Walking Together Through the Old Testament - Week 23
Introduction
As we start our readings in 1 Kings, we see the end of King David’s life and how the throne passed to Solomon. He reaps the rewards of David’s military success and, in a period of peace and security, builds a stable and secure Kingdom. This is sometimes referred to as Israel’s “Golden Age”.
Day 1 – Read: 1 Kings 1:1- 53David was reaching the end of his life and death was imminent. David’s fourth son, Adonijah, pre-emptively took matters into his own hands and set himself up as king, without consulting his father on the issue, though he was probably aware of David’s choice (see v.10). Nathan warned Bathsheba what was going on and gave her some sound advice. To Adonijah’s horror David (in accordance with his oath v.30) put Solomon on the throne. Solomon shows mercy towards his usurping brother and lets him live, giving him an opportunity to prove his integrity (he failed - 1 Kings 2:13-25).
Worship: Do you know people like Adonijah, who schemed to get what he wanted? Pray for them. Also give thanks to God, for “Solomons” among your friends, who trust that God will accomplish His purposes for their lives, and are gracious and willing to show mercy?
Day 2 – Read: 1 Kings 3:1-28 God spoke to Solomon in a dream and he came face to face with the task on his shoulders. He was now the king of a powerful nation - powerful enough for the Egyptians to sit up and take notice, and make a treaty (v1). He told God how powerless he felt in the face of such a big responsibility, and asked God for wisdom. God granted his request and added riches and honour as a bonus. Solomon’s gift from God soon proved its worth with the two arguing prostitutes, and his judgement proved to be good PR with the wider population (v.28).
Reflect: How good are you at making difficult decisions? How seriously do you pursue wisdom? Ask God to fulfil His promise in James 1:5, and help you to apply it in your life.
Day 3 – Read: 1 Kings 6:1-38 It had been 480 years since the Israelites left Egypt and with no expense spared, Solomon constructed the Temple. In this detailed account the Temple is described and shown to be as beautiful as it was practical. It was a symbol of God’s presence with man and a special place of worship. The carved trees and flowers used in the decoration of the temple reflect a symbolic return to what man had in the Garden of Eden with God. A return to a relationship with Him were made possible by offering sacrifices in Old Testament times. The full experience of atonement and forgiveness does not need animal sacrifices any longer, because Christ has sacrificed Himself once and for all. (Hebrews 9:13-14; 10:4)
Consider: What kind of temple does God indwell today? How are you progressing on the area assigned to you? (See Ephesians 2:19-22)
Day 4 – Read: 1 Kings 7:13 - 51 Earlier in this chapter, we are told that Solomon’s palace took longer than the temple to build, possibly because the palace was bigger or because they built the temple with a bit more urgency. Huram was hired from Tyre and made the ornate furnishings for the Temple. Some of the work was very intricate and highly detailed, perhaps reflecting the character of God who is not only the creator God of the big and impressive (expressed in the temple building), but also a God of the small and detailed.He is a God of diversity.
Think: The two Pillars were named “He establishes” (or “Security”) and “In Him is strength.” (or Strength) Naming them made a statement as people came to worship (v21). What impact do these two phrases make on you as you come to worship?
Day 5 – Read: 1 Kings 10:1-29Solomon’s fame stretched for thousands of miles and on the strength of this he welcomed the Queen of Sheba (Sheba = south western Arabia) who wanted to see and hear for herself. She probably didn’t get the full picture as she described Solomon’s men as ‘happy’, which some of them may have been, but the conscripted labour force probably didn’t feel the same level of happiness (see 1 Kings 12:4). The Queen of Sheba recognised that it was by God’s grace that Solomon and his kingdom were so successful. In terms of wealth and wisdom Solomon had no equal, and she wanted to spend time with him in the hope that she would learn something significant.
Act: Who do you know that is an example of Christ-likeness in a particular way? Arrange to spend time with them within the next 2 weeks, to help you learn something from them and grow in God.
Review the week’s readings
For further study this week, glance through the first 10 chapters of 1 Kings and find the two occasions when the Lord appeared to Solomon. What did he learn about God as a result of these encounters? How do these meetings change Solomon? What can you apply in your life to help you walk with Jesus?