Solomon Builds the Temple

 📖 *Bible in 400 Days* 📖

Day 110, 1-Sep-2024, 1Ki 4-6

🔆 *Solomon Builds the Temple*

🌿 Solomon undertook the monumental task of building a house for the name of the LORD (1 Kings 5:5). His intent wasn’t to construct a residence for God, but rather a temple dedicated to His name, aligning with the promise God made to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-13.

🌿 Solomon spared no expense in creating a structure of such magnificence that it defies comprehension. The NKJV Study Bible summarizes the mind-boggling grandeur of this construction:

⚡ The temple was made from the most precious materials, many imported: cedar (5:6), quarried stone (5:15-18), gold (6:20-22), olive wood (6:23-28, 31-33), cypress (6:34), and bronze (7:13-47).

⚡ The project employed 30,000 laborers (5:13), 150,000 stonemasons and haulers (5:15), and 3,300 supervisors (5:16).

⚡ The temple was paneled with cedar, some of which was ornately carved (6:9, 15-18).

⚡ Its floors and walls were overlaid with gold (6:20-22).

⚡ The furnishings were crafted from fine wood and gold (6:23-35; 7:48-50).

⚡ So much bronze was used that its weight was beyond measure (7:45-47).

⚡ The construction work continued nonstop for seven years (6:37-38).

🌿 While Solomon was building the temple, the LORD spoke to him concerning this temple he was building (6:12). What did the LORD say?

❗ First, let’s note what the LORD *did not* say: He didn’t mention the gold, the silver, the bronze, the cedar, or the olive wood used in the temple’s construction. Isn’t that remarkable? Not a single comment on the splendor of the building! Yet, the LORD had much to say about the two copper coins (mites) the widow offered (Luke 21:1-4). Clearly, no amount of gold or silver can impress the Creator of heaven and earth!

❗ Now, let’s focus on what the LORD did say: _"Concerning this house you are building, if you will *walk* in My statutes, *obey* My rules, and *keep* all My commandments, then I will establish My word with you, which I spoke to your father David."_

❗ The LORD’s primary concern was this: Solomon must honour the name of the LORD by obeying God and keeping all His commandments. Nothing more, nothing less.

🎯 *Application*

🪶 To the LORD, the most important aspect of the temple's architecture was obedience. It’s as if God was telling Solomon, “Grand construction! But don’t forget the one thing that matters most to Me: I want you to obey Me with all your heart. Your destiny—what I will fulfill through you (6:12)—depends not on the splendor of your construction but on the wholeness of your obedience.”

🪶 This truth applies to us as well. Let the one thing that matters most to the LORD be the one thing that matters most to us.

*David Chellappa* ✍

💝WISDOM IS DIVINE GIFT🎁

 *💝WISDOM IS DIVINE GIFT🎁*

[DAY - 109] 1 Kings - Chapters 2-3

1️⃣ *1 KINGS - CHAPTER 2: THE SUCCESSION OF SOLOMON*

🔹In 1 Kings 2, we witness the transition of power from King David to his son Solomon. 🔹David, on his deathbed, gives Solomon, crucial advice on leadership and righteousness. 

🔹He urges Solomon to remain faithful to God, walk in His ways, and uphold justice. 

🔹This chapter highlights the importance of wisdom in governance and the need for strong moral foundations in leadership.

🔹The counsel we provide can shape the future. David’s guidance to Solomon illustrates the importance of parents imparting wisdom to the next generation.

🔹Upholding integrity and justice is essential for effective leadership. 

🔹Solomon’s reign begins with the promise to follow God’s commandments.

2️⃣ *1 KINGS CHAPTER 3: SOLOMON’S DIVINE REQUEST*

🔸Chapter 3 focuses on Solomon’s remarkable encounter with God. 

🔸After establishing his reign, Solomon offers sacrifices at Gibeon, where God appears to him in a dream. 

🔸God grants Solomon one wish, and instead of asking for wealth or power, he humbly requests wisdom to govern the people. 

🔸Pleased with Solomon’s choice, God not only grants him wisdom but also blesses him with riches and honor.

🔸Solomon’s desire for wisdom over material wealth teaches us to prioritize spiritual understanding and discernment in our lives.

🔸Solomon’s wise decision regarding the true mother reverberates throughout the land, filling his subjects with awe and deep respect. 

🔸True leadership stems from humility and a willingness to serve others. 

🔸Solomon’s request reflects a servant’s heart, seeking to benefit his people rather than himself.

🔸Just as Solomon sought divine wisdom, we are called to seek God's guidance in our lives. 

🔸Jesus emphasizes the importance of wisdom in Matthew 7:24-25, where He speaks of building our lives on a solid foundation. 

♥️ *LIFE LESSONS*

💥Solomon's reign foreshadows Christ's ultimate kingship, where true wisdom and righteousness are fully realized.

💥The succession of Solomon and his request for wisdom encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God, embody humility, and seek His wisdom and guidance in all aspects of life. 

*‼️LET US DESIRE FOR WISDOM AND TRUST IN GOD’S PLAN FOR OUR LIVES‼️*

Princess Hudson

What does it cost

 *WHAT DOES IT COST?*

_And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing..._ 2 Samuel 24:24a

Today's sacrifice will be a future reference point.

*Points*

1. Willingness to Pay: David was willing to pay a price for the threshing floor, demonstrating his commitment.

2. No Free Offerings: David refused to offer sacrifices to God without cost, recognizing the value of sacrifice.

3. Personal Investment: David invested personally in his worship, demonstrating his devotion.

4. Honoring God: David honored God by offering his best, not just what was convenient.

5. Sacrificial Giving: David's actions demonstrated sacrificial giving, putting God's desires above his own.

6. Heartfelt Worship: David's worship was heartfelt, not just going through the motions.

7. Valuing God's Presence: David valued God's presence and blessing, seeking to honor Him.

8. Leadership by Example: David led by example, showing his people the importance of sacrificial worship.

9. Prioritizing God: David prioritized God's desires above his own, demonstrating his faith.

10. Authentic Faith: David's actions demonstrated authentic faith, not just superficial religiosity.

11. Investing in the Future: David invested in the future of his people, building a legacy of faith.

12. Pleasing God: David sought to please God, not just men, in his worship and offerings.

Let us follow the good example of David by offering our best unto the LORD.

*Dr. Tayo Olorunlana,*

     _Africa_

GREAT ESTABLISHMENT

 *GREAT ESTABLISHMENT*

_Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly._ 1 Kings 2:12

Solomon throne was established because he was given the platform.

*Points*

1. Rightful Succession: Solomon's succession to the throne was a fulfillment of God's plan, ensuring continuity and stability.

2. Established Kingdom: The kingdom was firmly established, with a strong foundation for growth and prosperity.

3. God's Promise: The fulfillment of God's promise to David demonstrated His faithfulness and commitment to His people.

4. Wise Leadership: Solomon's leadership was marked by wisdom, discernment, and a deep understanding of God's ways.

5. Stability and Peace: The kingdom experienced a season of stability and peace, allowing for growth and development.

6. God's Guidance: Solomon sought God's guidance and wisdom, recognizing his dependence on Him.

7. Obedience and Faithfulness: Solomon's obedience to God's commands and faithfulness to His ways ensured a strong spiritual foundation.

8. Prosperity and Abundance: The kingdom prospered under Solomon's leadership, experiencing abundance and blessing.

9. Legacy and Heritage: David's legacy lived on through Solomon, who built upon his father's foundation.

10. Continuity and Unity: The transition from David to Solomon ensured continuity and unity, preventing division and strife.

11. Strong Foundation for Growth: Solomon's leadership provided a strong foundation for growth, expansion, and development.

12. Lasting Impact: The solid foundation laid by David handing over to Solomon had a lasting impact on the kingdom.

To have a great establishment and lasting legacy after us like David, we must have a successor plan.

*Dr. Tayo Olorunlana,*

      _Africa_

WISE WOMEN IN DAVID’S LIFE

 WISE WOMEN IN DAVID’S LIFE

                  MICHAL WIFE OF DAVID

       When Saul was searching for David to kill him ,she saved him by letting him through the window and kept an image and kept covered with clothes in place of David on his bed .(1 Samuel 19:11-17)When the messengers came, they found the image and Saul got angry but David was saved.

     

         ABIGAIL- A WISE WOMAN

     When Saul was chasing David ,he and his followers wanted help from Nabal,a rich man .But he refused and ridiculed David .He got angry and wanted to destroy him and his household .

     But his wife ,Abigail,a wise woman ,went to see David,pleaded for mercy for her husband’s sake .She knew very well that David is God’s chosen one and he would be the next king .

        She pointed out the goodness in him and said “ You are seeking God’s righteousness.He is fighting your battles.He will take revenge for you.Do not sin by taking matters into your own hands.”(1 Samuel 25:28)

        David accepted her advice and withdrew from his thoughts . David told her “Blessed be your advice and you are blessed because you have kept me away from shedding blood.”(1 Samuel 25:33)

          “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver”.( proverbs 25:11)

              WISE WOMAN OF ABEL OF 

                       BETH-MAACAH

        Then a wise woman called from city please tell Joab,come here I may speak with you,I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel (2Samuel 20:19))After the revolt of Absalom David faced another led by Sheba .David’s army wanted to attack him under the leadership of Joab.Sheba took refuge in a city Abel Beth - maacah.The city was surrounded by army .The unknown wise woman understood the root cause and that was Sheba .She proposed a solution that if they delivered Sheba,the war should be over.Joab agreed with her condition.She convinced the people about this and they killed Sheba and problem was solved .

        Some times we should not be silent.If necessary,we have to involve ourselves in the matter and try to find a solution.

        “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due,when it is in the power of your hand to do it.”(Proverbs 3:27) 

       “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver”.( proverbs 25:11)

  

                    UN NAMED WOMAN OF BAHURIM

        When David’s son Absalom was plotting a plan against David with Ahithophel,his plans were overturned by the plans of Hushai.. It was the decision of the Lord.His plans were to be informed to David in proper time.The informers were Ahimaz and Jonathan .Absalom came to know about it He sent people in search of them.On their way to David,they were hidden in a well by an unnamed woman and she took a spread covering over the well’s mouth and spread ground corn on it .The messengers could not find them and were saved .They could pass the information in proper time (2Samuel 17:19)and David was saved. 

               RIZPAH-A DEDICATED MOTHER 

         She was not a wife,only a concubine with no legal rights.Amasa also exploited her (2Samuel 3:6-8)became a widow without any support .Her only support was her two sons Armoni and Mephibosheth, but were hanged and killed (2 Samuel 21:8)Everyone in the Israel were accusing them for the drought and famine for three years continuously.No one was on her side , really helpless.Her love for her children made her to watch the bodies carefully so that the bodies should not be mutilated by birds or wild animals for almost 6 months until David buried the bones of the seven people including her sons .

          If you are in place of Rizpah ,don’t give up.Pray for justice to God .He will answer your prayers.

        God always has got a purpose about every one.He will fulfill His purpose in His PROPER TIME. 

May our good God bless us all.

     Dr Annamma George

I will CRUSH and Scatter my Enemies

 *I WILL CRUSH AND SCATTER MY ENEMIES*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2 Samuel 22: 35-43.

1. This is a portion of the song, David was singing when God delivered him from all his enemies. *Here we can find out how he fought and overcome his enemies*

2. He said that *God was teaching his arms to break a bow of steel*. Today we even have to learn from God, to fight with our enemies. *He teaches my hands to war and my fingers to fight*.Psalm 144:1.

3. *He gives us the shield of His Salvation. He enlarges the steps under us so that we won't slip.*

4. *I will pursue my enemies and destroy them . I will not turn back till l consume them. Yes, God gave him this sought of decision, courage and faith*. David confessed this faith with his mouth.

5. *My enemies fell down under my feet. I have consumed and wounded them and they could not arise. He has girded me with strength to fight and subdued them. You have given me the necks of my enemies. Thus David said his witness and glorified God.*

6. David said, *I will beat them as small as the dust of the earth and stamp and crush them as the mire of the street under my feet and scatter them abroad*. What sought of courage David had!

 We too should fight against our enemies and should overcome them. If so , *we should learn from God and from His words. We should fight with courage and boldness, confessing our faith and magnifying God. Thus we should break, stamp and scatter his works*

*For who is God other than our God ? When He is with us, why should we get afraid? Yes, our Lord is mighty in battle. He is the Lord of Hosts. He is Jehovah Nissi*. Amen Hallelujah.

*Dr. Padmini Selvyn.*

WATER FROM BETHLEHEM.

 BOOK OF 2 SAMUEL. 

2 Samuel 23:13-17.

WATER FROM BETHLEHEM. 

This passage speaks volumes about the devotion and bravery of David's mighty men. 

David and his men were lodged in the cave of Adullam, a place of refuge while fleeing from Saul. 

The Philistines were encamped in and around Bethlehem, the hometown of David. 

The water in the caves and cisterns of Adullam would have turned brackish, in the dry season. 

David longed for fresh, cool water from the well near the gate of his hometown. 

Three of his mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water from the well in Bethlehem and brought it back for David. 

David's men loved him enough to risk their lives to serve him and get him something he longed for. 

David was equally devoted to his mighty men as he instinctively grasped that water brought at such risk could not be treated as an ordinary thirst quencher. 

2 Samuel 23:16-17........ 

Nevertheless, he would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord. 

And he said, "Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this! 

Is this not the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?" 

Therefore he would not drink it....... 

When David poured out the water, it was more like an offering to God, equivalent to the blood of his warriors, so valuable, that it can be poured out to God, in gratitude. 

Henry Francis Lyte, the man who wrote the hymn, 'Abide with me', ended another poem this way:

 

There is a well in Bethlehem still, 

A fountain at whose brink, 

The weary soul may rest at will, 

The thirsty stoop and drink, 

And unrepelled by foe or fence, 

Draw living waters freely thence. 

Oh, did we thirst as David then, 

For this divine spring! 

Had we the zeal of David's men, 

To please a higher King! 

What precious draughts we thence might drain, 

What holy triumphs daily gain! 

Happy are those whose soul thirsts for God! 

John 4:14;

But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. 

But the water that I shall give him, will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life. 

Revelation 21:6;

And He said to me, 

" It is done! 

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. 

I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts". 

Compiled by Shanti Jayanth, Madurai.