Today’s passage: 1 Kings 8:22-53

Helpful thoughts:

• This prayer of dedication begins by praising God for His attributes and then making requests according to God’s attributes.
  • The prayer is also a reminder of the blessings and cursings of Deuteronomy 27-28.
• Solomon understood that God had condescended to graciously grant Israel this showing of His presence.  The false religions desire to impress their gods and compel them to act.  God is above that.
  • What a blessing to know that the God who transcends all our comprehension draws near, is accessible, and desires relationship with His children!
• Verses 41-43 evidence that Israel was aware of their role in the world…to point people to the true God.

Questions to consider:

1. What can we learn about Solomon and Israel’s understanding of God in this prayer?  What are we reminded of about God?
2. How is it helpful to remember that Solomon is both praying for God’s people and praying for an actual country (Israel)?  How would prayer for a country vary from a prayer for a church?  How could this cause some confusion if we forget that the United States is not to be equated with Israel?
3. Why would it make sense that false religions (Invented by men) come back to the performance of the person worshiping?  How is Christianity different?  Who is all of creation ultimately for (Colossians 1:16)?  How does this support the fact that salvation is by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-10)?

Today’s passage: 1 Kings 8:1-21

Helpful thoughts:

• The dedication of the Temple was scheduled for the Feast of Tabernacles.  Israel would gather in Jerusalem to celebrate their time living in tents, and then celebrate the transition of God’s tent (The Tabernacle) to this new “permanent” temple.
• The cloud that filled the Temple was the same as had filled the Tabernacle and led Israel through the wilderness (Exodus 40:33-38).  When Israel saw the cloud enter the Temple, they knew glory of the Lord had come in this special way to dwell with His people.
  • The departure of the glory of the Lord is depicted in Ezekiel 10, at the time of the Babylonian conquest.
  • The next time Israel would see a divine darkness would be at the cross of Christ in judgment (Mark 15:33-38).  By the time that darkness lifted, the curtain in the Temple that had separated God’s people from His presence was torn in two from top to bottom.

Questions to consider:

1. If you had been working at the Temple that day, and had to stop your work because you couldn’t see anything, being surrounded by the glory of God, how do you think you would feel?  What would you be thinking?  How might your reverence for God and thankfulness for His mercy and grace have expanded?
2. How does the fact that darkness came over the land when Christ was on the cross add insight for the previous question?
3. The Temple had been built magnificently.  Everything about it was beautiful.  What was the most amazing thing the nation of Israel and their king saw on this day when the presence of God came down?

Today’s passage: 1 Kings 7:13-51

Helpful thoughts:

• This is a different Hiram, not Hiram the king of Tyre.
• Jachin means, He shall establish.  Boaz means, It it is strength. (Verse 21)
  • When you entered the Temple you were to be reminded that God had established the people of Israel and that God remained the strength of Israel.
• “40 Baths” is about 240 gallons.

Questions to consider:

1. What would the nation have been reminded of as David’s contribution was brought into the Temple?  Who had started this process and desired to see it happen?  How was David’s legacy continuing to bear fruit?
2. How are Hiram’s skills compared to those whom God chose to serve earlier in Israel’s history? (Exodus 31:1-5)  How can these attributes encourage us in our work and trades?  How can we serve the Lord and bless people each day with the skills we have?
3. Why would Israel need to be mindful of and remember the truths of “Jachin” and “Boaz”?  How are they still important to the Church today?  Who is building us?  Who is our strength? (Matthew 16:18)

Today’s passage: 1 Kings 7:1-12

Helpful thoughts:

• The times at the end of chapter six and the beginning of chapter 7 make for quite a contrast.  These buildings in Solomon’s palace “complex” took longer and are often larger than the Temple.
• The fact that Pharaoh’s daughter received this special treatment either means she was regarded as the political queen or that Solomon understood the need to please his wife’s father.
• Even after Solomon built all these impressive buildings, he was not satisfied (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11).

Questions to consider:

1. What might have been the feeling or perspective of the people as this palace complex was being built?  How does it sound like it compared to the Temple?  How do we often regard people’s efforts and investment in these kinds of endeavors?  On the other hand, why should we be careful to not let our opinions and assumptions become the standard?
2. While Jerusalem was certainly becoming an impressive city, why wasn’t Solomon satisfied in it?  How would Solomon’s understanding of the vanities of this life only increased the more he built and owned?
3. How did Solomon respond to this truth?  What was his conclusion? (Ecclesiastes 12:13)  What did the Apostle Paul learn about true contentment (Philippians 4:11-13)?

Today’s passage: 1 Kings 6:1-38

Helpful thoughts:

• The length of a cubit has been debated.  So, the size of the temple itself in feet would have been between 90-105 ft. long, 30 to 35 ft. wide, and 45 to 52.5 ft. high.  Everything else was built around this initial structure.
• Verses 11-13 serve as God’s approval of the temple project, that He would “dwell” among the people, and also served as a reminder to Israel’s king.  Solomon was to follow and obey the Lord.
• The “Inner sanctuary” and what you may remember called, “The Holy of Holies” are the same room.
• The building of the Temple took seven years and six months.  Israel now will move it’s worship from the Tabernacle (A temporary set up that it used for over four centuries) to this new “permanent” structure (That would stand for nearly four centuries).

Questions to consider:

1. What thoughts have you had concerning the size of the Temple?  Have you imagined it to be a gigantic structure?  Our auditorium is about 70 ft. wide (Twice as wide),  about 80 ft. long (10 ft. shorter or more), and 24 ft. tall at the peak (Half the height).   Why doesn’t it matter how much bigger the Temple might be?  Was the size or beauty of the Temple going to ever outdo the glory of God?
2. What temple does God dwell in today (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)?  How is His promise of presence different today than it was in Solomon’s temple (Matthew 28:18-20)?  What is the basis for His promise to never leave us or forsake us?  Will He stay with us IF we continue to do right, or because Christ already did and because He has promised to make us just like Christ?
3. What does the fact that the “temporary” structure lasted longer than the “permanent” structure in Israel tell us about the way we often see things?  What is the structure that WE are part of that will be permanent?  (Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 2:19-22)

Today’s passage: 1 Kings 5:1-18

Helpful thoughts:

• Tyre was the capitol of Phoenicia and prominent in trade in the sea.  Israel, due to their strategic location, ruled trade by land.  Their partnership was very advantageous to both and they had a common enemy, the Philistines.
  • Hyram even built David’s house (2 Samuel 5:11).
• It was quite popular in this region of the world during this period of time to build temples for nation’s gods.  There will always be counterfeits to the true God.
• Solomon’s motive to build the house was not just a “Thank you” to God for all his prosperity.  Solomon saw it as an act of obedience and the fulfilment of God’s promise to David.  He was doing this because it was the right thing to do.

Questions to consider:

1. What changes were made to the agreement as the negotiations continue through the chapter?  In what ways was wisdom displayed?
2. How did Solomon find his workers for this massive job?  Did they turn in resumes and interview or something else…?  What had Samuel warned the nation about concerning kings and their labor (1 Samuel 8:10-18)?  Why is it important to remember that these accounts of what took place in Israel are descriptive and not prescriptive?
3. Even with all these people working together to make this happen, who ultimately was allowing it to move forward?  If this Temple was going to be built, who had to approve of the project and allow it to go forward?  Who is still sovereign over the world today?

Today’s passage: 1 Kings 4:1-34

Helpful thoughts:

• When David’s officials were named, the military commanders came first.  This is not the case for Solomon.
• Verse 20 recalls God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 22:17.
  • The mention of their eating, drinking and rejoicing simply points to their ability to enjoy this time of peace and prosperity under Solomon’s reign.
• Other regions around Israel had been known for their wisdom and knowledge…not so anymore.  Now, with Solomon, the world was looking to Israel.  A great opportunity was before them to point the world to the true God.

Questions to consider:

1. What are some examples of Solomon’s wisdom in leadership as he has given various men these differing responsibilities?  e.g. – Why might some men have governed over larger areas than others?  What would the presence of some of the princesses have done for certain regions in the country?  These lists and explanations are given to showcase Solomon’s wisdom…where can we see it?
2. On the other hand, after reading Deuteronomy 17:14-20, do you see any signs of things turning for the worse in Solomon’s reign?  Where would Solomon be getting all the money and the products to maintain these impressive lists?  Who was paying for all of it?
3. With all eyes in the world on Israel, we would hope to see the nations turn to Yahweh as Lord.  What things do we see happening already in this chapter that may have turned Israel’s attention away from their God-given purpose in the world?  What kinds of earthly gains/possessions/activities can easily distract us today from what God has given the church to do?

Today’s passage: 1 Kings 3:16-28

Helpful thoughts:

• The great King Solomon was willing to take the time to hear and give his attention to two prostitutes arguing about their illegitimate children.  That sentence is written in a harsh way to make a point…
  • The greatest is the one who serves. (Luke 22:24-27)
  • When we see ourselves correctly, we will be happy in our service.
• This judgement from Solomon was made known to the nation.  When they considered Solomon as having wisdom from God, they respected him and his position as king.

Questions to consider:

1. What did the people desire in their leader?  What did they believe Solomon was going to provide in God’s wisdom that put them at ease under his leadership?
2. How did Christ model service for us?  How far did He go (Philippians 2:3-11)?  Who might you be able to serve today that others would overlook?

Today’s passage: 1 Kings 3:1-15

Helpful thoughts:

• It was customary for kings to give daughters in marriage as part of a treaty.  Solomon’s “customary” use of women would bring much trouble and sin into his (And Israel’s) life.
• There was to be a single place for Israel to worship through sacrifice (Deuteronomy 12:1-7). Once Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem, all of this worship at the “high places” should certainly have stopped.  It didn’t.
• Solomon could have asked for selfish gain, instead he sought wisdom from the Lord to serve people well.
  • God gives wisdom liberally and intends for us to trust the wisdom He gives (James 1:5-8).
  • Wisdom does not automatically result in righteousness.  Wisdom and submission are two different things.  Jesus did not die for our lack of wisdom, but for our lack of righteousness.

Questions to consider:

1. Even as we begin to learn about the reign of King Solomon, what are we reminded of concerning these men and women in Israel’s history?  Are they flawless heroes?  Were David or Solomon able to be Israel’s Messiah?  If we were to be just like Solomon, what problem would remain?  What would we still need?  Who is truly our hero?
2. Where can we receive God’s wisdom for everything we need (2 Timothy 3:16-17)?  What might be some of the specific fruit of God giving you wisdom?  How might you approach the Word?  As you grow in wisdom and knowledge, ho could God use you in the lives of others as well?
3. How do James 1:22-25 and 1:5-8 work together?  When do we truly benefit (And benefit others in love) with the wisdom God gives?  What motivates us to put God’s wisdom into practice?