1 Kings 9

• Land deal or Land swindle? (1 Kings 9:11-14; 2 Chronicles 8:2) Whatever the reason for the gift, and whatever the reason for the rejection, we can be sure that later Solomon opened the cities to Jewish settlement.
• Wedding gift or Birthday gift? (1 Kings 9:15-17, 24; 2 Chronicles 8:11) Whatever the reason for the gift, and whatever the reason for the marriage, we can be sure that Solomon knew that his marriage to an unbeliever required adjustments.

1 Kings 10

• Fame and Faith. Notoriety comes for many reasons; but few are known worldwide for their relationship to God (1 Kings 10:1).
• “An obscene display of wealth.” That’s how someone once described a neighbor’s house. I wonder whether he would have said the same thing if the house had been his. This chapter gives us a glimpse into the life of one of the “rich and famous.”
• One greater than Solomon. No study of this chapter would not be complete without reference to Mt 12:42.  “The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.”

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Much of today’s reading repeats the account given in yesterday’s reading of 1 Kings 8 & 9. Yet there are some additions worthy of our meditation.

2 Chronicles 5

• We should not fail to recognize the number of musicians present at the temple opening (v 12-13).
• Nor should we forget that when God filled the place, the music stopped (v 14).

2 Chronicles 6

• With US presidential elections coming later this week, it is appropriate to read that God’s election of David and Jerusalem was fondly remembered by an undeserving people (vs 6-7).
• The ten commandments, written on stone by the finger of God, were evidence of God’s covenant with Israel (2 Chronicles 6:11). Do you have evidence of God’s covenant with you?
• Solomon seemed to know that the people would forsake God and that God would deliver them into the hands of their enemies for a time. So Solomon prayed that a repentant people in such circumstances might be redeemed from captivity (v 37-39)

2 Chronicles 7

• Did God approve of all that took place that day? Read 2 Chronicles 7:1. This doesn’t happen every day!
• Speaking of Elijah (and the fire that fell from heaven), God assures Solomon that if drought comes because of man’s sin, there is a way out (2 Chronicles 7:14).
• But the people who forsake God’s statutes, no matter what their history or tradition, will be abandoned by God (v 19-22). Does this remain true for modern societies as well?

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1 Kings 8

• The ark of the covenant was brought into the newly constructed temple by the priests (v 6).
• Inside the ark was nothing but the two tables of stone upon which were written the ten commandments (v 9). What happened to Aaron’s rod and the pot of manna which were originally placed in the ark?
• The glory of the Lord filled the temple (v 11), indicating His approval and presence.
• David’s heart-desire to build a temple for God was good; yet the Lord did not allow him to see the fulfillment of his dream (v 18-19).
• Solomon prayed, acknowledging the Uniqueness of God (v 23), the Immenseness of God (v 27), and more. What do you know about God?
• Solomon, recognizing the sinfulness of man (1 Kings 8:46), begged God to forgive His people when they sinned.
• Solomon also prayed for the Gentiles who would come to trust in the Lord (1 Kings 8:41-43).
• Solomon’s evangelistic mind is evident in his prayer that “all the people of the earth may know that the Lord is God, and that there is none else (v 60).
• Solomon’s offerings we so great that they vessel intended to receive them was too little (v 64). When was the last time you saw an offering plate/box that was overflowing?

1 Kings 9

• After the dedication of the temple, the Lord appeared to Solomon a second time (v 9:2). Has God ever spoken to you?
• In a series of “if…then” statements, God promises blessing but warns of judgment for the disobedient (v 3-9).

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• Solomon was 7 years building the house of the Lord (1 Kings 6:38), but 13 years building his own house ( 1 Kings 7:1). Is there a topic for discussion here?
• Solomon’s house measured (approximately) 50 meters X 25 meters. How big is your house? (John 14:1).
• Solomon built a second house for his wife (1 Kings 7:8). Any thoughts on this?
• Solomon employed a foreign artisan, Hiram of Tyre (not to be confused with the king). The Masonic Lodge has distorted this history and woven it into their pagan tradition.
• Solomon’s temple had two pillars which were named Jachin and Boaz (vs 21). Today names are routinely given to water-craft and aircraft. Do we give names to buildings?
• Solomon didn’t attempt to weigh/value the amount of brass used because the number of brass vessels was exceedingly many (vs 47).
• Solomon dutifully brought the items which his father David had set aside for God (1 Kings 7:51).