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?

Today’s passage: 1 Kings 2:13-46

Helpful thoughts:

• Abishag the Shunammite had been added to David’s harem in chapter 1.  Adonijah’s request to marry her would have been another act or attempt to take the throne.  So, Solomon fulfilled his promise from 1:52.
• Joab wasn’t safe at the altar because he was truly guilty of murder.  The altar was only a place of safety in cases of accidental death.
• With these exiles and executions, Solomon removed all who had threatened this transition of power.  These verses were an account of how verse 12 came to be.  The throne of Solomon was now “firmly established.”

Questions to consider:

1. How will the end of verse 33 be fulfilled?  What part would Solomon have seen himself fulfilling?  How will Christ ultimately bring it about?
2. How would the events of this passage correlate with Romans 13:1-5?  Where does authority come from?  How must we interact with those who rule over us today?
3. If we are truly guilty, what would be the right response?  How would we show true repentance in relation to our governing authorities?  How would our consequences with the government be different than our consequences with God? (Romans 8:1)

Today’s passage: 1 Kings 2:1-12

Helpful thoughts:

• Before David dies, he gives the new King Solomon a charge:
  • To know the Word of God and follow the Lord.  David’s charge was very similar to Moses’ charge given to Joshua (Joshua 1:7-9)
  • David reiterates God’s promise for the throne in Israel.  The book of 1 Kings will show how David’s descendants fail to live up to their part of the promise.
  • David also encouraged Solomon to follow through on some promises and vows he had given.
• David ruled from 1011-971 B.C
• Verse 12 confirms that there were no other challenges to the throne at this time.  Solomon had the Lord’s blessing to rule and the nation willingly followed.

Questions to consider:

1. Was everything perfect and easy in Israel when their king was the “man after God’s own heart”?  Why won’t we ever have a perfect and easy cultural environment in this world as things are?
2. David’s descendants (and truly, David himself) failed to perfectly live up to the standards he passed down in this passage.  How would God’s promise that a descendant of David would rule forever come to pass?  Who truly walked in ALL of the Lord’s commandments and is worthy to reign forever?
3. What kind of “prospering” would have been promised to Israel as their people walked according to the Lord’s commands?  What kind of “prospering” could we see today as we follow Christ?

Today’s passage: 1 Kings 1:28-53

Helpful thoughts:

• David’s instructions provided the following important things:
  • David and Saul had both been anointed by the prophet and priest, Samuel.  Solomon would be called king by the same, Nathan the prophet and Zadok the priest.
  • David was using his authority to make Solomon his coregent.  Had David died, there could have been a legitimate fight for the throne.  With these acts, Solomon would already be king when David died.
  • Blowing the horn was the way to call the people for a public assembly.  This would be done in public and known among the nation.  Adonijah would not be able to argue against it’s authenticity.
• In Exodus 21:12-14, a provision is made for a safe place if someone is being pursued at the altar (Though if there is genuine guilt worthy of the death penalty, they could be removed).  It’s almost like touching “base” or being in the safety zone during a game of tag…
  • It’s rather remarkable that Adonijah was willing to bend the rules to make himself king, but knew just what to do in order to protect himself and expected Solomon to abide by the rules for his own safety.
• Solomon’s first act as king was to show mercy.  Adonijah’s followers had already deserted him in verse 49.  At the moment, he posed no threat.

Questions to consider:

1. Why did Solomon become king?  Ultimately, who chose him for this task?  What did he do in this passage to try to secure it for himself?  How genuine would the celebrating have been at Adonijah’s party?  How would Adonijah have felt right at verse 49?
2. Do you think that Adonijah was truly repentant considering he attempted to use the horns of the altar to protect himself?  Why do we tend to make provision for ourselves yet hold others to a high standard in how they affect us?
3. How did Christ answer this problem in our hearts?  Did he protect himself or give himself up because of our problem?  In what way was Solomon’s act of mercy more Christ-like?  How might you show someone this kind of Christ-like love today?

Today’s passage: 1 Kings 1:1-27

Helpful thoughts:

• The first four verses are strange. King David was getting “old” (70 years old) and sick. They brought him a young woman to keep him warm. Evidently, this was a customary medical practice, though it is unclear why they needed to get another woman to do this.
  • Abishag would have been considered a part of the king’s official harem, though they never were intimate.
  • We are told about Abishag’s place in the king’s harem for a better understanding of a future event.
• The Serpent’s Stone was a previous sacrificial location the Jebusites would have used in their pagan worship. A blurring of lines was going on in this action. Adonijah was willing to bend the rules if it made him king.
• Adonijah knew that even though he was the oldest living son, he would not have an automatic right to the throne, so he took matters into his own hands. If Adonijah had become king, he may have decided to execute anyone else who might try to lay claim to the throne.

Questions to consider:

1. Are there any customary practices we have in our time and culture that may not actually be biblical and right? Why is it so hard sometimes to see that? How would we know? How might this distinction be even more difficult during heightened political tensions or as a political leader?
2. What would have been better for Adonijah, to become the king through this orchestrated attempt or to be content with whatever role God had for him in this life? (Proverbs 25:6-7) What is God’s view of leadership anyway? (Matthew 23:1-12)
3. How can all of this activity remind us of our need for Christ? Are we truly aware of all the sins of which we need forgiveness? Even though we all sin (And have sinned) more than we even realize, what is still true of us if we are in Christ (Romans 8:1)? How should this bring us to a spirit of worship?