thee in heaven or on earth. You are the God of Israel, of the United States, of Jews, of Gentiles, of every people group you keep covenant and show lovingkindness to Thy servants who walk before Thee with all their heart. You keep Your promises God. You speak with your mouth to Your people and fulfill our needs with Thy hand, in the past, present, and today. God, stay with us. Be with us. Be with our children. Anchor yourself in their life. Make your presence known to them. Be their God and their Savior. They have heard your truth in their life, from us, from the Church, from family members. Seal that truth in them. Heaven cannot contain Thee God. Your mighty works are displayed on this earth, on the land, in the mountains, as we walk and look out our windows, your creation God is your handiwork. You established the colors of the horizon we look at each day. Have regard to the prayer of Thy servant and my supplication. Listen to my cry. From heaven God here me and forgive. Provide for the needs of your people who call upon Your name. O God, hear Thou from heaven and act and judge Thy servants. Punish the wicked, justify the righteous. People sin, but when they return to You after sinning and repent and call on Your name, hear them, and bring them back to the land and people you intended for them. Teach your people in the way they should walk. Bend their minds and heads to You to embrace Your words and Your commands. Bend my mind and bend my head God. Awaken in me an urgency for focusing my time on the things of life which matter most. Your heart knows people. You alone know the heart of people. Remove blinders. Remove deception. Remove untruth. Divide the truth of Your word to people so they understand You as You are. May these people fear Thee, walk in Your ways as long as they live in the land which Thou hast given to our father and all those before me. Listen to the prayers of all people, near and far. Hear their prayer. Hear thou from heaven in order that all the people of the earth may know Thy name and fear Thee. May Your name be proclaimed on this earth, in our communities, in our land. Open Thin eyes and Thine ears attentive to the prayer offered at this time, in this place. Do not turn away from the face of Thine anointed. Remember Thy lovingkindness to Your people. 

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

2 Chronicles 5:1-6:11 - The Ark Comes to the Temple

2 Chronicles 5:1-6:11

10 Now the Lord has fulfilled His word which He spoke; for I have risen in place of my father David and sit on the throne of Israel, as the Lord promised, and have built the house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. 11 There I have placed the ark in which is the covenant of the Lord, which He made with the sons of Israel.

Message: The Ark Comes to 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: This lesson picks up from 1 Kings 6:38 when it mentions the house of the Lord was completed. And now this passage in 2 Chronicles 5-6 is similar to Chapter 8 of I Kings as the Ark Comes to the Temple. 

In verse 2, everyone is assembled together -- "elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes, and the leaders of the fathers’ households of the sons of Israel." This is a big deal and all are on hand for this. The ark will be brought up from the "city of David, which is Zion." In verse 4, "The Levites picked up the ark." There is mention in verse 6 of Solomon sacrificing sheep and oxen, too many to count. And it is the priests that bring it "into the inner sanctuary of the house, to the Most Holy Place, under the wings of the cherubim" as the wings will act as a covering or canopy of sorts over the ark. Thus there is sort of a processional and a celebration in bringing the ark into the inner sanctuary of the temple, the most sacred part of the temple. The poles were long making the ark easy to move. "There was nothing in the ark except the two tables (the 10 commandments)" and signified "where the Lord made a covenant with the sons of Israel." 

God's covenant with Israel shows us that God chooses His people and wants to have fellowship with them. And this temple is a reminder of that. The Holy of Holies is the place where sacrifices are offered to restore the relationship with God. Relationships are not restored through good efforts or us practicing faith or kindness or good works. The only way to have relationship restored is through God's forgiveness through the washing of our sins through the blood of Jesus. 

"The glory of the Lord filled the house of God." This is the Shekinah Glory, a visible manifestation of God's presence. 

Solomon then declares how the Lord will "dwell in the thick cloud" (16:1). God desires to make himself known and he does this through people and also nature. Jesus eventually will be God's representation and then we his people will represent Him on this earth. In verses 4-11 it another summary of what has transpired in God choosing Jerusalem, David, and then later David's son to build this house. 

This was a high point in the history of Israel, commemorating God's covenant with His people and showing the importance of sacrificing or confessing our sins. It is important for me to worship God.

Summary: Samuel gathers the elders and leaders together to bring the ark to the inner sanctuary of the temple he has built, and God presences is seen in a thick cloud. 

Promise: God will always make a way for His presence to be made to people. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for showing yourself, in the thick cloud, in Jesus, and in me. I want to shine your love and hope that I do this. Thank you for showing me the importance of the temple and the importance of forgiving sin and the importance of covering sin. Thank you for this message and showing me the importance of your glory and reverence to You. 

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

Proverbs 2:6 - Digging for Treasure

Proverbs 2:6

The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Message: Digging for Treasure

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: This is another lesson I found of my mom's, from Our Daily Bread (She wrote on the bottom left corner 2005.) Lately, I am struggling once again getting these blog posts (my daily quiet times) completed each day. I wallow from being really productive to now once again, not very productive (and yet am I productive because I churn one out a day - more on that later). I feel like my brain in my thinking capacity has grinded to a halt. And yet, some days are worse than others. I’m sure there’s things like sleep, anger, disappointment or just other responsibilities that start flooding into my life and pull me away from these moments of "digging for treasure." Perhaps that is something my mom saw as well - the constant pull in life for other things. 

The reading today mentions 7 guidelines, or maybe for me, reminders or words of encouragement, to keep the word of God front and center in my life.

1. Set aside a regular time. Unless you schedule it, you’ll neglect it.

My observation: I suppose the good news with this admonition is I do attempt the regular time of spending ending time in the Word, though at times things too easily outrank it. 

2. Before you start reading, ask God for help and understanding.

My observation: I can’t see this is a practice I’ve ever been good at - asking God prior. I know God is present while I’m reading His Word as it has already been inspired, but perhaps I need to do a better job of committing, whatever time I spend, to Him and seeking His help towards me. One thing I notice is too often I prefer going deep rather than wide. As I study, things get me off track. And there’s so much joy in so many different things (reading, CT reading, online evangelism, journaling). Sometimes it’s really hard for me to finish a lesson once I let it go more than 1 day.

3. Carefully think about what you are reading. Not all of the Bible’s treasures lie like pebbles on the surface. To mine the gold, you have to dig.

My observation: Again, this can be my problem very often. Sometimes my digging doesn’t result in anything greater but just time spent.  Ocassionlly, something is memorable but I almost feel like I am expecting the reading of God's word to penetrate me by osmosis. 

4. Seek to understand what the author was saying to the first people who read the book or letter before you decide how to apply it today.

My observation: Could I say that this is easier to do when I read the old testament (more historical) than when I read the New Testament? On this blog, I think I challenge myself every time to follow up any reading with a prayer and thar prayer is often a request to God to make application of what I have read to my life. 

5. Write down at least one truth or principle you can put into practice.

My observation: Well, writing down my thoughts has never been a problem. But there is a problem of putting it into practice. Since an early age of coming into a relationship with God through Christ has been the encouragement to have a daily quiet time. Perhaps in the quiet time, there is a forced idea that everything I learned must actively be applied. Every Sunday I end up with a lesson in church two times with multiple application points and then often I will read God‘s word during the week and get more points of application. At times, I realize there’s nothing more that I struggle with more than this. At work there are constantly tasks that need to be done. And so often it seems the same thing happens when I leave work and go home and even think about being involved with the church. Everywhere I go there’s more and more application and expectations to do things. I guess this is part of life and a big problem I have in generally to accomplish things. My problem is often I reach a point where it is hard to just sit back and enjoy life, worship, God. And then start to get burned out on everything. Instead of resting on a Sabbath day, I go back-and-forth between working and resting.

6. Try different translations of the Bible. If you find yourself skimming over familiar words, a new translation may focus your mind on the passage in a new way.

My observation: I do this at times but not all the time and maybe that’s OK.

7. Don’t get discouraged. Some parts of the Bible are more interesting than others, and some you may not understand at all. But there’s enough that you can understand, and it will revolutionize your life if you apply it.

My observation: I am good at getting discouraged. Perhaps because I’m good at feeling like I never measure up. 

These 7 guidelines were written by Haddon Robinson. Basically I see - schedule it, ask God for help, dig, seek to understand before apply, write it down, use different translations and don't get discouraged. 

Prayer: God, I love to read and study and thank you for teaching and training me from an early age to spend this time with you. Thank you for giving me a mom that prioritized this time with You. Help me God to continue to schedule it in my life, come to You for help and prayer, examine it to the point I need to, seek to understand and Holy Spirit help me apply. And help me to not get discouraged. Lord, you are great and I praise You. Be glorified. 

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

Proverbs 11:24 - Scatter your Giving

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: Scatter your Giving

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: I checked out the NIV translation of this verse and it had a clearer understanding: "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty." As a person who at times tend to give a lot, I always am feeling like I need to give more. In the online ministry I am involved with, it includes speaking to people in other parts of the world who have real big needs daily of financial matters and basically it seems that they can't really make it in life unless someone comes in and helps them out financially. Unlike America whereby the government swoops in often and provides people the things they need to make it, they don't have that structure in place. 

At church, I sit on a mission council where we decide how money that the church has received through special designation offerings, and also proceeds from land they owned is dispersed. I’ve been on the committee now for about nine months and in that timeframe the amount of money that we have has only increased. We give reasonable amounts to people. We try to be fairly consistent and how we give and still we continue to accumulate large balance of funds. So far, we have not gone out of our way to give to places that are not requesting for assistance, but instead sort of sit back and wait for request to come in and then make decisions on how we are to give. 

The antithesis of this verse actually doesn’t really tend to make a lot of sense as it says the person who does not give freely actually ends up in poverty. I suppose it gives us this idea that and giving the outcomes of being rich or being poor, you’ll be on monetary possessions and possibly it means feelings of being rich or poor.

Perhaps I go to quickly to this versus being about money and don’t also think about it being about time. Time it seems to be another possession and it is definitely something I’m noticing in my life also as I age, but I have time and many people are suffering from a loneliness and so by me spending time with them it helps them, almost in the same way giving helps. Thus, maybe this verse is really talking about the way I give freely concerning everything in my life I possess: money, time, possessions, scriptural, knowledge, financial wisdom. Maybe don't just think it is about and give myself a little more credit for the ways in which I am trying to give outwardly, toward others. Even words of encouragement is a way to give freely. Yes, I need to give monetarily, but even in the ministry I do, our calling is to give encouragement.  

From this perspective, the antithesis idea of poverty is contrasting the person that is always thinking they need more and so in the process they are actually poor. This person could have a huge bank account and lots of money but they are only building up more for self, so they can secure their own comfort. Thus, to not share yourself and stay isolated is in fact an act of poverty. In poverty, we are always wanting more. We are never satisfied. In other words give freely as NIV states and scatter your giving as NAS states. 

Prayer: God, you have given me much - money that can be shared. You have given me time as well that I can share with others. You have given me understanding of you that I can share as well and I do. You help me to see all the time the importance of investing in others. I see this more and more in people. Our Sunday school teacher has wisdom and shares that with others. Our class leaders see people and let them know they are missed. Everyday I have an opportunity to see people and value them and show they are important and in the process I give. Pamela and I give through prayer as we share with others. I take a moment each morning to think of these things. Selfishly I just want to sit back and listen to music, read, watch TV and increase my knowledge. There are a lot of fun things to read but I can't read them all so I need to be careful that I don't get too stressed out over it all. I read an article today God about a book review and it made me want to read the book, but frankly, that is not practical right now with all of the other books I have that I want to read. Lord, help me to know how to give freely. Help me to be practical in this and think about the people you have placed in my life and how I choose to focus my time. Yesterday I was thinking about taking a day off from work and perhaps helping at a ministry like Noon Day or Steelbridge, taking time for others, in different ways, at different places. Help me God to see people. Lord, root me in this. Let this be my roots. 

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

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.

John 2:1-12 - Stewarding our Schedules

John 2:1-12

And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.” (verse 12)

Message: Stewarding our Schedules

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: In life these days, it seems we are worn out from our leisure. I notice this in my life that rest sometimes, not always is more busy-ness, but simply in a different capacity - visiting family, helping out with grandkids. Often taking actual moments of nothing-ness or simple leisure is not done much. I notice people going to the beach to me seems like actual leisure because there is just sitting and watching. 

This passage in John 2 showcases a miracle Jesus performed. And yet this doesn't seem to be a miracle that Jesus intended to do. Often this seems to be the case with Jesus. He has these purposes, but along the way people have needs and so he sidesteps momentarily His purposes to meet people's needs. People are running to him for healing of themselves while the biggest need is for them to be forgiven. And in this situation people have a need - needing wine because it has run out - and they immediately look to the great provider - Jesus. And Jesus responds, "Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come." Jesus includes the disciples in this response possibly. And yet this version, NASB 1995, is the only one that sort of infers Jesus including the disciples. 

In Jesus saying - My hour has not yet come - he is pausing to have his audience consider and remember that his porpoise on earth is one of larger purpose. And one that is divine. The needs that this woman has is momentary and important to her but he has bigger things that need to be done. Yet he takes care of the need. He doesn’t dismiss it and yet he still reminds people of what is most important. But even more clearly he is saying the time for him to work miracles has not yet come. There is order for all things. There is perfect timing.

It seems I need to be more careful of the distractions that come into my life. My days belong to Him. 

Prayer: Lord - help me to remember each day is a gift from you and belongs to you. 

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

I Kings 4 - The Glory of Solomon

I Kings 4

Now Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt; they brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. (Verse 21)

Message: The Glory of Solomon

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 is now king. The temple is in process of being built and he has begun to marry, but not correctly, instead choosing women from Egypt, intermarrying. He prays and asks God for justice, that he would have discernment of what is right and wrong. This is what he wants and God is pleased that he isn't asking for riches or defeats of enemies, though that will be provided. Thus, his reign will be focused on peace and justice. 

Chapter 4 begins with a list of those that were his officials. 

• Azariah, identified as the son of Zadok, serves as a priest during Solomon's reign. The priesthood was a vital institution in Israel, responsible for religious duties and maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people.
• Elihoreph and Ahijah are mentioned as secretaries, responsible for recording royal decrees, managing correspondence, written communication, and maintaining official records. 
• Jehoshaphat, son of Ahilud, served as the recorder responsible for chronicling events, maintaining historical records, and possibly advising the king on matters of state.
• Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, commander of the army, known for his loyalty and bravery, having previously served under King David.
• Zadok and Abiathar served as priests during the early part of Solomon's reign. Zadok present during the early struggle with Adonijah while Abiathar would be removed from the priesthood. 
• Azariah in charge of governors. A high level of authority, overseeing regional officials who managed various districts of Israel.
• Zabud, also a son of Nathan, held dual roles as both a priest and an adviser to King Solomon.
• Ahishar in charge of the palace, maintaining order and efficiency in the king's household and administrative affairs.
• Adoniram, also known as Adoram, was responsible for overseeing the forced labor, such as building projetcts, including the construction of the Temple and his own palace.
• 12 governors each assuming his duties for one month. Provides food for family, servants and officials. 
• Ben-hur
• Ben-deker
• Ben-hesed
• Ben-abinadab and Taphath, being a daughter of Solomon
• Baana son of Ahilud
• Ben-geber
• Ahinadab son of Iddo
• Ahimaaz in Naphtali, married Basemath, a daughter of Solomon
• Baana son of Hushai
• Jehoshaphat son of Paruah
• Shimei son of Ela
• Geber son of Uri

The people were numerous "as the sand that is on the seashore." There was an abundance of prosperity during Solomon's reign with verse 22-28 listing all that his kingdom provided regularly. However, one item that mentioned he had an abundance of was horses (verse 26 - "Solomon had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots, and 12,000 horsemen") and yet there was a provision in the law from Deuteronomy 17:16 that forbade this ("Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.’") Thus, not everything Solomon did in acquiring everything was good and correct. 

But more than this he was respected for his wisdom and people came from all over to experience it. 

Summary: Solomon establishes his leaders and all of his provisions. 

Promise: All of our lives -- all parts -- are meant to glorify God. 

Prayer: Father, you are holy and good. And you want all of my life to be surrendered to you in all of its parts. Lord, I submit my life and surrender to You. Thank you for the life of Solomon and using him to give us so much wisdom. He wasn't perfect but you still used him. Remind me that no one is perfect but there is still value in people. 

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

I Kings 3 - Solomon's Great Wisdom

I Kings 3

When all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had handed down, they feared the king; for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. (verse 28)

Message: Solomon's Great Wisdom

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's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter signifies a political alliance to secure peace and strengthen ties between Israel and Egypt. However, Deuteronomy 7:3-4 states to not intermarry for the Lord's anger will burn against you. Solomon would eventually have 700 wives and those wives would turn his heart to other gods, not making wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord. What started with one wife multiplied into many wives and many problems. 

He brings this wife to the city of David (Jerusalem), The Israelites adopted from the Canaanites high places for sacrifice. David loved the Lord and walked in the way of his father David, but he also used the high places (not optimal). Solomon offered burnt offerings at Gibeon. Burnt offerings were a form of sacrifice that symbolized atonement and dedication to God, as the entire animal was consumed by fire. God wants to bless Solomon and in his dream he hears God say, "Ask and it will be given to you." Solomon responses by speaking to God, acknowledging God's steadfast love and kindness towards David, his father. David's life, though marked by sin, was characterized by a sincere commitment to God. God's faithfulness to His promises is evident in Solomon's ascension to the throne. Solomon recognizes that his kingship is not by his own doing but by divine appointment. God assures David that his lineage will continue to rule. But Solomon sees himself as inadequate. Abraham's descendants were promised to be too numerous to count (Genesis 22:17). Solomon wraps up his prayer by asking God to "judge Your people to discern good and evil." In essence Solomon's request to God is that he would be led to differentiation right and wrong. Solomon has a great responsibility and He asks God for help in this. Should all kings and people offer this same prayer it would be great for all. 

God is pleased with Solomon for Solomon doesn't ask for riches or long life or that his enemies would be conquered, but instead he asks something sort of unselfish, discernment for the decisions he is to make as king. God grants this request and "I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you." But then he also gives him more. We are to seek God and His ways and let God bestow on us riches and honor in His timing. 

In addition to burnt offerings, he also offerings peace offerings which symbolize gratitude and fellowship. 

This he has an opportunity to display this discernment when two women come to him, two harlots with each having a child, but one child dies while the other lives but the women do not know which child belong to whom and asks Solomon for their help. Solomon says he will split the child in two but the woman who knows it is his child comes forward to say “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means kill him.” When Solomon sees the one that isn't willing for harm to come to the child then he knows the real mother. Thus Solomon has God-given wisdom. 

Note: This chapter is echoed in 2 Chronicles 1. 

Summary: Solomon begins to intermarry from other nations, then prays to God that He would give him discernment in making decisions and is given practice in this between two harlots and their babies. 

Promise: God desires to give wisdom to not only Kings but to all. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for giving people discernment, giving me discernment between right and wrong. We so badly still need this today. Even as we read headlines in society it seems there is difficulty in life in understanding what is right and what is wrong. There is confusion in people. I pray that we would look to you for discernment. I look to you. Most of the time I feel like I know what is the right thing to do and often I choose selfishness or personal entertainment rather than working hard. I too often want breaks and want ease. Rather than following through and finding ways to meet with others I keep choosing the easy way out. Lord, help me to not be this way. I can meet with my son and other men to help them. Lord, every day I have opportunities and I pray that I would go toward these opportunities to help others and hopefully give them the wisdom that only comes from you. 

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

Proverbs 11:22 - Inner Value

Proverbs 11:22

As a ring of gold in a swine's snout,

so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. 

Message: Inner Value

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: Interesting verse comparing something that is beautiful with something that is bad and then something that is not beautiful with something that is elegant. The basic idea is these two items combined are two characteristics that don't belong together. Gold in a pig. Beauty lacking discretion. And the two comparisons are two things people all enjoy - riches and beauty. Yet it seems wasteful to add riches to a pig and it should seem wasteful to have beauty added to someone that lacks discretion. 

A pig is an unclean animal. It is an animal by Jewish dietary laws that is not eaten. Gold as a precious metal metaphor represents wealth or something of value or something that is desirable. Thus, that which we desire is placed in something we don't. I Corinthians 15:33 says, "Bad company corrupts good character." Also 2 Corinthians 6:14, "Do not be unequally yoked." Both of these have similar ideas of not mixing value or what we want with what is not valuable. But also here is adding value to something that won't be appreciated. On the flip side we like taking things that appear to be worthless and converting them to value, such as repairing something used rather than replacing it, such as a car or anything. It is great to take something that is used up and giving it more life, but the problem here is being corrupted. 

To lack discretion is to not think before one speaks. This is a person that needs to be careful with their speech. It is a person that needs to be cautious about what they say, especially as it relates to others. We are to value inner beauty. In Proverbs, "Charm is deceitful." Words are more important than looks. What we hear, more important than what we see as far as looks. As I have been reading through the books of Joshua and the Judges, people like Saul and Adonijah were described first about their looks. Their character was not of the importance that stood out but rather their looks and those individuals did not end up leading well. 

Prayer: O God, you are rich in mercy. Your ways are the best ways and here is the reminder that there is more than meets the eye and we should be more focused on inner beauty and inner value and how we speak and conduct ourselves instead of focusing on what simply is pleasing to our eye or even our pocketbook. Redefine this in our lives. Thank you for helping me see the importance of this in my life. Keep showing me. I thank you for the beauty of my wife but it only means something because of how wonderful she is as a person. This is when the beauty really stands out in her because of how caring and loving she is to me and others. Her playful ways. Her discretion to be careful about what she wears and how she presents herself. I am so thankful for her and how you have trained her to be Godly. Help me always to value this and not get so caught up in looks and beauty. 

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

I Kings 2:28-46 - Joab and Shimei Eliminated

I Kings 2:28-46

So shall their blood return on the head of Joab and on the head of his descendants forever; but to David and his descendants and his house and his throne, may there be peace from the Lord forever. (verse 33)

Message: Joab and Shimei Eliminated

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: Previously in Chapter 2 of I Kings, Adonijah wants to sort of usurp Solomon's authority and make a claim once again for the throne this time by cleverly asserting himself to have David's former concubine as his wife, Solomon has him killed but spares Abiathar the priest who was associated and had supported Adonijah. 

Joab is mentioned in verse 28 and this news of Adonijah and Abiathar coming to him. Joab is an interesting fellow. He has been mentioned often in the life of David. Joab had served David for 4 decades as the commander of his army. He had some sort of respect for God throughout this time but at other times he was ruthless and carried out things in a harsh manner. He murdered people like Abner and Amasa right after David had put Amasa in charge and earlier made a covenant with Abner, but Joab wasn't about to share anything with another. David wanted Absalom spared even though Absalom wanted the throne. Joab stepped in and killed Absalom. But Joab disagreed in the census that David carried out which is a good thing to disagree on. Joab has been hard to figure out. 

And now in verse 28 it says that "Joab had followed Adonijah" and so this is odd. Solomon sent Benaiah to kill Joab for Joab was to removed "from my father's house [for] the blood which Joab shed without cause. Joab had many times taken matters into his own hands against the wishes of David. Verse 32 mentions Abner and Amasa. 

After this Solomon makes Benaiah the commander of his army and places Zadok as priest in place of Abiathar. 

Shimei is mentioned next in verse 36. Shimei cursed and threw stones at King David while David was fleeing from his son Absalom. David gave him a momentary reprieve but eventually told Solomon he would need to be punished. Solomon tells Shimei to go and live in Jerusalem and build a house there but at some point he will die. He had done evil and it is promised that "the Lord shall return your evil on your own head." Benaiah was eventually ordered to kill Shimei. 

It seems David didn't want to deal with things at times. Joab was effective even though he did things that were wrong, but David didn't deal with them. David had a way of struggling with open acts of rebellion. David and Solomon were great leaders, but they were not perfect. A perfect king was still needed one day and would come in the name of Jesus. 

Summary: Solomon followed through on David's request to have Joab and Shimei killed. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "We remain utterly dependent on the grace of God for the growth of the kingdom."

Prayer: God your kingdom is always to be respected. I understand Lord you are to be praised and I praise You. And I also know that Jesus is the perfect king. You do great things through all sorts of people. Your kingdom will be established forever. Your will be done and you often work things out, not in the perfect way, but still in the best way only because your people on this earth are imperfect. Jesus is always perfect though and so we submit and surrender to Him always. 

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

I Kings 2:10-27 - Adonijah's Treachery

I Kings 2:10-27

And King Solomon answered and said to his mother, "And why are you asking Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him also the kingdom -- for he is my elder brother -- even for him, for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah!" (verse 22)

Message: Adonijah's Treachery

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: I have seen in this past lessons David giving a charge to Solomon to lead the nation Israel and he has been anointed king. David has provided Solomon all he needs to build the temple and gave a great prayer to God - praising God's name and speaking that all we have is actually from God. 

In verse 13 Adonijah, the fourth son of David, who's mother is Haggith. Adonijah was mentioned in I Kings 1:5 when he believed he should be the king. But Bathsheba disagreed and rallied with Nathan to come against this. Now Adonijah shows up again and Bathsheba wonders if he comes peacefully. He remarks that he was supposed to be king but instead Solomon became king because "it was his from the Lord." So he remarks that while the people he said wanted him to be king, Solomon was chosen because he is from the Lord and the decision is God's. Now Adonijah asks Bathsheba to request from Solomon that his wife be Abishag. Abishag was said to be a beautiful young woman and was the caretaker of David in the last moments of his life. 

Bathsheba then goes to speak to Solomon about this and Solomon wonders why and says, "Ask for him also the kingdom." This seems to be somewhat or a sarcastic response like he is saying, you might as well be asking him to have the kingdom in his charge as well. Solomon is seeing more from this than a simple request of Adonijah and instead sees it as he is doing something to usurp his throne. From this Solomon sentences Adonijah to death and he dies. 

In this outcry Solomon also mentions Abiathar the priest for he also supported Adonijah to be king. But because he carried the ark of the Lord Solomon will spare his life. But he did dismiss him from being priest. 

The request to take Abishag was a serious one. She was basically another concubine of David's though it was said he did not fulfill any sexual action toward her. But still, for a son to take his father's concubine was a serious offense. Absalom had done this previously when he wanted to be king to show everyone in the kingdom that him doing this would be making a claim on the throne. Also removing Abiathar, a descendant of Eli, was also fulfilling a prophecy to remove the descendants of Eli from the priesthood (I Samuel 2:27-36). 

Solomon recognized the significance of anyone challenging his throne. We need to be a people that respect the leaders of thrones and not do things to remove them from their post or assert an idea that they do not belong there. We are to respect the post and the position. There may be things we disagree about and that is all well and good but we need to respect the position and that he is only to removed by means of the government. 

Summary: Adonijah once again comes before Solomon to usurp his authority in hopes of laying claim to the throne. Solomon has him killed but spares the life of Abiathar the priest. 

Promise: Those who sin against God will not escape. 

Prayer: O God, my father. You are king. Your throne is forever and ever. You love righteousness and hate wickedness. Lord, the kingdoms of this earth have been set up by You and we are to respect those kingdom leaders. Help me to do that. Help me to not question leaders but to pray for Your wisdom to be done. Thank you for our country, the United States and setting us up as a kingdom under God. Redirect our leaders to surrender to You always, in everything as they lead us. 

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

I Chronicles 29:10-30 - Solomon Exalted

I Chronicles 29:10-30

And the Lord highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed on him royal majesty which had not been on any king before him in Israel. (verse 25)

Message: Solomon Exalted

Time: 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and focuses on David's reign though doesn't repeat David's sin with Bathsheba. It was written in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah or 538-333 BC while the Jews were dispersed throughout Persia, some having returned from Israel. The book spans the reign of David from 1071-970 BC listing genealogies, priests, Levites, armies, temple officials, and other leaders of various ministries and devotes significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of the Law. It focuses on obedience that results in God’s blessing, the priority of the temple and priesthood, and the unconditional promises to the house of David.

What the Lord is Saying: Since chapter 28 of I Chronicles, I have looked at David commissioning Solomon to build the temple, to trust God and be obedient to His commands. He gives Solomon detailed instructions and gives Solomon then a final charge of strength and courage and David speaks to his leaders and they respond with willingness and providing their resources as well in building the temple. David is ready to die. Solomon is ready to carry things on. 

In this chapter, in verses 10 to 19 is a great prayer to God by David. This sounds like a prayer that should be prayed always. 

Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O Lord, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. 

But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come from Thee, and from Thy hand we have given Thee. For we are sojourners before Thee, and tenants, as all our fathers were; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope. O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided to build Thee a house for Thy holy name, it is from Thy hand, and all is Thine. Since I know, O my God, that Thou triest the heart and delightest in uprightness, I, in the integrity of my heart, have willingly offered all these [things]; as now with joy I have seen Thy people, who are present here, make [their] offerings willingly to Thee. O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, preserve this forever in the intentions of the heart of Thy people, and direct their heart to Thee; and give to my son Solomon a perfect heart to keep Thy commandments. Thy testimonies, and Thy statutes, and to do [them] all, and to build the temple, for which I have made provision. 

Wow, this is a great prayer. I must admit, I have not really read this before. I am sure I have but to take a moment and really look at its meaning. It speaks of a greatness of God and a praise of God over all - both in heaven and earth. He is over all. All that is good is from God. He is great. He has power and glory. He has victory. He has majesty. He is head over all. It is his power that makes man great. We owe all to Him. All to Jesus. I surrender.  

I love this phrase, "But who am I." I love that recognition of man in his place. God in his place. And man is completely unworthy. If our lives are indeed a filthy rag, then who am I to think that I decide my salvation. My salvation comes from Thee and in return I offer it back to him in my giving, in my acts of obedience. But it is His and His alone. 

I am a sojourner in this place. A tenant. A dweller and he is my landlord. I am only here because of His mercy. I am only here because of his grace. It is not after all that I have done. It is only because of Him. You bring blessing upon my life because of you grace and mercy, not because of my good deeds or actions or faithfulness. I am faithful because I must be. I must be faithful. I must be this one that loves you and returns my favor to You because You have done so much for me. I return good works to you because I must. I must be faithful and if I ever am not faithful it is because I am listening to the fear pronounced on me by Satan. O Lord, help me to stop listening. 

Lord, let me act and build and do and complete all that you have commanded me to do. Yours is the glory. Yours is the victory. Yours is the power. Yours is the majesty. 

And then in verse 20 of this chapter "David said to all the assembly, 'Now bless the Lord your God." And everyone did that. And then they made sacrifices the next day. They did all with gladness. Solomon is designated as king and anointed. "All the sons...pledged allegiance." David reigned for 40 years. All is written here and other places about David. 

Summary: David offers a beautiful prayer praising God and confirming all of our riches are from God. Then Solomon is anointed king again. 

Promise: I am to pray and seek the character of God in my prayers and not simply my list of what I want or feel like I need. 

Prayer: O God, thank you much for this prayer and this great reminder of how I am to pray, lifting up your holy name and thanking you for your dominion and power and glory and victory and majesty. Lord, I need to do more of this. I need to speak your words back to you. I will proclaim the name of the Lord and praise the greatness of my God. (Deuteronomy 32:3). Your name is Great. Your ways are great. Today in speaking to people I shared my testimony and you my experiences you confirmed through your holy scripture. Thank you for confirming my feelings. For my feelings being confirmed by Your words. Your words in Your scripture are everything. They are complete. There is nothing more that is needed. Thank you for its riches. All that I have God is yours and everything I have to give is simply me giving back to you what you have given me. Lord, help me to see your greatness more on this earth. You are over all. Your riches and honor are Yours. O Lord, my sin has darkened me. I deserve your wrath and your anger. In me is no health because of your wrath. I am a filthy rag. It is only by your grace I am made worthy. There is nothing of good in me apart from you. You created goodness and placed your people in a garden of goodness. I corrupted it. There is nothing but goodness with You. Lord, I am selfish. I am embattled with selfishness and me first thinking. Too often I train myself to want rest and relaxation and then I get into it too much. Help me to stand firm in you. Forgive me for my sin and my wayward ways. Lord, give me a greater love and compassion for others. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer. 

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