Milo

MARCH 16

Reading 75

WARS AND REVIVAL 1 Kings 15–16

“Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David had done” (1 Kings 15:11).Corrupt leadership brings strife and suffering. Relief is found only in a return to the Lord.

Background

The following chart shows the years these chapters cover and the reigns of the kings.

Years	In Judah	In Israel
930	Rehoboam	Jeroboam
913	Abijah
910	Asa
909		Nadab
908		Baasha
886		Elah
885		Zimri
885		Omri/Tibni (Civil war)
880		Omri
874		Ahab

Definition of Key Terms

Father.

“Father” in the Old Testament need not mean “male parent.” In these books that deal with the monarchy, one ruler is often called the “father” of another. This may mean ancestor, as in 1 Kings 15:11 where David is called the “father” of his great-grandson, Asa. In some ancient literature “father” may simply mean “predecessor”; one who earlier occupied the same throne, even though there is no ancestral relationship. In addition, “my father” is frequently used as a term of respect for a mentor, as in 2 Kings 2:12.

Overview

The sinful direction set by Abijah of Judah (15:1–8) was reversed by his successor, godly King Asa (vv. 9–24). In Israel, Baasha wiped out the family of Jeroboam (vv. 25–31). His family was wiped out in turn by Zimri (v. 33–16:14), throwing the nation into civil war (vv. 15–20). Stability was reestablished by Omri (vv. 21–28), who was succeeded by his wicked but gifted son, Ahab (vv. 29–34).

Understanding the Text

“For David’s sake” 1 Kings 15:1–8.

Abijah, the son of Rehoboam, was one of Judah’s forgettable kings. He ruled only three years, did evil, and died. The text makes it clear that he was tolerated as king only for the sake of David, who “had done what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” Typically only persons who do great evil or great good are remembered. The text reminds us that the blessings of those who do good overflow to bless future generations as well as their own. “Asa’s heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life” 1 Kings 15:9–24. The impact of Asa on Judah is seen most clearly by comparing what was happening in neighboring Israel. While Judah enjoyed relative peace and revival under Asa for some 40 years, Israel had a series of wicked rulers. During these years two of Israel’s kings and their entire families were assassinated, and the land experienced a bloody civil war. There truly is great gain in godliness (cf. 1 Tim. 6:6). Acts of Asa which show his commitment are listed. He expelled cult prostitutes, got rid of idols, and deposed the queen mother, his grandmother, because she worshiped a pagan goddess (1 Kings 15:11–13). Asa had many other achievements. Verse 23 says he constructed new cities in Judah, suggesting that he may have extended her borders. But all these are relegated to “the book of the annals of the kings of Judah.” The truly significant accomplishments of Asa were religious. It was what he did for God that counts. When the stories of our lives are written, our accomplishments too will pale compared to what we have done in service to our Lord. “I am about to consume Baasha” 1 Kings 15:25–16:7. One of the best ways to learn is from other people’s mistakes. But this also seems to be the most difficult way for most of us to gain understanding. God rejected Jeroboam’s line because of their commitment to evil, and announced that every male member of the family would be killed. Baasha was the instrument God used to carry out this judgment. Yet when Baasha had assassinated Nadab, Jeroboam’s son, Baasha himself then “walked in the ways of Jeroboam and in his sin”! Baasha had learned nothing from the destruction of Jeroboam’s family. So, as the Prophet Jehu announced, Baasha and his house met the same fate. My wife frequently detects Baasha’s attitude in the teens she teaches in her high school English classes. A mention of a driver who recently killed two young people when driving drunk here in Florida brought only a smirk from most in her class until she challenged them to think what he faces as he goes to prison. And to realize that, once, he too had probably smirked at the idea that he might get into trouble driving drunk. “It can’t happen to me” is the arrogant thought of those who simply will not learn from the mistakes of others. As Baasha discovered, it can happen to me. He failed to learn from Jeroboam’s and Nadab’s mistakes. And it cost him his life. “Omri became king” 1 Kings 16:21–28. The Bible says little about Omri other than to note that he established Samaria as the capital of the Northern Kingdom. Secular sources say more. The Moabite stone, a monument found in 1898, tells us that Omri conquered Moab and imposed tribute. He rebuilt Israel’s military strength, and from archeological finds we know he built at Samaria a large, attractive, and skillfully defensed city. A century later Assyrian annals still referred to Israel as the “land of Omri.” Again, all these accomplishments are dismissed in the biblical text. What is important about this king is that he too did evil. He formed an alliance with Phoenicia which was sealed by the marriage of his son, Ahab, to the Phoenician princess, Jezebel. This marriage led to the active promotion in Israel of a most virulent and wicked form of Baal worship. Again we’re reminded. Our impact on the material universe will fade away. But our impact on the spiritual universe, for good or evil, remains forever.

DEVOTIONAL

The Stone Curtain(1 Kings 15)

It’s probably impossible for us not to classify people. “We” live in the suburbs. “They” live in the city. “We” are educated, well-dressed, and work hard. “They” are ignorant, sloppy, and lazy. “We” believe in God. “They” are pagans. “We” live good moral lives. “They” behave shamefully. While such differences do exist, I suspect that the vast gap implied in “we”/ “they” thinking does not. After all, “we” and “they” are both human beings. God loves “us” and He even loves “them.” Perhaps that’s one reason why I find Asa such an attractive person. And why something that Baasha, king of Israel, did is so funny. According to 2 Chronicles 15–16, Asa wasn’t satisfied when revival came to Judah. He reached across the border to “them,” the enemy, and invited all true Israelites to come up to Jerusalem and join in the celebration of the annual religious festivals called for in Moses’ Law. Perhaps surprisingly, “they” came! In fact, too many came! So many that Baasha, king of Israel, got worried. He quickly sent a force of soldiers up to Ramah, which controlled a mountain pass between the two nations, and began a fortification intended to “prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa.” It wasn’t an “iron curtain.” But it surely was a “stone curtain,” constructed with the same intent as the Berlin wall. When Asa’s “we” reached out with an invitation to come to God, too many of Baasha’s “they” did just that! So Asa bribed the Arameans (Syrians) to attack Israel. And when the Israelite troops withdrew from Ramah, Asa’s people carted away the fortifications stone by stone. What a lesson for us. The stone curtain people still erect between “us” and “them” doesn’t protect God’s folk. It protects Satan’s territory! If we cart away the stones that wall us off from others, and share the good news of Jesus, we’ll find hundreds of “them” eager to become “us” today.

Personal Application

Don’t let “us”/“them” thinking cut you off from those who need Jesus.

Quotable

Longfellow could take a worthless sheet of paper, write a poem on it, and make it worth $6,000-that’s genius. Rockefeller could sign his name to a piece of paper and make it worth a million-that is wealth. A painter can take a 50-cent piece of canvas, paint a picture on it and make it worth $10,000-that’s art. But . . . God can take a worthless sinful life, wash it in the blood of Christ, put His Spirit in it, and make it a blessing to humanity—that’s salvation.—The Compass

MARCH 15

Reading 74

THE KINGDOM DIVIDES 1 Kings 12–14

“Only the tribe of Judah remained loyal to the house of David” (1 Kings 12:20).The old saying suggests that “well begun is half done.” It is just as true that “poorly begun is undone!”

Background

Israel.

The Northern Kingdom of Israel was founded on an apostate religion. Not 1 of its 21 rulers did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Gradually many true believers in the north drifted across the border to settle in Judah, illustrated by the growth of Judah’s original 180,000 fighting men (12:21) to 400,000 fighting men just 18 years later (2 Chron. 13:3). Decades later the Northern Kingdom was crushed by Assyria, and its people deported. This has given rise to the fable of “10 lost tribes.” In fact, members of all 12 tribes of Israel were represented in Judah throughout the kingdom era, and no tribe has been “lost.” Many may turn from the Lord. But God will preserve His own.

Overview

Israel rebelled when Solomon’s son Rehoboam threatened to raise already heavy taxes (12:1–19). The 10 northern tribes made Jeroboam king (vv. 20–24). Jeroboam set up a counterfeit religion (vv. 25–33), which was condemned by a prophet who came from Judah (13:1–34). The Prophet Ahijah announced God’s judgment on the family of Jeroboam (14:1–20). Judah too abandoned God and suffered an Egyptian invasion (vv. 21–31).

Understanding the Text

“Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him” 1 Kings 12:1–9. On Solomon’s death his son Rehoboam took the throne. In Solomon’s later years heavy taxes and an increased corvee on labor caused resentment. The north made tax reduction a condition of recognizing Rehoboam’s royal authority. Rehoboam’s pride was displayed in rejecting the conciliation advised by the elders, in favor of an arrogant demand for submission. A leader who responds to the just complaints of others gains their loyalty. The leader who acts arrogantly deserves to lose support. “Rehoboam . . . mustered the whole house of Judah” 1 Kings 12:20–24. When the north acclaimed Jeroboam as king, Rehoboam prepared for war. Only intervention by a prophet named Shemaiah headed off the conflict. Shemaiah’s advice is still appropriate for Christians, who too often find occasion to feud with other believers. “Do not go up to fight against your brothers.” “The king made two golden calves” 1 Kings 12:25–33. Jeroboam feared that if his people went up to Jerusalem to worship the Lord, as the Law required, they might in time seek political reunification. His fears led him to set up a system that counterfeited the Old Testament’s revealed religion. Jeroboam chose two cities long associated with worship, Bethel and Dan, as worship centers. He appointed priests who were not of Aaron’s line, changed the dates of religious festivals, and offered sacrifices on altars set up at Bethel and Dan. This was a calculated abandonment of revealed religion. Yet it was intended to mimic the true. False religions often have elements in common with biblical faith. For instance, many of the world’s “great” religions call for morality. Yet counterfeit faiths lack one essential ingredient—the presence and power of the one God, who has revealed Himself to us. Only God is able to forgive sinners and transform them so that they may live godly lives. Religion without the Lord is empty, as the religious system Jeroboam established was empty and useless. “A man of God came from Judah to Bethel” 1 Kings 13:1–10. The day that Jeroboam dedicated the religious center at Bethel, a prophet appeared and announced that a future king of Judah, Josiah by name, would desecrate Jeroboam’s altar by burning human bones on it. As proof, the altar would now split and ashes be poured out. Jeroboam pointed at the prophet to order his death, but his hand and arm atrophied! Shaken, Jeroboam begged the prophet to pray for him, and his hand was restored. Jeroboam knew that his acts displeased God. Yet this first king of divided Israel continued in his sinful course. “Even after this,” the text tells us, “Jeroboam did not change his evil ways.” When God warns us, it is wise to change course! “Abijah son of Jeroboam became ill” 1 Kings 14:1–19. Jeroboam’s wife came to Ahijah the prophet in disguise. The prophet gave her a message of doom for Jeroboam. His son would die. And every male descendant of Jeroboam’s would die a violent death. The judgment was merited, for Jeroboam had set Israel on a course of apostasy and idolatry that would lead to national disaster. Perhaps most significant are the words about Jeroboam’s ill son. His death was intended as a blessing, for “he is the only one in the house of Jeroboam in whom the Lord . . . has found anything good” (v. 13). Those of us who suffer the loss of a child, or of some other young person who is dear to us, often struggle to understand. Usually there is no explanation, and we are forced to keep on living by faith. Yet this passage reminds us that the death of godly persons is not always a tragedy. Sometimes it is intended as a blessing. The thought is echoed in Isaiah 57:1–2: “The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” “Judah did evil in the eyes of the Lord” 1 Kings 14:21–31. Solomon’s son Rehoboam permitted great apostasy in Judah, the Southern Kingdom. As a result, God sent Shishak of Egypt to sack Jerusalem and steal the golden treasures Solomon had assembled (see 1 Kings 10). Life became hard in the divided kingdom, and incipient war flared up again and again between the Divided Hebrew kingdoms. It’s easy to gain momentum going downhill. It’s much more difficult to stop and begin to go up again.

DEVOTIONAL

Don’t Listen to Old Prophets (1 Kings 13)

One of my professors in seminary told the story of how, as a young and single pastor, one of the ladies in his congregation announced that God had told her he was to marry the lady’s daughter. In a way, his experience was like that of the young prophet God sent to Bethel to speak against Jeroboam’s false religion. The passage tells us that after he completed his mission, and was on the way home, an old prophet who lived nearby stopped him. God had told the young man not to eat or drink in Israel. But the old prophet had a ready answer. God had told him, the old prophet, to tell his younger colleague that it was all right to stop over at his house and have a meal. We don’t know the old prophet’s motive. Maybe he was lonely. Perhaps he was upset that God hadn’t sent him to Jeroboam. Whatever the reason, the old prophet was lying. As the young prophet set out on his way back home, he was attacked and killed by a lion. The incident carried an important message for Jeroboam. If God’s word was so important that even a slight deviation brought death, how terrible Jeroboam’s sin must be. As far as we know, Jeroboam remained unmoved. He even lived and ruled in Israel for another 22 years, perpetuating his own false cult. The story has an important lesson for us as well. It’s a lesson my professor had learned, and after being told many times by this lady of God’s desire for him to marry her daughter, my prof taught the lesson to her. “When God tells me to marry your daughter,” he said, “I’ll do it.” The lesson? Just this. We don’t have to listen to old prophets, who insist on telling us God’s will for our lives. God will tell us that Himself. And only when He does are we to act.

Personal Application

God will show you what His will is. Be sensitive to Him, and beware of those who glibly tell you what you ought to do.

Quotable

“If you observe anything evil within yourself, correct it; if something good, preserve it; if something beautiful, foster it; if something sound, maintain it; if sickly, heal it. Read unwearingly the precepts of the Lord and, sufficiently instructed by them, you will know what to avoid and what to pursue.”—Bernard of Clairvaux

MARCH 14

Reading 73

SOLOMON’S RULE

1 Kings 9–11“King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth” (1 Kings 10:23).Solomon’s growing material prosperity was matched by spiritual decline. Solomon’s experience is a warning to us today of the deceitfulness of success.

Overview

God appeared to Solomon again, with a promise and a warning (9:1–9). Some of Solomon’s projects are listed (vv. 10–28), and his fame is illustrated by a visit from the queen of Sheba (10:1–13). Solomon’s vast wealth is explained (vv. 14–29). Solomon’s spiritual decline is traced to his passion for his foreign wives (11:1–13), and the resulting loss of most of his kingdom is predicted (vv. 14–43).

Understanding the Text

“If you walk before Me in integrity of heart and uprightness” 1 Kings 9:1–9. God appeared to Solomon 13 years after the temple was completed. The Lord reminded Solomon He had heard the king’s prayer of dedication. Now, nearly 25 years into Solomon’s 40-year reign, God renewed His promise to Solomon, but added a solemn warning. “If you or your sons turn away . . . and go off to serve other gods . . . then.” Why a second appearance now? Because, with Solomon’s goals reached and his dreams fulfilled, Solomon was especially vulnerable. Success is often like this. As long as we are working, striving to reach a goal, we remain faithful to the Lord. But when we “have it made,” we lose our sense of purpose and our dedication to the Lord. God’s warning was especially gracious, coming at this critical time in Solomon’s life. The great tragedy is that Solomon failed to heed what God said. For some, retirement is a critical time. We’ve worked all our lives. Now it’s time to relax and enjoy. Rather than use our time to serve God and others, some lose their sense of purpose and drift away from God. That moment when we think we have succeeded can be the most dangerous for us spiritually. “Here is the account” 1 Kings 9:10–27. The passage only hints at Solomon’s magnificent achievements. For instance, Solomon’s many impressive building programs, which have been partially explored by archeologists, are given only a word or two in verses 18–19. Yet these are among the most impressive in the ancient world. Solomon’s trading ventures are also mentioned only briefly (vv. 26–28). Yet he was the only king in Israel’s long history to catch the vision of overseas trade and develop a fleet. His joint venture with Hiram of Tyre brought in vast wealth. These merely hint at the great plans and visionary programs introduced by Solomon. Yet they remind us how exceptional Solomon truly was. The same passage tells us that Solomon maintained the annual rituals that honored God (v. 25). Yet, as God reminded Solomon, the Lord is concerned with “integrity of heart and uprightness” (v. 4). A wholehearted love for God, not faithful attendance at religious services, keeps us close to Him. “The queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon” 1 Kings 10:1–13. Solomon’s wisdom is illustrated in this report of the visit of the queen of Sheba, modern Yemen. In ancient time Sheba was a trading center, linking Africa, India, and the Mediterranean lands. The questions she asked Solomon were hidot, in this context questions on issues involving practical and deeper theological truths. The gifts the two exchanged likely were part of trade negotiations worked out during the visit. The queen left full of praise for Solomon and for God, who had given Israel such a wise ruler. “King Solomon was greater in riches” 1 Kings 10:14–29. The passage continues with more about the splendor of the Solomonic era. It lists Solomon’s personal annual income as 25 tons of gold! Like other kings of the ancient world, Solomon dedicated much of the gold to the temple, and used the rest in ostentatious display. Despite the record here of the sources of Solomon’s wealth, some modern commentators have dismissed the biblical account as a product “of exuberant imagination.” However, comparison with ancient inscriptions shows that ancient rulers did gather vast amounts of gold, and used it in the same way Solomon did. Even more significant is the Egyptian record of gifts given by Pharaoh Osorkon of at least 383 tons of precious metals to Egypt’s gods. Why is this significant? Because just five years before this gift, his father, Shishak, had attacked Jerusalem and “carried off the treasures of the temple of the Lord and the treasures of the royal palace” (14:26). Solomon did gather hundreds of tons of gold. And at least part of it was later given by Pharaoh Osorkon to Egypt’s gods and goddesses. The material things we give to God have no lasting significance to Him. What God yearns for is a fully yielded heart. This—and this alone—is His treasure. “Solomon . . . loved many foreign women” 1 Kings 11:1–13. Old Testament Law forbad marriage to foreign women, and specifically prohibited accumulating large amounts of gold and silver as well as multiple marriages for kings (cf. Deut. 17:14–20). Solomon’s marriages to foreign women, contracted to seal international treaties, were disastrous. Solomon not only permitted his wives to worship their old gods and goddesses, but began to worship with them. Solomon’s disobedience was judged severely. God determined to take most of the kingdom away from Solomon’s offspring, but for David’s sake reserved the tribe of Judah and Jerusalem for Solomon’s descendants. Solomon reminds us not to be overawed by others more intelligent than we are. The wise men of this world spin their theories, and may ridicule faith. But true wisdom is found in the simple person’s complete trust in God and faithfulness to Him. “The Lord raised up . . . an adversary” 1 Kings 11:14–43. Solomon’s last years were marred by frustration. Enemies appeared to disrupt his plans and develop hostility toward Israel. Yet Solomon was unable to dispatch them. In Israel itself a gifted man named Jeroboam was promoted—but turned against Solomon when a prophet predicted that he, not Solomon’s son, would rule the 10 northern tribes. Solomon’s success had depended on his relationship with God, not his intelligence. It’s not our gifts but our God who brings us success.

DEVOTIONAL

The End of Life (1 Kings 11)

I remember the title of an old movie—Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? Actually, that’s all I remember about it. I suppose the movie itself is forgettable. But the title surely is not. What will happen to you and me if we succeed? What if all our dreams come true? What if our hopes are all fulfilled? What if we achieve prosperity and “have it made”? While few of us will know this kind of success, for most older people these days a time comes when we can stop striving. The children have grown up and moved away. We’re ready to retire. We have enough to live on, and reasonably good health. We can sit back now and relax. It’s only later that we realize success has begun to spoil us, as it surely spoiled Solomon. Solomon achieved. His plans were carried out. His dreams were fulfilled. His riches were beyond calculation. And then, with nothing more to do, he turned to his foreign wives and to their gods. As a result, Solomon’s old age was a time of frustration and futility. Most believe that Solomon wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes during the last, empty decade of his life. In this book Solomon looks back on all his accomplishments, looks honestly at his passions, and drearily concludes, “Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless!” And Solomon was right. As far as he went. In Eccelesiastes Solomon set out to find meaning in life “by wisdom” and “under the sun.” The two phrases mean “by unaided human reason, not revelation,” and “in the framework of the material universe.” Solomon turned his back on God and lost touch with the Lord. Yet this wisest of men searched all human experience and concluded that, apart from God, everything is meaningless. And so we return to that question, “Will success spoil you and me?” And the answer is, it can. It can. But only if, when we rest from our labors in this world, we also relax our commitment to the Lord. If we keep on putting God first in our lives, then success can and will be a blessing. For we will still seek the true meaning of life in our relationships with the Lord.

Personal Application

Retire from work, but not from serving God.

Quotable

“The heart is rich when it is content, and it is always content when its desires are fixed on God. Nothing can bring greater happiness than doing God’s will for the love of God.”—Miguel Febres Cordero-MunozRichards

MARCH 13

Reading 72

SOLOMON’S TEMPLE 1 Kings 5–8

“The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain You. How much less this temple I have built!” (1 Kings 8:27)Prayer is to reflect our understanding of who God is, and how God relates to human beings. Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Jerusalem temple is a model of this element in prayer.

Background

The Jerusalem temple. Israel was to have only one place of worship, to demonstrate the unity of God and access to Him solely through sacrifice. That place was fixed in Jerusalem, at a temple Solomon constructed. Old Testament Law required that prescribed sacrifices for sin and worship be made only on the altar of the Jerusalem temple. God graciously “put His presence” there as a symbol of covenant love and a place for prayer and worship. The temple Solomon built in Jerusalem lasted until the destruction of that city in 586B.C by the Babylonians. Later, when a group of captives returned from Babylon, a smaller temple was erected on the same site (Hag. 2:1–9). In the first century, this “second temple” was greatly expanded and beautified by Herod the Great, who took 46 years to reconstruct it. The second temple, where Jesus worshiped and taught, was destroyed by the Roman army in 70A.D The lack of a temple and altar today means that modern Judaism has no way to present the sacrifices for sin required under Old Testament Law. But the Prophet Ezekiel predicted that yet another temple will be built on the site in the days when the Messiah returns to rule the world (Ezek. 43:7).

Overview

Solomon organized his building effort (5:1–17). Construction of the Jerusalem temple began his fourth year (6:1–38). Solomon also constructed his own palace (7:1–12). The temple was furnished (vv. 13–51), and when all was ready Solomon brought the ark into the temple (8:1–21). He dedicated the magnificent edifice with prayer (vv. 22–61), sacrifice, and celebration (vv. 62–66).

Understanding the Text

“I intend . . . to build a temple for the Name of the Lord” 1 Kings 5:1–18. Solomon continued the friendship developed by David with Hiram, king of Tyre. That seaboard nation had lumber and skilled workers, but needed the grain that could be supplied by Israel. Solomon’s commitment to build God’s temple suited Hiram well. It did, however, place a strain on Israel’s resources. The text mentions “conscripted laborers.” Solomon relied on the “corvee,” a tax on time. The Israelite laborers gave four months of the year to Solomon’s projects, and had eight months to work their own farms. This early corvee of workers for the temple was justified. Later, when Solomon became intent on many additional building projects, it became a drain on the overall economy and a source of bitter complaint. “In the eleventh year . . . the temple was finished” 1 Kings 6:1–37. The illustration shows the finished temple, described in this chapter. It took seven years to complete. According to this chapter the whole interior was overlaid with pure gold. The Jerusalem Temple “The construction of his palace” 1 Kings 7:1–12. Solomon’s palace took 13 years to build. This is not because he viewed it as more important than the temple, or lavished more care on it. The palace complex had many buildings, a mix of public administrative centers and private dwellings. Also, David had spent his last years gathering resources for the temple, which considerably shortened the time it took for Solomon to complete the building. It was God’s decision to bless Solomon with great riches. We can hardly criticize how Solomon chose to use them. There is nothing wrong with being rich today—as long as, like Solomon, the rich person puts God’s will first. “A craftsman in bronze” 1 Kings 7:13–51. Here, as frequently in the Old Testament, “bronze” stands for every kind of metalwork. It is not possible to make accurate drawings of the temple furnishings from the description given here. What is clear is that no expense was spared. Solomon was committed to honor God by making His temple the most beautiful and expensive edifice possible. “I have provided a place there for the ark” 1 Kings 8:1–21. The ark of the covenant was the most holy object in Israel’s religion. It was there alone, on the top of this golden box, that sacrificial blood was spilt on the Day of Atonement, and “every sin” of Israel forgiven (Lev. 16). The ark was thus the one place on earth where the holy God met sinful men. The temple, as magnificent as it was, had meaning only because it housed the ark, on which God’s presence rested. All our magnificent cathedrals, all our mighty organs and stained glass windows, have meaning only if they serve as a place of meeting between God and a people who come to worship Him through Jesus Christ. And, if Jesus is there, present in the hearts of the congregation, a barn can serve just as sacredly as a church building.

DEVOTIONAL

Prayer and God’s Character (1 Kings 8)

“It’s frustrating.” Sue was talking about her class of adults and her difficulty in getting any of them to pray aloud. “They just don’t seem to know much about prayer. And they sure aren’t going to pray aloud when others are there.” I suppose it’s even more frustrating for the women in her class. Wanting to pray. Feeling a need for prayer. But not feeling able to even try. For anyone who feels a little like that—uncertain, hesitant—Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple can help. Solomon rooted his prayers in his understanding of what God was like. Knowing God, he knew something about how to pray. Solomon knew that God is a faithful Person, who keeps His promise. So Solomon could claim the promises of God, and ask the Lord to keep them (vv. 23–26). Solomon knew that God filled the universe, and yet bent to hear the prayer of a single individual. So Solomon could ask God to hear the prayers his people offered at the temple (vv. 27–30). Solomon knew that God is moral Judge of His universe. So Solomon could ask God to punish the guilty and discharge the innocent (vv. 31–32). Solomon knew that God forgives those who confess sin to Him. So Solomon could ask God to restore Israel’s fortunes when His people repented (vv. 33–34). Solomon knew that God is all-powerful, exercising sovereign control over all that happens on earth. So Solomon could ask God to intervene and act when His people faced disaster (vv. 35–40). Solomon knew that God loves all humankind. So Solomon could ask God to bless even the foreigner who comes to Him in prayer (vv. 41–43). Solomon knew that God is for His people. So Solomon could ask God to help them in wartime (vv. 44–45). Solomon knew that God hates sin and yet loves the sinner (vv. 46–51). So Solomon could ask, no matter how great the sin or how terrible the discipline, that when God’s people returned to Him the Lord would forgive and restore their fortunes. And Solomon knew that God had singled out the people who were known by His name for endless love. So Solomon, and you and I, can be sure that God will hear and answer our prayers. We may not need to make the specific requests that Solomon made. But like Solomon we can let what we have learned about God guide us in our prayers. We can pray confidently, knowing that God will act in accordance with who He is, and in accordance with the great love He has for you and me.

Personal Application

When you don’t know what or how to pray, think about who God is, and let your thoughts of Him guide as you speak to Him.

Quotable

“If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.” -1 John 5:14–15

1 Kings

MARCH 12

Reading 71

SOLOMON’S ASCENSION 1 Kings 1–4

“Now, O Lord my God, you have made Your servant king in place of my father David” (1 Kings 3:7).Solomon showed restraint in waiting for David to keep his promise and appoint him ruler. When we are sure of God’s will, there is no need to plot and scheme.

Biography: Solomon

Solomon was the fourth son of David and Bathsheba. His selection by God to succeed his father (2 Sam. 12:24–25; 1 Chron. 22:9–10; 28:4–7) is a wonderful illustration of God’s forgiving grace. The sin of the parents was washed away, and Solomon, child of the now-healed union, was lifted up to become king. Solomon enjoyed a 40-year reign during which he held all the territory taken by his father. Wealth from trade and tribute poured into Israel during these years, and Solomon engaged in many expensive building projects. Solomon’s wealth and his wisdom are both discussed in the first 11 chapters of 1 Kings. Solomon’s intellectual achievements include contribution of many proverbs to the Old Testament Book of Proverbs and, most believe, the Old Testament Books of Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes.

Overview

When David was old and feeble, Adonijah gathered supporters and attempted to make himself king (1:1–10). Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba appealed to David to keep a promise and appoint Solomon (vv. 11–27). Solomon was crowned (vv. 28–53), given advice by the dying David (2:1–12), and acted decisively to consolidate his power (vv. 13–46). Solomon’s prayer for wisdom to lead the Lord’s people was granted (3:1–15) and illustrated (vv. 16–28). Key men in Solomon’s bureaucracy are listed (4:1–19), with an account of enough daily provisions to feed a court of 5,000 (vv. 20–28). The chapter concludes with a summary of Solomon’s intellectual accomplishments (vv. 29–34).

Understanding the Text

“His father had never interfered with him” 1 Kings 1:1–10. David’s failure to discipline Adonijah, as he had failed to discipline Absalom, bore similar fruit. David’s promise to make Solomon king must have been well known. Yet with David old and feeble, Adonijah, David’s oldest surviving son and the half brother of Solomon, plotted to make himself ruler. Parents who fail to discipline their children share the blame when those children choose to do wrong. “Nathan asked Bathsheba” 1 Kings 1:11–27. Nathan’s appeal to Bathsheba suggests how deep a love now existed between David and the woman he had earlier betrayed. As favorite wife, Bathsheba won an immediate hearing, and her appeal was quickly followed by Nathan’s appearance. There was no intrigue, but a straightforward appeal to David to keep his promise and make Solomon king. David did keep that promise, and Solomon was acclaimed king. “What’s the meaning of all the noise?” 1 Kings 1:28–53 The sound of shouts and trumpets reached the crowd feasting with Adonijah. When word came that Solomon was king, the guests all slipped away. People who are friends out of self-interest will desert us when troubles come. Adonijah fled to the altar and grasped its “horns,” the name given to handle-like projections on each of the top four corners. According to ancient custom a person who had killed another accidentally would be safe if grasping the altar horns. This act symbolized placing oneself under God’s protection. Adonijah’s action showed that he expected Solomon to execute him—something he intended to do to Solomon. People who plan evil tend to see evil in others. Solomon assured Adonijah that as long as he proved to be a “worthy” person he would be safe. In context this implies renouncing all claim to the throne and supporting Solomon’s right to it. “Walk in His ways, and keep His decrees and commands” 1 Kings 2:1–11. Before David died, he exhorted his son to be faithful to God. Faith in God, with love for Him and dedication to obedience, is the most important heritage we can pass on to our children. “I have one request to make of you” 1 Kings 2:13–25. Adonijah’s request for the hand of Abishag, who had cared for David during his final illness, was politically motivated. In Old Testament times possession of a royal concubine was tantamount to laying claim on the throne (cf. 2 Sam. 3:7–8; 12:8; 16:21–22). Solomon realized that his older brother was still plotting to take his throne, and ordered his execution. The execution was not capricious. Adonijah had committed the crime of sedition. Solomon also dealt with unresolved debts David had not been able to repay. Abiathar the priest, who supported Adonijah, was allowed to live in view of his years of loyal service to David. General Joab too had been loyal, but had often acted on his own, frequently to David’s dismay (cf. 2 Sam. 3:22–27; 20). Joab’s traitorous association with Adonijah gave Solomon a basis for ordering Joab’s death. Solomon, however, saw his execution as retribution for those Joab had assassinated, thus removing potential guilt David incurred by permitting Joab’s murders to go unpunished. Shimei, the troublemaker who had earlier cursed David but been allowed to live when David regained the throne, was warned not to leave Jerusalem. When he did, Shimei too was executed. By these decisive and necessary acts Solomon gained firm control of his kingdom. “Solomon showed his love for the Lord” 1 Kings 3:1–15. The “high places” mentioned here are local worship centers, generally on a hill in the countryside or on mounds in cities. The Canaanites too used “high places,” and all too often in Israel’s history worship at such locations injected pagan elements into Israel’s faith. This is not implied here, as the text explains that Solomon and his people worshiped the Lord at them because “a temple had not yet been built.” Christians, like Solomon, may err in ignorance. God is gracious in such cases, as long as our love for Him is real and our motives are pure. Solomon’s love for God was demonstrated by his obedience to the Lord and by Solomon’s request that God give him “a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” The servant’s heart that Solomon displayed pleased God, who throughout Scripture gives servanthood the highest priority (cf. Matt. 20:26–28). “Cut the living child in two” 1 Kings 3:16–28. The story is told to illustrate Solomon’s wisdom. But why this story, rather than some incident illustrating Solomon’s knowledge of architecture, diplomatic skill, or brilliance in philosophical debate? This story is told because “wisdom” in the Old Testament sense is practical application of one’s insights to life situations. Solomon had great insight into the jealousy motivating the woman whose child had died. He counted on his call for a sword to expose that jealousy and reveal the real mother, when there were no objective means available to determine who was telling the truth. Solomon had asked for a “discerning heart to govern Your people.” It was just this that God gave: wisdom for governing. Let’s not make the error of supposing a person who knows a lot is therefore wise. The wise person applies what he knows to make right and good decisions. “Solomon’s daily provisions” 1 Kings 4:20–28. Scholars have calculated the number of people in Solomon’s court (his administration) based on the amount of food listed here. The best estimate lies between 4,000 and 5,000! “And a breadth of understanding” 1 Kings 4:29–34. Solomon’s wisdom is extolled, but so is his “breadth of understanding.” Solomon is credited with thousands of proverbs and psalms, and with a careful study of botany and zoology. God gave Solomon far more than he requested. How great and good a God we have.

DEVOTIONAL

Wise Enough to Wait (1 Kings 1)

I don’t know about you, but I find it frustrating to sit in a doctor’s waiting room. Waiting, when you feel the need to be doing something else, is never fun. It’s not fun to be in God’s waiting room either. Waiting, when we feel we ought to be doing something. Waiting, while the pressure mounts and we know that something has got to happen. The Bible is filled with stories of people under pressure who just couldn’t wait. Jacob couldn’t wait, but plotted to steal his brother’s blessing (Gen. 27). Saul couldn’t wait, but in desperation violated God’s Word and Samuel’s instructions by officiating at a burnt offering (1 Sam. 13). Yet Solomon, whose very life was threatened, seems to have waited quietly, confidently, as Adonijah attempted to steal the kingdom. Even at the last moment it was Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet, not Solomon, who begged David to act. Bathsheba did urge David to act, sure that if Adonijah became king she and Solomon would “be treated as criminals.” As evidence Bathsheba pointed out that Adonijah had given a feast and “invited all the king’s sons” and others, but had excluded several of David’s key advisers along with Bathsheba and Solomon. In the Middle East sharing a meal placed a person under the protection of the host. An invitation to Adonijah’s feast was a promise of future safety should Adonijah become king. Not being invited meant that when Adonijah gained power he intended to execute that person. In view of all this, Solomon’s restraint is even more remarkable. We can explain it in only one way. Like his mother and Nathan the prophet, Solomon knew that God had promised he would succeed David on Israel’s throne. And even then Solomon had the courage, and the wisdom, to wait on the Lord. I don’t like those times when God has me sitting in His waiting room. I’d rather be out doing something. Almost anything! Only by remembering that we, like Solomon, have been given great and precious promises by God can we find the courage, and the wisdom, to wait until God is ready to act.

Personal Application

When you must wait, wait on the Lord.

Quotable

“When his life’s work was threatened, St. Ignatius Loyola was asked what he would do if Pope Paul IV dissolved or otherwise acted against the Society of Jesus, to which he had devoted his energies and gifts; and he replied: ’I would pray for fifteen minutes, then I would not think of it again.’ “—Alan Paton