Skip to main content

April 5 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 95

We're building the temple today.  I found a video that may help you visualize what you're reading about the temple's construction.  It's not a Bible Project video, but it is a reading of 1 Kings 5-7 depicting the sizes of each area accordingly.

Let me know what you think about the video.



DAILY READINGS

1 Kings 4-7 & Psalm 95

DAILY NOTES

1 Kings 4

  • Notice that Solomon has an organized kingdom.  There is peace among the people and within the land.  The people "were as numerous as the sand by the sea; they ate and drank were happy."  Things were good!
  • Of course, the wisdom of Solomon is highlighted once again.  It is assumed that, since God gave Solomon his wisdom, God is the source of the peace and prosperity of the people.
1 Kings 5
  • Solomon makes a treaty with King Hiram.  Hiram commits to provide wood and labor for Solomon to build the temple of God.  Solomon puts together a work force and labor begins.
1 Kings 6-7
  • You may not know what a cubit is, but just know that what's being described is a magnificent structure inside and out.
Psalm 95
  • The psalmist tells us to worship God with a joyful noise.  But our worship isn't just what we sing or even how we sing.  Worship is recognizing who God is and, consequently, listening to his voice (do not harden your hearts).  In other words, obedience!

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

We can't talk about Solomon's temple without talking about God's timing.

You remember when David wanted to build this house for God, right?  If he had, it probably would have been a fine piece of architecture.  The impression I think we're supposed to get with Solomon's temple, however, is that it is beyond fine.

What was the difference?  You could say Solomon was more creative, but the designs were probably pulled from an ancient source that both men could have used.  Was Solomon more prepared.  Well, in some way, yes.

David couldn't have devoted the time and resources that Solomon was able to provide.  That's because David had battles to face, for the benefit of himself and the kingdom.

What it comes down to is that David recognized God's timing for the project meant he would have to wait.  It takes faith to wait on God.  It takes faith to be obedient, too.  As we look at what Solomon was able to accomplish we can't help but consider that David was a part of this project in some way.  His faithfulness (patience) helped created the current climate of peace and prosperity that paved the way for the temple's construction.

Has God asked you to wait lately?  Having trouble with that?  Hang on because you don't know how your faithfulness might be preparing something great!

Stay blessed...john
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

March 24 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 83 The relationship between Saul and David worsens.  David is now Saul's enemy.   DAILY READINGS 1 Samuel 18-20 & Psalm 83 DAILY NOTES 1 Samuel 18 Saul's delight for David quickly turns.  Saul is jealous of David's success and the fact that everyone else seems to like David more than him. Of course, we have to think about what this evil spirit from the Lord might mean. Saul tries to kill David.  He even devises a plan to have him married into the royal family so that he can create a snare for him. What does it say about David that, even after Saul has tried to kill him, he still finds it an honor to be married to the family? David escapes Saul's traps.  So, from here on out, the text says that Saul considered David an enemy.  Think he knows what it means to love your enemies? 1 Samuel 19 Verse 5 reminds us of David's fight with Goliath.  At this point, David has fought other times.  What makes that ...
Post a Comment
Read more

May 23 + Daily readings & notes

DAY 143 DAILY READINGS Job 12-15 & Psalm 138 DAILY NOTES Job 12 Surely, Job says, his friends don't think they're the only ones with wisdom?  Plus, they are telling him anything that isn't known by all.   Maybe they aren't as smart as they think they are? God holds true wisdom.  "With God are wisdom and strength" (vs. 13). Job 13 Job's friends have taken it upon themselves to speak on behalf of God.  Job considers their representation to be false because they have not considered Job's condition. Job 14 Job's prayer to God continues. We see a bit of the book's larger vision in these verses.  Job recognizes, and wants God to remember, that all humanity shares the same days of life.   Job 15 Eliphaz considers that Job's questioning hinders God and would keep others from knowing God. Psalm 138 The praise of the psalmist is a communal act.   God has been faithful and the psalmist wants to thank God...
Post a Comment
Read more

March 13 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 72 Are you familiar with Gideon?  Do you know why the people who leave Bibles in hotel rooms call themselves the Gideons?   Well, let's read about Gideon first and found out about the Gideons later. DAILY READINGS Judges 6-8 & Psalm 72 DAILY NOTES Judges 6:1-10 The Israelites are oppressed by the Midianites.  They are forced to flee to the mountains and caves.  The Israelites were "impoverished" and the land was "wasted."   The Israelites call out to God.  A prophet arose to confirm their current situation is due to their turning away from God.  Scripture doesn't tell us who the prophet was, but Jewish commentary offers a name. Judges 6:12 Gideon is approached by an angel of the Lord.  He is called a "mighty warrior."   Judges 6:22 After the sign Gideon asks for comes to pass, he believes he has seen the angel of God and believes what he has told him.   Judges 6:25-27 ...
Post a Comment
Read more