The construction descriptions of the house of the Lord are not just giving us details about how it was built and with what materials. More than that, they give us pictures of what God is like, and how we should respond to Him.
Solomon continues the relationship with Hiram of Tye that David his father began. Not only does he continue the relationship, but he uses it wisely to procure beautiful objects for the temple.
Solomon’s prayer for wisdom was clearly answered by his dealings with the case of the child of the two prostitutes. The author continues to expound on Solomon’s wisdom by showing its national and even international scope.
The one over-arching theme is God controls the kingdom, but several minor themes/applications arise. (1) The danger of indulging children, (2) the need for vigilance in fighting sin, (3) the warning of self-promoting people, (4) the need for wise, decisive action on our part as well as a trust in God’s sovereignty, and (5) consideration of what it is that stirs us (excites us).
John 4:3-42
The books of 1 and 2 Kings show us the times from David until the exile of Israel and Judah. What begins as a promising future with the nations flocking to Jerusalem to the peaceful, prosperous, and prominent King Solomon ends with their King in exile in Babylon. Did God’s promises fail? What happened? Can we even trust this Biblical history? What about all the weird stuff in these books? We plan to cover all this and more in this overview of 1 and 2 Kings.
Jesus appears to the disciples while in a room together. They are fearful that it is a ghost, but Jesus gives proof that He is resurrected with a new body, not a ghost. Jesus then explains that what happened was exactly what the Scriptures had said. Then, lastly, Jesus blesses them and ascends to His Father in heaven.
Though Israel’s situation is dire, they need to see it all through God’s perspective. That perspective is that this current affliction is not the whole story, but that God will again restore them. They must trust, turn, and follow Him, even though in exile.
God set us free from the power, penalty, and (in heaven) from the presence of sin. Yet, we often use that freedom in ways that do not honor God. Paul wraps up the discussion of meat sacrificed to idols by giving warnings, possible scenarios, and pointing to our ultimate purpose: glorifying God.