1 Kings
5 – 9
This reading talks about Solomon the builder as he rebuilds
the temple, his palace and the nation. Verse 5:3 starts with Solomon giving the
reason why he is to begin building:
You remember that David did not
have the opportunity to construct a temple honoring the reputation of the
Eternal his God, because of my father’s involvement in the warfare
which plagued him until the Eternal suppressed all of his enemies under his
feet.
Part of the reason was David was busy in battles, but
another reason was he had too much blood on his hands and the Lord wanted the
construction performed by a purer hands. Also, since Solomon had great wisdom,
he was working with other kings and nations to help in his projects. Hiram was
one of the major contributors to these projects and Solomon made sure he was kept
happy.
Verse 6:1 gives you an idea at the time frame of this
project:
During the second month called Ziv
in the 4th year of Solomon’s reign, 480 years after the Israelites had departed
from Egypt, Solomon began constructing the Eternal’s temple.
480 years between Moses and the people leaving Egypt to
Solomon finishing the temple. When you read the Bible it’s only a few chapters,
but if you add the number up we see the time. Imagine if you had to wait 10
years for a promise? See we look at time much different than the Eternal, since
he is working with infinity and we have at best a 100 year bound from start to
finish.
Verses 6:12 & 13 is God’s if then statement for His
blessing on Israel:
Eternal One: 12 Regarding
the temple which you are building: if you live by My laws and enforce My ways,
if you honor My instructions by keeping them, then I will honor the promise I
made to your father, David, and establish that promise with you. 13 I
will live among the Israelites, and I will not abandon the community of Israel,
My people.
Simple follow God’s ways and all will be fine. Oh how I wish
I could do that regularly. We all tend to drift and fortunately the grace of
Jesus with the Holy Spirit usually gets us back on the right track. Some of us
it takes longer than others, but God does not seem to abandon us. Now as you
read Kings you will see God does not abandon His people, but for a season. So
as harsh in writing sound, God’s compassion for us will save us with true
repentance.
In writing this I have The Voice of Truth by the Casting
Crowns playing. Man what a powerful song using Peter and David as prime example
of faith facing a stormy sea and a giant. We tend to put God in a box or temple
when He is much greater than that. We forget that this building is not God’s
home, but rather the point of interface between the people and God. This was
for the people and not for God!!
Final quick note, verse 9:12 shows Hiram had some problems
with Solomon’s gifts:
Hiram traveled from Tyre to view
the cities Solomon was giving to him, but he was not satisfied.
This seems like it could become a thorn in Solomon’s
side, but 2 verses later Hiram is giving him 9000 pounds of gold. As with most
relationships communications is the key and although not noted, Solomon must
have communicated with Hiram to quell his anger. Since someone not satisfied
would not give that much gold shortly afterwards.