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 29 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 88 Now that Israel has one king, it's a good time to consider the role of Israel's messiah.  Check out today's Bible Project video that explains how Jesus fits the narrative of messiah. DAILY READINGS 2 Samuel 4-8 & Psalm 88 DAILY NOTES 2 Samuel 4-5 The murder of Ishbaal, Saul's surviving son, prompts all the people to anoint David king over the entire kingdom. Notice that over the last several chapters, David does not approve of these political murders. The first act of David, as the narrative is concerned, is to stand against the Jebusites.  These are the people Joshua did not drive away (Joshua 15:63).  As a result of their conquest, David makes Jerusalem the capital of the kingdom.   David continues to rise in stature and respect. 2 Samuel 6 After establishing Jerusalem as the capital, David's next effort is to bring the ark to the capital.  It is the nation's most sacred object and it belongs in the nation's capital. I
Post a Comment
Read more

April 11 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 101 The great prophet Elijah leaves the scene (He'll appear again later.  Do you remember where?).  Elisha takes his place and immediately begins to act as prophet among the people.   DAILY READINGS 2 Kings 1-3 & Psalm 101 DAILY NOTES 2 Kings 1 King Ahaziah is injured and he wants to know if he'll live.  He seeks input from the prophets of Baal-zebub.  Elijah finds out and interrupts Ahaziah's men from going to the prophets.   Notice that Elijah, that hairy man, is divinely protected by the captain and his men.   Ahazia never hears from the prophets.  Elijah speaks directly to him to tell him that he will surely die. 2 Kings 2 Where did the idea of a whirlwind come from?  Did anyone expect that Elijah would be taken "to heaven by a whirlwind"?  Everyone seems to know that today Elijah will be gone. Elisha's command to the band of prophets seems to indicate his sense of loss but also a vigor within himself; he is standing up to
Post a Comment
Read more

February 26 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 57 Today's Bible Project video centers on what the Bible means when it speaks of the heart.   DAILY READINGS Deuteronomy 13-14 & Psalm 57 DAILY NOTES Deuteronomy 13 Any prophet or "dreamer of dreams" lead you away from God to other gods, he is to be put to death.  That person has, among other things, spoken "treason" or "falsehood" against God. The same thing should happen to "anyone" who tempts you in secret to follow another God, even if that anyone is a family member.   Notice that you're not even to show them "pity or compassion" or even try to protect them.   The text (Verse 13) says to watch for scoundrels--literally, sons of decadence.  If they are found to be leading people away from God, they are to be put to do as well, and all those of their town that followed them. Deuteronomy 14 The Isrealites were to remain a distinctive people.  They were not to follow the customs or practices o
Post a Comment
Read more