Author: Patricia

Proverbs 4-6

~ Patricia ~ 1 Comment
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  • This read is not long, but it will take some to get through (if you are seeking Wisdom).  A lot to think about.  So brew some coffee.  Get a Bible and a pencil.  Lots to underline.

Proverbs 4 is a “speech” from a father to sons.  Men/boys are more visual learners so this text is written so that the learner could picture Lady Wisdom,  and the blessings of holding on to her:  “watch over you”, “protect you”, “give you a garland and a glorious crown”.  However,   the strongest imagery is the two paths.

Yesterday Solomon compared light verse dark.  In 2021,  we do not relate to that like people in Solomon’s time.  Even if we are driving down a dark county road we have headlights on our cars.  If we are walking the dog on a New Moon night, we have our cellphone screen to see our feet.  Solomon’s sons would understand the darkness.  Now compound darkness with a crooked path.

Scary Forest Wallpaper | Dark wood background, Forest background ...

Imagine sending your child into the night to find their way safely?  Do you want them on a well-lit-straight path? Or a dark crooked path?  We know that on either path life will happen, trouble will be before us. But Wisdom selects our path.  What’s the solution: Verse 7

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
    Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

How do we get wisdom? Proverbs 2:4 says:

and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.

Where do we begin? Proverbs 1:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

This just might be my new favorite chapter in the Bible.  (I laugh because I say that in my head several times a week).

Take a minute (it is worth it).  Think of the straight path and the crooked path.  Can you picture them?  Now click here and read the Proverb again.

Chapter 5 – talks about sexual immorality.  Even though Wisdom is from God, it may come through a long experience of “not holding on to that Wisdom”.  Solomon,  of all people, would understand the seduction of another woman, it was his ‘Achille’s heel’ after all.  Chapter 5 is a Proverb of warning, not from a hypocrite, but from someone who experienced it.

We all have a “past” in something.  If we repent from the past and truly have God’s words in our hearts, are walking on a straight path, God can give you wisdom.

YIKES!!

Chapter 6–The title in my Bible says: Warning against Folly.  Folly is foolish.

Verses 1-5 Solomon writes about being responsible with our resources.  Taking on other’s debts-generosity verse good stewardship.  I like to say “enabling others”.  We think about the downside of enabling others, without God’s view of how that foolishness is an unwise decision in our own life.

Verses 6-11 talk about the Sluggard (Sounds like a word Willy Wonka would use).  A sluggard is a lazy person.  “I don’t have time for that” is a phrase I hear (or use myself).  Just because we are busy doesn’t mean we aren’t a sluggard.  What are we busy with?  What are we lazy with? 

Verses 12-15 – One verse stood out for me more than the rest:

who plots evil with deceit in his heart—
    he always stirs up conflict.

In my head, I read it as a “pot stirrer”.  God is talking to each of us about (verse 12)-a corrupt mouth-pot stirring.   Self-reflect if you are really seeking Wisdom.

Verses 16-19- other practices of foolishness- attitude, thoughts, speech, actions,  and influence.

There are 6 things the Lord hates and 1 is detestable.  STOP everything and meditate on these for the day.  If the Lord hates it we need to pray that we will hate it too.

Notice the sequence analyzes our bodies from the head down to our toes in the first 5, then the last 2 are the actions:

16 There are six things the Lord hates,
    seven that are detestable to him:
17         haughty eyes,
        a lying tongue,
        hands that shed innocent blood,
18         a heart that devises wicked schemes,
        feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19         a false witness who pours out lies
        and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

  1. Haughty Eyes (arrogance and pride)
  2. Lying Tongue
  3. Hands that shed innocent blood
  4. A heart that devises wicked schemes (does not say they are carried out…ever think of them though)
  5. Feet that are quick to rush into evil
  6. A false witness who pours out lies (Gossip)
  7. A man who stirs up dissension among brothers (pot stirrer)

Ouch!

If Wisdom is the woman God gives you to hold onto, the wayward woman would be the woman the world tells you to hold on to.

25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty
    or let her captivate you with her eyes.

The world will do that, so go back to Proverbs 4:4

    “Take hold of my words with all your heart;
    keep my commands, and you will live.
Get wisdom, get understanding;
    do not forget my words or turn away from them.
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
    love her, and she will watch over you.

Proverbs 1-3

~ Patricia ~ 3 Comments

Proverbs 1:1-7

My Bible calls this first section the purpose and theme, I think of it as a mission statement.

1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

2 for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to those who are simple,
    knowledge and discretion to the young—

5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance—
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
    the sayings and riddles of the wise.

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

  • “Fear of the Lord” is used 50 times in the Bible,  18 of them will be in the Book of Proverbs.

V. 7- This phrase does not mean to cower in terror or to feel a threat.  To fear the Lord means to respect-absolute reverence for someone.  It is the same word used in places of the BIble to explain the respect children should have for their parents.  Here is a phrase I read recently “Fear of the Lord is Reverential AWE that produces humble submission to a loving God based on a relationship, not repercussion.”

The scripture says this is the beginning.  The beginning is the foundation on which all instruction will be placed.  So before you read any further take a moment to reflect on your view of where you acquire knowledge?

  • V: 8-9 is an introductory call to pay attention to those instructions and the benefits of doing so
  • V:10-14 is the warning against yielding or ignoring these instructions
  • v 15-19 discusses the reason for doing so.

Starting in verse 20 you will see Wisdom is personified: it is given a feminine pronoun.  She seeks to rescue us from our errors.  When we ignore her, we will face consequences therefore by verse 28, we will call out for help.  The phrase that hit me was 31: “They will eat the fruit of their ways…but in 33 it says “but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease without fear of harm”(PEACE).  I want the latter!

Chapter 2– starts off strong!

  1. ACCEPT these words,
  2. then HEAR these words,
  3. then APPLY these words.

So if you TRULY want wisdom, you will have to dig into these Proverbs:

verse 4:

and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,
 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.

Here is a kick in the stomach: The time and effort I put in looking for my phone when I can’t find it is greater than the effort I put into seeking God’s wisdom when I can’t hear it.  Ouch!  (btw, the other day I spent 30 minutes looking for my phone, finally, I said “mom, I am going to have to call you back, I can’t find my phone). If you get it…then you understand my life!

The ultimate source of Wisdom is found in the hidden treasure:

For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

In verse 16 we are introduced to the other female- “the adulterous woman”.  She represents what we “want” not need.  This woman will tempt us but through God’s wisdom, we can resist giving in to sin. (we will talk about that in more detail in upcoming chapters)

Verse 20-22 gives the example of living in the land which we can now look back on historically and understand the correlation.  When the Israelites followed God’s commands they had Peace in the land when they strayed from his commands they fell into their own consequences.

Chapter 3:

  • Verse 1-4  again talks about the advantages of holding on to God’s wisdom.
  • Verse 5- I am betting many of you underlined this familiar scripture:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

Wisdom is more profitable than silver, rubies, and gold.

Pile of gemstones | Semi precious gems, Gems for sale, Gems

The chapter ends with “do not” phrases. What not to neglect and what not to engage in.

Ok, if we don’t do a read-through in 2022 THEN we have to at least come back to Proverbs, that was AWESOME!!  I underlined almost every word!

Proverbs Overview for tomorrow

~ Patricia ~ Leave a comment

New Book tomorrow!!! EASY SPOT TO JUMP IN!

I feel like we are in hyper-speed compared to the days of Leviticus!

Proverbs!!

  • Psalms were about our relationship with God.
  • Proverbs is about our relationship with people.
  • Psalms were about our private life.
  • Proverbs is about our public life.

Months ago I said there were 5 Poetic or Wisdom books- I scratched off the ones we have read already

  1. Job
  2. Psalms
  3. Proverbs
  4. Ecclesiastes
  5. Song of Songs

We know that Solomon wrote over 3000 proverbs.   A proverb is like a “short saying based on a long experience”.  They are designed for teaching purposes.  The Hebrew word for Wisdom is Chokhmah-meaning “to be skilled at”.  The deal is we can all sit here and absorb all 66 books of the Bible, but putting it into application brings Wisdom.

The word WISE or WISDOM is used in Proverbs 125 times!!  Not just applying any wisdom…applying God’s wisdom

The Proverbs can be split into 3 “P”s.

  • Principles:1-9 the word “my son” is used 10 times so we can conclude this is written for the “young” to learn
  • Proverbs: 10-24 righteous verse wicked
  • Precepts:25-29 completed works possibly from other writers
  • (I don’t have them in a category) but then we have Proverbs 30-31 written by Agur and King Lemuel.

The Proverbs will talk about: scoffers (I know a few),  friends, fools, wise men, righteousness, fear of God, knowledge, morality, chastity, diligence, self-control, trust in God, proper use of money, consideration to the poor, control of the tongue (I can skip that one, I am good 😂), kindness towards enemies, choice of relationships, raising children, honesty, laziness, justice, common sense…and others. (Need advice from God on ANY of those?)

This Book is NOT to be read.  This book is to be APPLIED.   There are 31 Proverbs; I read somewhere that one should be read each day for a month

So for about a week, you will read THREE chapters a day.  Easy to remember.

Jun 3: Prov 1-3
Jun 4: Prov 4-6
Jun 5: Prov 7-9
Jun 6: Prov 10-12
Jun 7: Prov 13-15
Jun 8: Prov 16-18
Jun 9: Prov 19-21
Jun 10: Prov 22-24

and then we will hop back into Kings for a bit:

Jun 11: 1King 5-6; 2Chron 2-3
Jun 12: 1King 7; 2Chron 4
Jun 13: 1King 8; 2Chron 5

Song of Songs

~ Patricia ~ 1 Comment

Mercy!  I am a mess! I wrote this and never finalized!  (It’s really not worth reading) Just move on to Proverbs!

The book reads like a drama manuscript (is that the word I am looking for? Manucritpt?  Anyway…_let’s Begin:)

Engagement (1:1-3:5)

Chapter 1:

SHE: The Shulamite woman professes her love through sight, smell, and longs to be touched.

Friends: Her posse of friends, or as Beyonce would call them: All the single ladies 🎶🎶

Verse 5 and 6 are interesting:  She is tan (that was not a positive thing like it is today) because her brothers were mad at her and forced her to work in the fields!  (Sounds like a bunch of losers if you ask me!!)

Verse 7: Does she think Solomon is a shepherd?? I love that!  She loves him NOT because he is the king.  She thinks he is a commoner!  “Veiled women” were prostitutes.  She is stating I am not one of “those girls”.

Verse 8: Friends say: “Go get him, girlfriend!! (If he likes it he should have put a ring on it)

Verse 9: Remember Solomon collected horses…so this is a major compliment! (Todd, if you tell me I look like a horse tonight I am going to throat punch you )

The chapter continues….as they sit outside:

  • And our bed is verdant (sitting on green grass)
  • The beams of our house are cedars (next to the trees)
  • our rafters are firs (in the shade)

Chapters 2 and 3 (the courtship): The woman describes herself as plain -a Rose of Sharon, BUT Solomon sees her as a lily among thorns (I guess her friends are not that attractive!  Just kidding)  These chapters are beautiful.  Trues Love.

Wedding (including the wedding night) 3:6-5:1

Solomon admires every detail of his bride at the wedding.

Reality Check: Now the hard part…Marriage

Marriage (5:2-8:14)

This stage of love is not without its share of problems. However, the king and his bride worked through them, and these chapters provide insight into dealing effectively with basic marriage difficulties.

Chapter 5 could have MANY different meanings, ones that I am reluctant to talk about.  Please read them or research them if you are curious.

So I am literally sitting here with every commentary I own and every single one from chapters 5-8 is completely different.  I have to be at work at 8:00 (yes, teachers actually have to attend training in the summer 🤐 ) I will try to read more tonight, HOWEVER, If anyone is comfortable writing in comments please go ahead.  This might be your first time reading it, or your 100th, give it a try.

Tough Book! (for me anyway)

If you need more:

Solomon (also called Song of Songs) Overview

~ Patricia ~ Leave a comment

Song of Songs: Advice on Love from Solomon - Sermon Series & Sermon Graphics - Ministry Pass

I am sorry this wasn’t posted earlier…New Book Tomorrow!  I call it Song of Songs, some call it Solomon.

There is much debate over this book.  Actually, when the council of Jamnia in 90 A.D. was affirming the Old Testament books as inspired by God they questioned 5 of them:

  1. The book of Esther does not contain the name God at all
  2. Some passages in Proverbs appeared controversial (hmm wonder if it was 31..haha, just kidding, a little!)
  3. Ezekiel chapters 40-48 appears to conflict with Moses Law
  4. Ecclesiastes was too pessimistic
  5. Song of Solomon for its sexual nature

Song of Songs: Think about the name, it is like the saying: the King of Kings or the best of the best!  Solomon wrote 1,005 songs and this is the one that God chose to put in the Bible as the “best”.   This book can be read as an allegory of God’s love for His church. It can also be read as poetic drama explaining:

  1. Engagement (1:1-3:5)
  2. Wedding (including the wedding night) 3:6-5:1
  3. Marriage (5:2-8:14)

(Some say it is both.)

This book is about Sex, Love, Commitment, Beauty, and Problems.

There are 3 Characters in this book.

  • Beloved (Shulamite girl)
  • Lover (Solomon)
  • Friends (Friends)

This Poem was written probably while Solomon was still young.  He fell in love with the most beautiful woman in the land (in his eyes).   Some say it is Abishag the Shulammite (the woman who cared for David on his deathbed),  but we truly do not know.

Solomon eventually will have over 700 wives and 300 concubines. (Bless their hearts). But we assume this poem is about his first wedding.

Poetry is a language of imagery, using similes and metaphors.  I will post a blog tomorrow trying to break down some of them, but if you don’t need it-just go on with your day.   I will be reading in NIV (creature of habit), but just like we did for Job, feel free to pick another version if you think it might help.  I am not strong on poetry and I make no bones about it.

Psalm 119:89-176

~ Patricia ~ 8 Comments

Doing a Chronological read-through is HARD.  It shouldn’t be.  It’s not that time-consuming if you think about it.  It is about making it a priority.  So if you have been reading with me for 152 days, I am so proud of you. ❤️  I warn you though, doing a “bible study” (book or workbook) won’t be the same.  You will know more than the leader of the group now.  You are “bible study wrecked’ (what a great place to be.)

Look for patterns that YOU see.  If one word catches your eye over and over, God is talking to you.  I will put my “Word” in the comments so that you don’t see it when you read and you see your own word.  But notice that Psalm 119 is about His Word:

There are eight different terms referring to the Word of God throughout the psalm: law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, word, and ordinances. In almost every verse, the Word of God is mentioned. Psalm 119 affirms not only the character of the Scriptures, but it affirms that God’s Word reflects the very character of God Himself. Notice these attributes of God in Psalm 119:

1. Righteousness (verses 7, 62, 75, 106, 123, 138, 144, 160, 164, 172)
2. Trustworthiness (verse 42)
3. Truthfulness (verses 43, 142, 151, 160)
4. Faithfulness (verse 86)
5. Unchangeableness (verse 89)
6. Eternality (verses 90,152)
7. Light (verse 105)
8. Purity (verse 140)

I keep going back to verse 9:

9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
    By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
    do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
    that I might not sin against you.

How can we put it into our hearts if we don’t read it?

Read slow today.  Feel free to comment 😁.

 

1 Kings 3-4, 2 Chronicles 1 and Psalm 72

~ Patricia ~ 4 Comments

Before we read:

  • Exodus 34:15-16 “Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land; for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you and you will eat their sacrifices.  And when you choose some of their daughters as wives for your sons and those daughters prostitute themselves to their gods, they will lead your sons to do the same.”
  • Deuteronomy 17:17  He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.
  • Deuteronomy 12:13-14 Be careful not to sacrifice your burnt offerings anywhere you please. Offer them only at the place the Lord will choose in one of your tribes, and there observe everything I command you.

Chapter 3

Verse 1: “Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt and married his daughter. He brought her to the City of David until he finished building his palace and the temple of the Lord, and the wall around Jerusalem. 2 The people, however, were still sacrificing at the high places, because a temple had not yet been built for the Name of the Lord. 3 Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the instructions given him by his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.

Chapter 3 begins immediately with the scripture that will eventually be Solomon’s ultimate downfall.

Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt and married his daughter.

Marriage between royal families was a common practice in the ancient Middle East because it secured peace.  His MANY marriages opened the door to pagan ideas and practices.  Solomon’s foreign wives brought their gods to Jerusalem which led to idolatry.

Solomon loved God, but sacrificing outside the Tabernacle was forbidden.   It took the offerings out of the careful practices of the priesthood and opened the door for false teaching.

(Fun fact: 40 kings will be mentioned in 1 and 2 Kings, and Solomon is the only one in scripture that says he loved the Lord)❤

This is was so cool I thought I would share:

In 1928 a Syrian farmer found the first of many tablets in his field.  He uncovered the Ras Shamra tablets. These tablets described Canaanite religious practices “in high places” of child sacrifice (lining up with the exact description from the Bible).  Other cultural practices mentioned in the Bible such as Levirate marriage (Gen 38:8; Deut 25:5-6), were also described in the Ras Shamra tablets.  A small fragment of one of the tablets contained an account of the flood story. Findings like this support the reliability of the Bible.

Next:

God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

Solomon said, “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

His words show that he viewed himself as dependent on God, not self-sufficient.

(A few keywords are underlined)

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”

(Darn!  as soon as I see an “if”, I know it’s not going to go as planned!)

One of Solomon’s first acts in the Bible to use his Wisdom was “The Wise Ruling” incident:

Chapter 4- Continuing with a wise decision, Solomon organizes Officials and Governors to maintain government effectiveness.  He was wiser than the men from the East (Egypt) who were known for their wisdom.  The men that were named: Heman, Kalkol, and Darda are from the tribe of Judah (mentioned in 1 Chron 2:6)

2 Chronicles 1:   It is not what this book says, but what it does NOT say.

  1. What is missing?
  2. Why is it missing?

Psalm 72– This is categorized as a Royal Psalm so here is my question…when you read Psalm 72, did you read is as:

  1. David writing it, and praying it over his son Solomon?
  2. Solomon, wanting/needing Wisdom from the Lord?
  3. Did you read it as they were referring to the Messiah?

(There is no right or wrong answer)

Psalm 119:1-88 (only the first half)

~ Patricia ~ 3 Comments

The LONGEST chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119, 176 verses.  It is so good we are going to break it into 2 readings. We don’t know who wrote it but this psalmist was seeking wisdom (possibly Ezra).

This psalm contains a reference to God’s Word in almost every verse (except 1, 2, 3, and 115, is addressed to God.  If you like to look for patterns or underline keywords, here are some to look for:

  • “Way” and “ways” describe the pattern of life God chooses for us. It occurs 13 times
  • “law”-refers to the teaching in the first 5 books of the Bible- occurs 25 times
  • “testimony” or “decrees”-referring to God’s standard of conduct for us occurs 23 times
  • “Precepts”-your obligations as a follower. (This word is always plural)-occurs 21 times
  • “Commandments” -a definite authoritative command- occurs 22 times
  • “Judgment” or “ordinance”- refers to a judicial decision from a binding law-occurs 23 times
  • different responses to God’s “Word”, such as “keeping or obeying it” – occurs 39 times

There are 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet and you will notice this is an alphabetic acrostic psalm with 8 verses per stanza.  In verses 1-8 each line begins with the first Hebrew letter, in verses 9-16 each line begins with the second Hebrew letter, you get the picture.  22 letters and the translated word for “Yahweh” is used 22 times.

The basic theme of Psalm 119 is the practical use of the Word of God in your life as a believer.  Do you want wisdom?  Wisdom is reading God’s word and applying it.

❤️

1 Kings 1-2, and Psalms 37, 71, and 94

~ Patricia ~ 7 Comments

David has 8 wives and 10 concubines (that we know of).  David had at least 20 children.

DAVID’S CHILDREN

  1. Amnon – David’s firstborn, He was killed by his brother Absalom for raping their sister Tamar.
  2. Daniel/Kileab – David’s second son, born in Hebron to Abigail of Carmel.  (uncertain how he died)
  3. Absalom – David’s third son,  He was killed by Joab after rebelling against his father David.
  4. Adonijah – David’s fourth son-
  5. Shephatiah – David’s fifth son
  6. Ithream – David’s sixth son
  7. Shimea – from Bathsheba
  8. Shobab – from Bathsheba
  9. Nathan – from Bathsheba
  10. Solomon (also called Jedidiah). David’s most famous son was also by Bathsheba. God chose Solomon to become the next king of Israel.

David’s remaining children were born in Jerusalem, but we don’t know much else about them:

11) Ibhar
12) Elishama
13) Eliphelet
14) Nogah
15) Nepheg
16) Japhia
17) Elishama
18) Eliada
19) Eliphelet
20) Tamar. We do not know Tamar’s position in the birth order but do know she was the daughter of Maakah. We are told of her rape at the hands of her half-brother Amnon and that afterward, she lived in isolation at her brother Absalom’s house.

Adonijah was David’s fourth son and the eldest one living at this time. Evidently, he believed it was more important that the eldest son succeeds David as king than the Lord choosing a King. The Lord had identified Solomon as David’s successor even before Solomon was born (1 Chron. 22:9-10). Adonijah’s revolt was primarily against the revealed will of God, then against David, and finally against Solomon.

Adonijah enlists the support of Joab the military commander and Abiathar the priest.  Brother #3, Absolom already tried to take the throne and was killed for it.  David may have been a GREAT King (with faults), but as far as parenting goes, he was terrible.  He never followed the law or raised his children up according to God’s precepts.

Adonijah hosted a feast, usually called a “covenant meal”.  This was his announcement of crowning himself king and it was customary that those who attended were supporters.

verse 7 Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, and they gave him their support. 8 But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei and Rei and David’s special guard did not join Adonijah.

As a prophet, Nathan spoke for God. (The term “prophet” occurs 94 times in Kings,  we will dive into that another day, I woke up late)  God moved Nathan to change the day. Adonijah had become king only in the sense that he was the people’s choice at that moment.  Nathan tells David and Bathsheba to get the ball rolling to anoint Solomon, and it worked.

Solomon becomes king and rode in on a mule.

Question of the day: Why a mule? Why not a horse? And what connection am I making?  If you think you know, click in comment and answer without peeking at someone else’s

  • Solomon is King,
  • Zadok is High Priest,
  • Nathan is the prophet.

Then they sounded the trumpet and all the people shouted, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 And all the people went up after him, playing pipes and rejoicing greatly, so that the ground shook with the sound.41 Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they were finishing their feast. On hearing the sound of the trumpet, Joab asked, “What’s the meaning of all the noise in the city?”

(Can you picture their faces!!)

Adonijah clearly was afraid,  he gripped the horns of the altar knowing a murder could never happen that close to it. (Big fat baby)

Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, went and took hold of the horns of ...

“Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon and is clinging to the horns of the altar. He says, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’”

52 Solomon replied, “If he shows himself to be worthy, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground; but if evil is found in him, he will die.” 53 Then King Solomon sent men, and they brought him down from the altar. And Adonijah came and bowed down to King Solomon, and Solomon said, “Go to your home.”

(I don’t think we have read many “If..But” commands that have ever ended well!!)

Chapter 2 David’s Charge to Solomon

  1. So be strong, act like a man
  2. observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. (David lost his way on this, so he wants Solomon to obey)
  3.  you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel. (Davidic Covenant)

Paraphrase- “Oh, and by the way son, there was a ton of stuff I did not handle at all that I will pass on to you…can you kill Joab because he is a horrible man, oh yeah and Shimei-he cursed at me and threw rocks at my head…can deal with him as you see fit…

Finally, the moment happens: 😢

10 Then David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David. 11 He had reigned forty years over Israel—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem. 12 So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his rule was firmly established.

WOW!

The rest of chapter 2 is so cool.  Do you remember when Absolom David’s sons slept with David’s concubines on the rooftop for all of Jerusalem to see?  It was a power play.  The rightful king always took the preceding king’s wives.  Well, Adonijah plays this card when he asks Bathsheba for Abishag (the beautiful virgin nurse) as his wife.    Solomon is smart enough to know this trick and has him killed to secure the throne.

Shimea was given grace (through the wisdom of Solomon) and told, I will spare your life as long as you build a house and stay there!!  But when Shimea’s slaves ran away he did not stay put and went after them breaking his promise.  So Solomon has no choice but to not trust his word and will have him killed.

Solomon takes action and has all the leaders that could have plotted against him put to death to secure the throne.

  • Joab replaced with Benaiah
  • Shimei

The chapter ends with:

The kingdom was now established in Solomon’s hands.

Don’t forget to read your Psalms.

Psalm 37 just might be the best one yet.  It would be nearly impossible to pick just one verse to highlight.  He is handing the crown to Solomon with this Godly Poem

Psalm 71– I lied, this one might be the best one yet!  I picture David near-death Praising God for the life he had.

Even when I am old and gray,
    do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
    your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Psalm 94– I may have lied again!  We don’t know when the Psalms are written, but I picture David in Jerusalem knowing Adonijah and his supports feasting over their plans.

11 The Lord knows all human plans;
    he knows that they are futile.

What a GREAT day of reading!  Have a wonderful Day!!

(I woke up late so excuse typos) 😬

IF YOU JUMPED IN AND YOU ARE CONFUSED, text me I can help fill in the blanks.  Or just put it in the comments. 😁

1 Kings Overview for tomorrow

~ Patricia ~ Leave a comment

Athey Creek Christian Fellowship | 1 Kings

Just like the 1st and 2nd Samuel books and  1st and 2nd Chronicles were originally one book, so were 1st and 2nd KIngs (separated during its translation).  1 Kings will pick up chronologically right where we left off (always a little overlap).  We are not sure who wrote the books of Kings but Jewish tradition credits Jeremiah as the person God used to pen these books.  The book is called Kings because we will read about 40 monarchs between the two books.

We are reading the Bible in chronological order so that we can see God’s full plan of Salvation from a historical perspective.  Therefore, we will continue to weave other books in as needed to keep the timeline of history flowing.  In the month of June, we will read:

 

The historical period of 1 and 2 Kings totals about 413 years.  Look at the timeline above.  King David dies and his son Solomon will become King.   Still looking at the timeline above, focus in on year 931BC.  Rehoboam becomes king if Judah and Jeroboam become king of Israel.  We went from a Theocracy (God is King), to a Monarchy (1 human king) and now we are headed to a DIVIDED Kingdom.

Before we jump in, it is important to revisit Deuteronomy 17: The Laws concerning the Kings:

The King must:

  1. He must be the one the Lord chooses
  2. He must not multiply his horses for military purposes (build riches)
  3. He must not acquire many wives
  4. He must make a copy of the Law and have it with him at all times.  He will read it every day.

As David dies, the kingship will go to Solomon (just as the Lord chose).  How will he do on #2, #3, and #4??

Do you have this handout? | Bible timeline, Understanding the ...

Take a minute to look now at this timeline. Review each section in your head.  (I love this one and recommend you print it.  Click here)

The books of Kings and Chronicles show how each decision in Israel’s history had a corresponding effect on the nation. We will start off with a stable united kingdom and end with total collapse and mass deportation to Babylon.  Some parts of these books might seem dry at times but as far as World History these are two of the most important books we have in the world.