Jun 8 2012

1 Kings 8:1 – 9:9 – Ark Brought Into Temple

Sometime after the completion of construction of the temple, Solomon has the ark of the covenant, the tent of meeting (tabernacle), and all the holy vessels within brought from the old city of David so that the ark could be brought into the temple. Like in the tabernacle (see Exodus 40), the inner sanctuary – or most holy place – is where the ark would be kept. Only the priests could enter there (verse 6), and only they could “take up” the ark (verse 3). Missing from the description of the contents of the ark are Aaron’s rod (Numbers 17:10-11) and the jar of manna (Exodus 16:32-34) that we are told were kept there at one time (Hebrews 9:1-5). We are not told what had become of them. After the priest’s came out, a cloud filled the temple as the glory of the Lord described in Exodus 40:34-38 – so that the priests were not able to even stand (verses 10-11).

English: image of Solomon and the covenant of the ark, painted in 1747 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Solomon’s speech and his prayer to the Lord make up the rest of the chapter. The prayer is beautiful and significant in that the people would eventually need all of the petitions of this prayer to be granted. Solomon acknowledges in verses 27 and 29-30 that God cannot be contained in an earthly dwelling, but that as the Lord had said, His name shall dwell there – the word “name” in biblical terms meaning all that constitutes the character and essence of all that He is. And in place toward which His eyes are open.

The prayer consists of several petitions concerning granting mercy to the people when they repent of their sins during and after times including war, famine, drought, exile, and captivity – that the Lord would once again regard them as His people after repentance and “maintain their cause” (verse 49). The Lord answers Solomon in 9:1-9 with a promise and a warning of what would happen if they turn aside, with a particular emphasis on warning against idolatry in verse 9.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog. All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility. When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com. For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.

Jun 7 2012

1 Kings 6 – Solomon Builds the Temple

The significance of verse one is that it gives us the ability to date the time of the Exodus – 480 years prior to the fourth year of Solomon’s reign. The accepted date for that year of Salomon’s reign is 966-967 BCE. Although there is some argument for the application of the number of years, the more credible date for the Exodus seems to be about 1466-1467 BCE. The detail of the temple’s construction is pretty specific, and was quite expensive (not all the gold used – most of it captured in the victorious the Israelites had over the various Canaanite cities).

English: Solomon and the Plan for the Temple, as in 1 Kings 6, illustration from a Bible card published by the Providence Lithograph Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The exact dimensions are somewhat disputed due to the variance of the length of a cubit at different time, but as temple’s go, it would not have been the huge building that some of us might imagine. But the description is of a grandly beautiful temple for the Lord’s house. God restates (in verse 11-13) the promises He made to David in 2 Samuel 7:11-16, but it is not an unconditional promise. Note in verse 12, that God makes no promise to “hang around” if they are disobedient.

A beautiful structure indeed, but that obedience is more important to Him than the grandest of temples. Remember that people (including the apostles) were very impressed with the temple that existed when Jesus was in Jerusalem. But he foretold its utter destruction (as in Luke 21:5-6).

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Jun 6 2012

1 Kings 3 – Solomon’s Wisdom

English: Solomon’s Wealth and Wisdom, as in 1 Kings 3:12-13, illustration from a Bible card published 1896 by the Providence Lithograph Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are some questionable events – some apparently foretelling, as well – in 1 Kings chapter 3. The marriage alliance in verse 1 with Egypt does show the power that Solomon and his kingdom commanded now (Egypt rarely made such alliances), but what about the command not to intermarry with foreigners because they will lead the people to serve other gods (Deuteronomy 7:3-4)? The Hebrew verb in verse 1 is translated “intermarry” in Deuteronomy.

Then there is the matter of the people sacrificing at the “high places” in verse 2. These are simply publicly accessible places to worship or sacrifice, and likely had been used in idol worship. This is in direct conflict with what is commanded in Deuteronomy 12:1-5. Allowing this to happen is certainly not what David meant when he admonished Solomon to “keep the charge of the Lord your God…” in 1 Kings 2:1-5. And it foreshadows the great fall Solomon would take to idol worship in 1 Kings 11:4-8.

This is so far from the Solomon that we know and that pleased God so much in verse 9 by asking for an understanding mind to govern God’s people – to be able to discern between good and evil, when God had said “Ask what I shall give you.” He could have asked for anything, but he chose that kind of wisdom – for an honorable purpose; and as a result, God gave him the riches and honor he did not ask for (verse 13).

As verse 3 says, “Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only…”. It is the exception in the rest of that verse that speaks of his heart being turned the wrong way. Even the greatest wisdom, and starting out with your heart in the right place are not enough without the determination to “stay the course” and always keep God first.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Jun 5 2012

1 Kings 2 – David’s Death \ Solomon Reigns

As David drew near to death, he gave Solomon his final instructions. The first part, in verses 2-4, contains instructions on how to conduct himself, and on remaining faithful to God. The words are just as God spoke to Joshua in his charge in Joshua 1:6-9. The second part contains specific instructions on housekeeping. Some of this concerned the fact that Abiathar must be dealt with, as well as Joab. Both had been treasonous concerning Adonijah, and could not be trusted. Then there was Shimei, the Benjaminite of the house of Saul that had cursed David so grievously during his flight from Absalom (2 Samuel 16:5-8). David had promised that he would not kill him, but that promise is not inherited by Solomon, so David leaves his fate in Solomon’s hands. David dies in verse 10; and verse 11 says that he had been king for 40 years. In verse 12, Solomon’s “kingdom was firmly established.”

In verses 26-27, Solomon does deal with Abiathar, and he is removed from the priesthood. As he was in the line of Eli, through Ithamar, this fulfills the prophecy to Eli in 1 Samuel 2:31-33 that his house and priestly line would be done away with. Joab fled to the tent, grabbing the horns of the altar – thinking he would be safe there (verses 28-30). But Exodus 21:12-14 makes it clear that is not the case for someone who had done willful murder, as Joab had done in the cases of Amasa (2 Samuel 20:10) and Abner (2 Samuel 3:27). Solomon commands Shimei not to ever leave Jerusalem, or else he would be put to death. This was presumably to keep him from returning to incite the Benjaminites to rebellion. But verses 39-40 tell us that he violated that oath, and Solomon had him killed.

Adonijah had his mother request Abishag for his wife. But Solomon sees what his mother apparently chose not to. Abishag was technically part of David’s royal harem. Adonijah had clearly not given up on his quest for the throne, and likely never would. So Solomon wisely had him done away with (verses 22-25).

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Jun 4 2012

1 Kings 1 – Solomon Anointed King

David had become old and could not get warm, so his servants provide a beautiful girl named Abishag to keep him warm. The scripture says that he was only “of service” to him for that purpose, and attending to him (verse 4). But she will become important later because of this service anyway.

David’s son Adonijah was the next one born after Absalom (verse 6), and must have supposed that entitled him to succeed David. Verse 5 says that he “exalted himself, saying ‘I will be king.'” Much different from the humble manner in which David patiently waited – all the time showing respect for “the Lord’s anointed,” Saul. And the chariots and horsemen, as well as men to run before him, remind us very much of Absalom. Verse 6 says that David never questioned or rebuked him, which is unfortunately consistent with his negligence as a father (2 Samuel 13:21-22, for example). In verses 9-10, Adonijah only invited royal officials to his feast and sacrificing ceremony – carefully excluding David’s “mighty men” and his brother, Solomon.

The Anointing of Solomon by Cornelis de Vos. According to 1 Kings 1:39, Solomon was anointed by Zadok. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Nathan has enough of this, and talks to Bathsheba. One at a time, they let him know that Adonijah has done this under his very nose, even though David had already determined that Solomon would be king. So they challenged him to do something about it. David finally takes action and has Solomon anointed as king, giving explicit instructions on parading him on David’s own mule with much fanfare (verses 32-35).

When Solomon shows up announced, the guests scattered, leaving Adonijah (verse 49). At this point they were guilty of treason without question. The matter is settled though, and Solomon showed forgiveness and mercy – but strength as well, with a warning accompanying the forgiving gesture in verse 52.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Jun 3 2012

Blog name changed / Week 21 Summary Posted

English: Solomon and the Plan for the Temple, as in 1 Kings 6, illustration from a Bible card published by the Providence Lithograph Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Since “we” write under the pseudonym “Bob’s boy,” it makes more sense for the name of this blog to be “Bob’s boy’s Christianity blog.” So that change has been made. We have blogged through 1 and 2 Samuel, and will soon start turning from David to his son, Solomon. Solomon is known for his wisdom. We will learn that there is much more to his story than being the wisest man. We’ll start with 1 Kings tomorrow.

Summing Up

Each weekend, I am now posting a small PDF of one week of chapter summaries (on the website’s “Summaries” page), current to the beginning of the previous week. I have posted the summary for Week 21 (May Week 3) of the schedule I am following. This short PDF document contains condensed comments about 2 Samuel 5, 6, 7, 11 and 12, with hyperlinks to the ESV version of each chapter for listening or reading, and joins the summaries for other weeks already posted there.

/Bob’s boy

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image © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Jun 1 2012

2 Samuel 19 – Joab Rebukes David

David’s mourning over Absalom is causing the victorious to slink away, hide in their homes, and wonder about the leadership of their king. Joab rebukes David for this sharply, telling him that he is mourning those that despise him and showing contempt for those who had fought so valiantly for him. David was going to lose them all – and the kingdom (verses 3-7). So David pulls himself together and goes to the city gate to meet, greet, and show that he is in control now.

David replaces Joab as commander with Amasa in a surprise move. It could partly be for Joab’s disregarding his instructions about Absalom, but verses 11-15 seem to indicate it was a move intended to help re-unify the country. In verses 25-30, Mephibosheth seems convincing when he tells David that Ziba had slandered him in 2 Samuel 16:3. David seems unsure who to believe, so he tells him he will divide the land when between them. Mephibosheth lends himself even more credence when he replies that Ziba can just take it all. It is enough that David had returned. But we are in even less position to judge this than David was.

Shimei is pardoned for his treasonous actions in 2 Samuel 16:5-13, as he brings David a thousand men from the tribe of Benjamin, and David (to the disappointment of his mighty men) declares that he will not die. This chapter tells of much strife between Israel and Judah; and the dispute will only worsen in the coming years (verses 9-15, 41-43).

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

May 31 2012

2 Samuel 18 – Absalom Killed

English: Gustave Doré : David mourning Absalom. Français : Extrait de la Bible illustrée de Gustave Doré : David inconsolable de la mort d’Absalom. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So David gathered his forces and re-supplied, and now these experienced warriors were ready to go on the offensive. David divided the troops into three – command by Joab, Abishai, and Ittai the Gittite. he sent them on their way with the admonition to “deal gently” with Absalom (verse 5). The battle took place in the forest of Ephraim and spread over the face of the country – and twenty thousand were killed (verse 7-8). In a freak accident, Absalom got stuck in the limbs of an oak (verse 9), and a man saw and told Joab.

Despite David’s instructions, Joab wasted no time in killing Absalom. Probably he feared that if left alive, Absalom would have the chance to rise up again. Verse 17-18 contrast the monument that Absalom in vanity had set up for himself with the anonymous pit covered with a pile of rocks that Joab and his men threw him into.

David’s immense grief in verses 31-33 serve as an exclamation point for us in the punishment predicted in 2 Samuel 12:10.

Photo of Absalom’s Tomb in Kidron Valley – 1860s (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The monument known as “Absalom’s Tomb” we see today in the Kidron Valley in Jerusalem is a structure that was built in a later period – possibly during the Roman rule.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

May 30 2012

2 Samuel 17 – Hushai Saves David

The Banquet of Absalom attributed to Niccolò de Simone around 1650 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ahithophel continues his counsel, and he tells Absalom to let him choose twelve thousand men and pursue David tonight, while he is weary and discouraged. He says he will throw them into a panic and all the people will flee. All he needs to do is kill David and everyone else will “be at peace” and fall in line. It was very sound advice and no doubt would be successful. But Absalom calls for the advice of Hushai as well. Hushai compares David and his mighty men to an enraged bear “robbed of her cubs,” and says that even now warriors are ready to strike (verses 7-8). But mostly, he appeals to Absalom’s ego – it should be Absalom gathering all the people of Israel and leading the attack himself, and David would not have a chance.

Absalom and all the elders of Israel decided this was the course to take. Verse 14 says that “the Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring harm upon Absalom.” Ahithophel knew that once this decision was made, and his advice would not be followed, that time would now be on David’s side; and though David’s force was out-numbered (he was without much of the army – see verse 1), Absalom’s forces would be out-matched once these warriors had time to re-group and plan.

Hushai got word to Abiathar and Zadok, and they sent Ahimaaz and Jonathan to warn David and have him cross over the Jordan and re-gather his forces. Time was indeed now on David’s side – and Ahithophel got his house in order and killed himself (verse 23).

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

May 27 2012

Reading Samuel / Week 20 Summary Posted

English: Uriah the Hittite (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This week we will begin in 2 Samuel chapter 15, and we see David in his darkest hours as the prophecies of 2 Samuel 12:11-12 of David’s punishment for his sin with Bathsheba and taking the life of Uriah the Hittite.

Summing Up

Each weekend, I am now posting a small PDF of one week of chapter summaries (on the website’s “Summaries” page), current to the beginning of the previous week. I have posted the summary for Week 20 (May Week 2) of the schedule I am following. This short PDF document contains condensed comments about 1 Samuel 15, 16, 17, 19 and 28, with hyperlinks to the ESV version of each chapter for listening or reading, and joins the summaries for other weeks already posted there.