Monday, November 15, 2010
Jehoshaphat's Goodly Administration
I've been saying for a long time now that Man is incapable of self government (and some day God will take over that role for the whole earth), but there are some good things that can be accomplished when a single very powerful and Godly man tries his best -- such is the government of Jehoshaphat.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Beware the Lying Spirit
It seems this story has been told a millions times and yet the truth it imparts remains potent. What strikes me as I read it again today is how watered down the religion had become in Israel. I get the sense that Ahab is courting Jehoshaphat to gain his alliance againt Syria and feels compelled to passify him with some kind of pretense of inquiring after the will of God. It's all just smoke and mirrors.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Jehoshaphat Honors God's Word
Jehoshaphat seems to go even further than his father Asa. Isn't it amazing that after the big house cleaning Asa did that there remained still MORE high places to be removed in Judah by Jehoshaphat.
Also, with Jehoshaphat we see the teaching of the word of God . . .
Also, with Jehoshaphat we see the teaching of the word of God . . .
Verse 9 -- "And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people."This is always a good thing.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Asa's Waning Fervor
Judah's first good king, who had removed the graven images, high places, and grove declines in his fervor and his faith in God thins over time. By all accounts he is still a good man, but he fails to trust God for everything in his live. He puts more trust in the king of Syria for military victory and in the physicians for his health. This is an important lesson for us to learn. God wants us to trust him at all times -- right down to the very end.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
What Made Asa Good
We already know about the evil tendencies of Asa'a grand father, Rehoboam. Also it appears that Asa's father, Abijah was equally bad. Why else would there be so many altars to strange gods and high places, images, and groves. These things all speak of a kingdom steeped in idolatry and a a king who must of condonded it. So for Asa to be so markedly good by contrast it is puzzling.
In this chapter we discovery that his mother was also an idolterer.
In this chapter we discovery that his mother was also an idolterer.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The First Good King
During the period of the divided kingdom of Israel there are only a handful of truly good kings (6 really . . . go back and see if you can name them). All of the good kings are from Judah of course (the Kings of Isreal were all really bad). The first genuinely good king of Judah is Asa and we get to know him chapter 14 of 2 Chronicles. Many of Judah's kings were martinally good, but when a truly good king comes along after him we see the extent of the house cleaning that is done by the good king and it becomes more clear that the mantinally good king before him was really mostly bad.
Such is the case with Asa. Look at what he does . . .
Such is the case with Asa. Look at what he does . . .
Verses 3-5 -- "... he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him."He cleans up the mess started by his father and grand father. We know that Rehoboam did evil before God. Clearly, his father Abijah was not a good man either. Think back to chapter 13 where Abijah brags to Jeroboam and Israel about how they (the kingdom of Judah) were following God's law and how they had God on their sides. What I find myself thinking of most as I read this chapter about this good king Asa is what a weak smoke and mirrors act his father was. Look at the evil junk he left in his wake for Asa to clean up.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
What a Brutal Civil War
I couldn't help myself. I took a look at some interesting data on the Internet which give the death tolls of the famous battles and wars over the course of human history. Amazingly, this civil war between Israel and Judah ranks right up there with some of the highest in terms of death and carnage. I'm not just talking about the history of wars from a period in time or region in the world. I'm talking about ALL warfare of ALL time in ALL of recorded history. This ongoing war between Israel and Judah was absolutely brutal by comparison to other world conflicts and rates right up there with some of the worst ever!
Case in point is this battle recorded in this chapter 13 of 2 Chronicles. On this day half a million men are killed.
Remember the war between Israel and Judah continued for generations! This battle was just one of many. I don't think we realize just how horrific this period was and how sad it was that this great kingdom of Israel split into two factions and spent most of it's existence destroying it's own people. It makes you wonder what was the total price paid in deaths over the whole split kingdom era. This would be an interesting study all to itself -- the death tolls of this entire period. The grand total must have been staggering and most likely far exceeds the deaths inflicted upon Israel by other nations. What a judgement God rendered upon his people!
Case in point is this battle recorded in this chapter 13 of 2 Chronicles. On this day half a million men are killed.
Verse 17 -- "And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men."When I first read this I had to read in over again a few times. Are you kidding me?! Half a million men killed! It's almost impossible to take in with just the reading of one verse of scripture. We get no other details (but just use your imagination -- this was atrocious!).
Remember the war between Israel and Judah continued for generations! This battle was just one of many. I don't think we realize just how horrific this period was and how sad it was that this great kingdom of Israel split into two factions and spent most of it's existence destroying it's own people. It makes you wonder what was the total price paid in deaths over the whole split kingdom era. This would be an interesting study all to itself -- the death tolls of this entire period. The grand total must have been staggering and most likely far exceeds the deaths inflicted upon Israel by other nations. What a judgement God rendered upon his people!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Rehoboam Was a Disaster Waiting to Happen
Chapter 12 of II Chronicles can be viewed as a sort of mini commentary on the life of Rehoboam. What stays with me after reading this account again today is the obvious fact that this man was doomed to fail from the start. First notice his mother was not an Israelite. She was an Ammonitess (verse 13). These people did not practise the laws of God and, with literally hundreds of children, do you suppose Solomon took special time with each of them? Of course he didn't! How could he!? These children would have been heavily influenced by their mothers. So the first little red flag we see is Solomon gives the kingdom to the son of one of his heathen wifes.
Also remember how Rehoboam consulted with the younger men of Israel and disregarded the wise council of the old men (after he had first become king). When you first read this account you get the sense that this is a very young, very green kid taking over the trone of his famous father. But, in this chapter we get some helpful information.
This was not a young kid -- he was a full adult with many years of life experience. He clearly had leanings toward the culture around him and was not at all grounded in his responsibility as the king of God's people. Ah ha. The curtain opens a bit more! Of course what is most telling is his ultimate end where he eventually does evil even after being warned by Shemaiah the prophet who told him that God was punishing him and all of Judah because they had forsaken Him. They repent for a brief time and for this God delivers them from total destruction by Egypt, yet Rehobaom goes right back down the road he was on (the road to spiritual ruin) and apparently dies outside of God's favor.
This life (of Rehoboam's) is another reminder of how standing still is very dangerous spiritually. I get the sense that Rehoboam was not exactly an evil man down to the core (certainly not to the degree of his arch nemesis Jeroboam), but he was not actively seeking to do good . . . and that's the real key. Just like God told Cain in Genesis Chapter 4("if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door" -- Gen 4:7) -- in other words just doing nothing is enough to become engulfed in sin. This is the problem with Rehoboam. He did nothing definitely good. He just existed and became to pawn of evil. It all comes jumping out to us in verse 14 . . .
Just let that sink in for a minute. Why did Rehoboam do evil? Because he was wicked at the core? No. Because he was plotting and scheming to turn Israel away from God? No. He didn't prepare his heart so he became infected with the disease that was already all around him -- sin. This is the nature of sin. It envelops anything in its path. You have to be ready for it 24/7 . . . always seeking God's guidance and strength. This is a powerful lesson for all of us!
Also remember how Rehoboam consulted with the younger men of Israel and disregarded the wise council of the old men (after he had first become king). When you first read this account you get the sense that this is a very young, very green kid taking over the trone of his famous father. But, in this chapter we get some helpful information.
Verse 13 -- "Rehoboam was one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem..."
This was not a young kid -- he was a full adult with many years of life experience. He clearly had leanings toward the culture around him and was not at all grounded in his responsibility as the king of God's people. Ah ha. The curtain opens a bit more! Of course what is most telling is his ultimate end where he eventually does evil even after being warned by Shemaiah the prophet who told him that God was punishing him and all of Judah because they had forsaken Him. They repent for a brief time and for this God delivers them from total destruction by Egypt, yet Rehobaom goes right back down the road he was on (the road to spiritual ruin) and apparently dies outside of God's favor.
This life (of Rehoboam's) is another reminder of how standing still is very dangerous spiritually. I get the sense that Rehoboam was not exactly an evil man down to the core (certainly not to the degree of his arch nemesis Jeroboam), but he was not actively seeking to do good . . . and that's the real key. Just like God told Cain in Genesis Chapter 4("if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door" -- Gen 4:7) -- in other words just doing nothing is enough to become engulfed in sin. This is the problem with Rehoboam. He did nothing definitely good. He just existed and became to pawn of evil. It all comes jumping out to us in verse 14 . . .
Verse 14 -- "And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD."
Just let that sink in for a minute. Why did Rehoboam do evil? Because he was wicked at the core? No. Because he was plotting and scheming to turn Israel away from God? No. He didn't prepare his heart so he became infected with the disease that was already all around him -- sin. This is the nature of sin. It envelops anything in its path. You have to be ready for it 24/7 . . . always seeking God's guidance and strength. This is a powerful lesson for all of us!
Friday, October 29, 2010
It Was God That Divided Israel
2 Chronicles 11
If you weren't sure about the division of the kingdom of Israel being part of God's plan you get some solid confirmation in this chapter. The thing with Jeroboam and his rebellious plotting was clearly part of God's plan. God used this very evil man to bring about his judgement which involved splitting Israel. Notice it was God who first refers to Rehoboam as the king of "Judah" and not "Israel" when he speaks to Shemaiah (the man of God) in verse 3 . . .
What's also important here is the polarization of the faithful to Judah (and Benjamin) and the wicked to the other tribes in Israel (following Jeroboam). Notice the Levites all head for Judah and any people who trusted in God. This is a very interesting migration which could be a study all to itself. Stop and imagine that for a moment. Large caravans and small cluster of people from all over this moutainous region heading south to Judah (and presumably also from the east heading west from the other side of Jordan).
This had to have been a massive movement of people. We also see how truly evil this man Jeroboam was. He not only rebelled against the house of Solomon and Rehoboam, he was rebelling against God -- and with great zeal! He quickly set up his own religion based on the pagan gods in the land and wanted nothing to do with the God of Israel. He kicks out the Levites
If you weren't sure about the division of the kingdom of Israel being part of God's plan you get some solid confirmation in this chapter. The thing with Jeroboam and his rebellious plotting was clearly part of God's plan. God used this very evil man to bring about his judgement which involved splitting Israel. Notice it was God who first refers to Rehoboam as the king of "Judah" and not "Israel" when he speaks to Shemaiah (the man of God) in verse 3 . . .
verse 3-4 -- "Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, Thus saith the LORD . . ."Also, notice how God stops Rehoboam from doing what any strong ruler in that day would have done to any sign of rebellion in its midst -- squash it like a bug. Rehoboam makes ready to wipe Jeroboam and his followers off the face of the earth, but God tell him not to do it. Notice what he says . . . don't go and fight them
verse 4 -- "for this thing is done of me."It strikes me so clearly as I read this again that God was executing his plan to judge Israel and it called for a split kingdom.
What's also important here is the polarization of the faithful to Judah (and Benjamin) and the wicked to the other tribes in Israel (following Jeroboam). Notice the Levites all head for Judah and any people who trusted in God. This is a very interesting migration which could be a study all to itself. Stop and imagine that for a moment. Large caravans and small cluster of people from all over this moutainous region heading south to Judah (and presumably also from the east heading west from the other side of Jordan).
This had to have been a massive movement of people. We also see how truly evil this man Jeroboam was. He not only rebelled against the house of Solomon and Rehoboam, he was rebelling against God -- and with great zeal! He quickly set up his own religion based on the pagan gods in the land and wanted nothing to do with the God of Israel. He kicks out the Levites
verse 14 -- he "cast them off from executing the priest’s office."This guy was bold! The scope and intensity of his rebellion must have been invectious. Of course we know he is later regarded as the father of rebellion in Israel and becomes the symbol of evil influence for many generations to follow.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Seeds of Division
2 Chronicles 10
The divided kingdom of Isreal starts in this chapter. What is stunning about this is how quickly it occurs. Solomon's rule has just barely ended with his death and notice Rehoboam is still in Shechem which is were he goes to be officially installed as king (verse 1 -- "... for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king."). So clearly, this is the very beginning of Rehoboam's rule.
My primary impression as I read this account this time is this -- the seeds of division were already in place. It's easy to over look this obvious fact because we are usually distracted by the strong object lesson at play here regarding the unwise counsel given to Rehoboam by his peers. There's so much to this lesson that we spend a lot of time there (and rightfully so) gathering wisdom about disrepecting the advise of elders, the glaring disconnect in the wisdom on Solomon and his son Rehoboam, the pretense of asking for advice and not really wanting it, and so forth.
The other great insight to be gained here is the fact that even during this glorious period that was the reign of Solomon when Isreal was so united and so respected -- division was brewing under the surface. Even with Jeroboam far away in Eqypt, there must of been some unresolved discontent in Israel as well. Notice how quickly these people turned against Rehoboam. It happened too fast to not have been in the works already and this is something that I really haven't considered as I comtemplate the golden era under David and Solomon. God's judgement of Israel would be ready far before they have fully turned away from him. It reminds me again that God is timeless and even when we are spiritually strong we should be on the look out for seeds of destruction because God is already aware of them and ready to render judgement to his people.
The divided kingdom of Isreal starts in this chapter. What is stunning about this is how quickly it occurs. Solomon's rule has just barely ended with his death and notice Rehoboam is still in Shechem which is were he goes to be officially installed as king (verse 1 -- "... for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king."). So clearly, this is the very beginning of Rehoboam's rule.
My primary impression as I read this account this time is this -- the seeds of division were already in place. It's easy to over look this obvious fact because we are usually distracted by the strong object lesson at play here regarding the unwise counsel given to Rehoboam by his peers. There's so much to this lesson that we spend a lot of time there (and rightfully so) gathering wisdom about disrepecting the advise of elders, the glaring disconnect in the wisdom on Solomon and his son Rehoboam, the pretense of asking for advice and not really wanting it, and so forth.
The other great insight to be gained here is the fact that even during this glorious period that was the reign of Solomon when Isreal was so united and so respected -- division was brewing under the surface. Even with Jeroboam far away in Eqypt, there must of been some unresolved discontent in Israel as well. Notice how quickly these people turned against Rehoboam. It happened too fast to not have been in the works already and this is something that I really haven't considered as I comtemplate the golden era under David and Solomon. God's judgement of Israel would be ready far before they have fully turned away from him. It reminds me again that God is timeless and even when we are spiritually strong we should be on the look out for seeds of destruction because God is already aware of them and ready to render judgement to his people.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Solomon's Wealth and Fame
2 Chronicles 9
You can't help but to contemplate the fame of Solomon after reading this chapter. Starting with the Queen of Sheba after she had "heard of the fame of Solomon" and her mission to find out more. Also all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country "brought gold and silver to Solomon." This chapter underscores the Fame of King Solomon and the kingdom of Israel. The verse that strikes me the most is verse 23, "...all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon." Really? ALL the kings of the earth. This is a bold claim! How far reaching must have been his fame!
God's judgement of Israel was equally impressive because we know that this entire kingdom with all of its splendor was utterly, completely, and permanently destroyed. No stone was left in place and the memory of this great era was all but lost. The before and after picture is stunning!
You can't help but to contemplate the fame of Solomon after reading this chapter. Starting with the Queen of Sheba after she had "heard of the fame of Solomon" and her mission to find out more. Also all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country "brought gold and silver to Solomon." This chapter underscores the Fame of King Solomon and the kingdom of Israel. The verse that strikes me the most is verse 23, "...all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon." Really? ALL the kings of the earth. This is a bold claim! How far reaching must have been his fame!
God's judgement of Israel was equally impressive because we know that this entire kingdom with all of its splendor was utterly, completely, and permanently destroyed. No stone was left in place and the memory of this great era was all but lost. The before and after picture is stunning!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Israel's Golden Era
2 Chronicles 8
There is so much information in this chapter. Right away it is helpful to note that the temple construction project lasted for 20 years. Just let that sink in for a while . . . 20 Years! You can imagine the scope of it even better knowing the timeline. Children would have grown up watching the progress of both the temple and the king's palace. It had to be an exciting time in Israel.
Isn't it interesting that the Children of Israel were not servants during this era. Instead they make use of the many non-jewish inhabitants and make servants of them and require them to pay taxes. This is the beginning of a caste system which must have rubbed some of the canaanites the wrong way over time.
It's also interesting that Solomon had ships and servants who had knowledge of the sea. This is very significant because it gives this powerful new kingdom the ability to explore beyond its borders and increase its presence in the known world. This is a early hint that Israel was preparing for empire status.
Also in verse 11 we catch of glipse of Solomon's ultimate end . . . he builds a house for his Egyptian wife, the daughter of Pharaoh. He then moves her out of Jerusalem because this is a holy city. It would be a trend which would lead to his inablity to raise his sons in a godly manner and ultimately facilitates the beginning of the end of this golden age.
There is so much information in this chapter. Right away it is helpful to note that the temple construction project lasted for 20 years. Just let that sink in for a while . . . 20 Years! You can imagine the scope of it even better knowing the timeline. Children would have grown up watching the progress of both the temple and the king's palace. It had to be an exciting time in Israel.
Isn't it interesting that the Children of Israel were not servants during this era. Instead they make use of the many non-jewish inhabitants and make servants of them and require them to pay taxes. This is the beginning of a caste system which must have rubbed some of the canaanites the wrong way over time.
It's also interesting that Solomon had ships and servants who had knowledge of the sea. This is very significant because it gives this powerful new kingdom the ability to explore beyond its borders and increase its presence in the known world. This is a early hint that Israel was preparing for empire status.
Also in verse 11 we catch of glipse of Solomon's ultimate end . . . he builds a house for his Egyptian wife, the daughter of Pharaoh. He then moves her out of Jerusalem because this is a holy city. It would be a trend which would lead to his inablity to raise his sons in a godly manner and ultimately facilitates the beginning of the end of this golden age.
Friday, September 3, 2010
The All Knowing God
2 Chronicles 7
I can never fully comprehend the omnipotence of God. We know that He is unbounded by time and knows the beginning and the end. We know the He IS "the beginning" and "the end". But reconciling what we know about God with reality is very hard to do. This chapter reminds me of this quality of God. He already knows the history of Israel at the time of this awesome temple dedication. He knows the very end of Israel -- something we have yet to witness. There are so many lessons for us in this chapter about sanctification, God's holiness, etc. There is also, of course, a lot to learn from the much-quoted 14th verse. Yet, at this reading it is the all-knowing God that I find myself contemplating.
The other thought I had was once again look at the scope of this event. It lasted for several days and oh the sheer number of sacrifice! Also look at the people!! They were spread out all over the land . . .
Verse 8 -- "...a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt."
This had to be much like one of the big gatherings at the mall in Washington DC (such as in 1963 when Martin Luther King gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. Can you imagine it? What a sight it must have been!
I can never fully comprehend the omnipotence of God. We know that He is unbounded by time and knows the beginning and the end. We know the He IS "the beginning" and "the end". But reconciling what we know about God with reality is very hard to do. This chapter reminds me of this quality of God. He already knows the history of Israel at the time of this awesome temple dedication. He knows the very end of Israel -- something we have yet to witness. There are so many lessons for us in this chapter about sanctification, God's holiness, etc. There is also, of course, a lot to learn from the much-quoted 14th verse. Yet, at this reading it is the all-knowing God that I find myself contemplating.
The other thought I had was once again look at the scope of this event. It lasted for several days and oh the sheer number of sacrifice! Also look at the people!! They were spread out all over the land . . .
Verse 8 -- "...a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt."
This had to be much like one of the big gatherings at the mall in Washington DC (such as in 1963 when Martin Luther King gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. Can you imagine it? What a sight it must have been!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Solomon's Prophetic Prayer
2 Chronicles 6
What an incredible preview of Israel's future fortold in this prayer of Solomon. I find it interesting how many specific sinful acts and judgements Solomon projects as he prays for God to answer prayers made in this new house of God. So many of these are prayers of repentence for the very kinds of sins that Israel will indeed commit and prayers for the end of God's judgement for those same sins . . . judgements which will all come to Israel over time. This magnificent prayer is God's way of reaching the future generation of Israel which will soon fall into sin yet the present generation at the time of this prayer can hardly grasp the scope of it. So God uses the present to bring deliverance to the future. Isn't that just like God?!
What an incredible preview of Israel's future fortold in this prayer of Solomon. I find it interesting how many specific sinful acts and judgements Solomon projects as he prays for God to answer prayers made in this new house of God. So many of these are prayers of repentence for the very kinds of sins that Israel will indeed commit and prayers for the end of God's judgement for those same sins . . . judgements which will all come to Israel over time. This magnificent prayer is God's way of reaching the future generation of Israel which will soon fall into sin yet the present generation at the time of this prayer can hardly grasp the scope of it. So God uses the present to bring deliverance to the future. Isn't that just like God?!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Wow!! What a Ceremony!!
2 Chronicles 5
Before I comment on the obvious, I have to say this temple dedication must have been absolutely spectacular. The pomp and ceremony was over the top! Can you imagine 120 trumpets sounding as one?! I used to march with the drum and bugle corps and it so happens that years ago 120 was the limit of the size of the entire corp unit (today it's 150). Now, the horn section generally took up about 40-50 and oh the sound these talented musicians could make!! Now imagine 120 horns "an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets" -- oh my goodness!! Add to that the mass choir assembled with other instruments it had to be absolutely stunning to experience. If you didn't get chills from the sights and sounds you weren't breathing!
So it is this back drop before which the awesome presence of God appears in the form of a cloud which fills the temple. Imagine after all the breath-taking, goose-bump infusing musical and visual stimulation over load -- next comes the awesome, unbelievable, paralysing presence of God! What must it have been like? If you really use your imagination you might even get goose bumps and won't be able to come up with anything else to say but WOW!!! Honestly, this is jaw dropping stuff!!
Before I comment on the obvious, I have to say this temple dedication must have been absolutely spectacular. The pomp and ceremony was over the top! Can you imagine 120 trumpets sounding as one?! I used to march with the drum and bugle corps and it so happens that years ago 120 was the limit of the size of the entire corp unit (today it's 150). Now, the horn section generally took up about 40-50 and oh the sound these talented musicians could make!! Now imagine 120 horns "an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets" -- oh my goodness!! Add to that the mass choir assembled with other instruments it had to be absolutely stunning to experience. If you didn't get chills from the sights and sounds you weren't breathing!
So it is this back drop before which the awesome presence of God appears in the form of a cloud which fills the temple. Imagine after all the breath-taking, goose-bump infusing musical and visual stimulation over load -- next comes the awesome, unbelievable, paralysing presence of God! What must it have been like? If you really use your imagination you might even get goose bumps and won't be able to come up with anything else to say but WOW!!! Honestly, this is jaw dropping stuff!!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
What a Construction Project!
2 Chronicles 4
How massive must have been the scope of this construction project? This was massive not only in terms of resources (e.g. "...for the weight of the brass could not be found out") but also in terms of man power. Much like when a large factory moves into a small town -- every one it seems is working there. There must have been many conversations in israel about work on the project and most people would at least know someone who was directly involved. Also look at the geographical scope . . . although the foot print of the temple was not exactly gigantic, the work being done for it structure and interior was spread all over the kingdom and even beyond. Notice Haram was contracted to do a lot of the construction (apparently from Tyre). Also many of the structures and instuments were cast "in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredathah."
We often think about the grand opening of the temple and the awsome way in which it was dedicated with the great presence of God and so forth, but the construction itself must have been absolutely magnificant and quite the buzz throughout the kinddom!
How massive must have been the scope of this construction project? This was massive not only in terms of resources (e.g. "...for the weight of the brass could not be found out") but also in terms of man power. Much like when a large factory moves into a small town -- every one it seems is working there. There must have been many conversations in israel about work on the project and most people would at least know someone who was directly involved. Also look at the geographical scope . . . although the foot print of the temple was not exactly gigantic, the work being done for it structure and interior was spread all over the kingdom and even beyond. Notice Haram was contracted to do a lot of the construction (apparently from Tyre). Also many of the structures and instuments were cast "in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredathah."
We often think about the grand opening of the temple and the awsome way in which it was dedicated with the great presence of God and so forth, but the construction itself must have been absolutely magnificant and quite the buzz throughout the kinddom!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Meticulous Temple Details
2 Chronicles 3
You can't get away from the overt specificity regarding the dimensions of the temple Solomon built. What I think is espeically note worthy are the details regarding the cherubims in the "holy house." We are told in careful detail that the complete wing span of both cherubims is 20 cubits (remember one cubit is about 18 inches so that's about 30 feet). Even the direction of the faces of the cherubims (and their faces were inward) and the fact that they stood on their feet.
Also specific information as to when Solomon started the construction . . .
Verse 2 -- "And he began to build in the second day of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign."
I believe nothing is wasted in the scripture. This information is vital for something. The last thought is perhaps the most stiring -- the temple is being built "in mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared unto David his father..." So much happens at this spot. This is a study all to itself and you can't help but get goose bumps when you start to piece it all together.
You can't get away from the overt specificity regarding the dimensions of the temple Solomon built. What I think is espeically note worthy are the details regarding the cherubims in the "holy house." We are told in careful detail that the complete wing span of both cherubims is 20 cubits (remember one cubit is about 18 inches so that's about 30 feet). Even the direction of the faces of the cherubims (and their faces were inward) and the fact that they stood on their feet.
Also specific information as to when Solomon started the construction . . .
Verse 2 -- "And he began to build in the second day of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign."
I believe nothing is wasted in the scripture. This information is vital for something. The last thought is perhaps the most stiring -- the temple is being built "in mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared unto David his father..." So much happens at this spot. This is a study all to itself and you can't help but get goose bumps when you start to piece it all together.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Tyre and Isreal's Special Bond
2 Chronicles 2
What jumps out of this chapter to me is the relationship between Huram and David. It must have been exceptional. Now Solomon is dealing with what appears to be the son of Huram by the same name (I'm not going to go look it up even though I am very tempted to do it). Solomon is asking Huram for a master craftsman from his country to become a key member of the temple design team. Huram says he has the perfect man in mind and is sending him to Solomon. He then refers to "Huram my father" so it would appear just from reading that this may be Huram II (or at least a junior of some sort).
Verse 13 -- "And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father’s..."
Also, isn't it interesting that this master craftsman, although from Huram's country of Tyre is also part Hebrew . . .
Verse 14 -- "The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre."
This speaks yet more to the relationship between the people of Tyre and Isreal (esp. the tribes on the other side of Jordan). This has to be a result of the relationship between David and Huram senior. I'm also struck by the faith of the junior Huram when he says . . .
Verse 12 -- "Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth..."
Clearly the people of Tyre admired the children of Israel (Huram in particular) and had great respect for their God.
What jumps out of this chapter to me is the relationship between Huram and David. It must have been exceptional. Now Solomon is dealing with what appears to be the son of Huram by the same name (I'm not going to go look it up even though I am very tempted to do it). Solomon is asking Huram for a master craftsman from his country to become a key member of the temple design team. Huram says he has the perfect man in mind and is sending him to Solomon. He then refers to "Huram my father" so it would appear just from reading that this may be Huram II (or at least a junior of some sort).
Verse 13 -- "And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father’s..."
Also, isn't it interesting that this master craftsman, although from Huram's country of Tyre is also part Hebrew . . .
Verse 14 -- "The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre."
This speaks yet more to the relationship between the people of Tyre and Isreal (esp. the tribes on the other side of Jordan). This has to be a result of the relationship between David and Huram senior. I'm also struck by the faith of the junior Huram when he says . . .
Verse 12 -- "Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth..."
Clearly the people of Tyre admired the children of Israel (Huram in particular) and had great respect for their God.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
The Splendor of Solomon
2 Chronicles 1
I don't think we can fully comprehend the sheer wealth of King Solomon. Remember Jesus said, even Solomon "in all his splendor" was not arrayed like the flowers of the fields. What exactly was the "slendor" of Solomon? I believe it was greater than we know. Silver and Gold we are told was as common as stones. Is this an exaggeration? I don't think so. Remember stones weren't prefabbed out of cement or some synthetic material back in those. Ancient stone was hewn out of massive rock quarries which required a great deal of labor and expense. Also, after Solomon famously asks God for wisdom and knowledge after being told by God to ask for whatever he wanted, God informs him he will get his request plus more wealth than any king before him or AFTER him.
Verse 12 -- "... such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like."
I take this to be any king of any kingdom. We have unearthed a great deal of riches in modern history and for sure there are extensive records of unbelievable wealth for various rulers the world over. Yet, by God's proclaimation none have exceeding or will ever exceed the wealth of Solomon. Still today there is great skipticism regarding the extent of the wealth of the kingdom of Isreal under Solomon -- much of this has to be due to the fact that Isreal was reduced to oblivion by the Babylonian conquest. God's judgement of Israel was sweeping to be sure . . . especially if you really stop to ponder the scale the wealth of Solomon as presented in this chapter. I would love to be able to go back in time just to take a glimpse.
I don't think we can fully comprehend the sheer wealth of King Solomon. Remember Jesus said, even Solomon "in all his splendor" was not arrayed like the flowers of the fields. What exactly was the "slendor" of Solomon? I believe it was greater than we know. Silver and Gold we are told was as common as stones. Is this an exaggeration? I don't think so. Remember stones weren't prefabbed out of cement or some synthetic material back in those. Ancient stone was hewn out of massive rock quarries which required a great deal of labor and expense. Also, after Solomon famously asks God for wisdom and knowledge after being told by God to ask for whatever he wanted, God informs him he will get his request plus more wealth than any king before him or AFTER him.
Verse 12 -- "... such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like."
I take this to be any king of any kingdom. We have unearthed a great deal of riches in modern history and for sure there are extensive records of unbelievable wealth for various rulers the world over. Yet, by God's proclaimation none have exceeding or will ever exceed the wealth of Solomon. Still today there is great skipticism regarding the extent of the wealth of the kingdom of Isreal under Solomon -- much of this has to be due to the fact that Isreal was reduced to oblivion by the Babylonian conquest. God's judgement of Israel was sweeping to be sure . . . especially if you really stop to ponder the scale the wealth of Solomon as presented in this chapter. I would love to be able to go back in time just to take a glimpse.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Almost Perfect Unity in Israel
1 Chronicles 29
Once again, it is astonishing how diligently David had prepared for the building of the new temple. I am also struck by the similarity in David's prayer in verse 11 to the latter part of the Lord's Prayer in the new testament. This is the first time I've noticed that.
Also, you can't help from thinking about the incredible unity of the people of Israel at this time. It's really something how freely they gave of their resource to the temple project (even after David had already furnished so much already). Also, how many time do we read in history how the predecessor of a great ruler is murdered out of jealousy or evil ambition. No such feeling to be found here. This well have been the most perfect government system on earth (as close to perfection man can get) -- all ready for Solomon to inherit. As we know, it all goes down hill after Solomon.
Once again, it is astonishing how diligently David had prepared for the building of the new temple. I am also struck by the similarity in David's prayer in verse 11 to the latter part of the Lord's Prayer in the new testament. This is the first time I've noticed that.
Also, you can't help from thinking about the incredible unity of the people of Israel at this time. It's really something how freely they gave of their resource to the temple project (even after David had already furnished so much already). Also, how many time do we read in history how the predecessor of a great ruler is murdered out of jealousy or evil ambition. No such feeling to be found here. This well have been the most perfect government system on earth (as close to perfection man can get) -- all ready for Solomon to inherit. As we know, it all goes down hill after Solomon.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
David's Big Plans
1 Chronicles 28
What strikes me right away as I read this is how much time and energy David obviously put into planning this house of God. This was not just some good idea he had. He had completed all of the design work, acquired all of the material, set aside the skilled work force. He was as they like to say nowadays "dirt ready" to put this thing in motion. It must have been very disappointing to him that he would not get to see it completed. Yet, like Moses who missed out on the crossing into the promise land because of God's judgement, David had to accept the reality that after all of his planning and hard work, he wouldn't be the one to complete the job. This is a great insight into the character of David. By all accounts he readily accepted God's decision and he seems to delight in the fact that his son Solomon would complete the massive project in his stead. Building a house for God was his primary motivation and it was noble.
The other thought I had was it is interesting how very public was the nature of this proclaimation David made to the people of Israel regarding the building of this house of God. Just look at the people present! Everyone was there! Anyone who had any job to do whatsoever in the new kingdom appeared to be present. Also the preparations made by David are extensive. He litterally thought of everything. This is a very good example of the proper way to "pass the torch" -- something so many great men fail to do properly and as a result the predecessors pale in comparison to them.
What strikes me right away as I read this is how much time and energy David obviously put into planning this house of God. This was not just some good idea he had. He had completed all of the design work, acquired all of the material, set aside the skilled work force. He was as they like to say nowadays "dirt ready" to put this thing in motion. It must have been very disappointing to him that he would not get to see it completed. Yet, like Moses who missed out on the crossing into the promise land because of God's judgement, David had to accept the reality that after all of his planning and hard work, he wouldn't be the one to complete the job. This is a great insight into the character of David. By all accounts he readily accepted God's decision and he seems to delight in the fact that his son Solomon would complete the massive project in his stead. Building a house for God was his primary motivation and it was noble.
The other thought I had was it is interesting how very public was the nature of this proclaimation David made to the people of Israel regarding the building of this house of God. Just look at the people present! Everyone was there! Anyone who had any job to do whatsoever in the new kingdom appeared to be present. Also the preparations made by David are extensive. He litterally thought of everything. This is a very good example of the proper way to "pass the torch" -- something so many great men fail to do properly and as a result the predecessors pale in comparison to them.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
King David's Administration
1 Chronicles 27
This is a daunting record of King David's administration of the newly established kingdom of Isreal. I say "daunting" because it is jam packed with names and places which are extremely difficult to pronounce (and I always try to as I read it). This record is another very significant list of names, places, titles, and some geaneology information which I suppose would be critical for historical fact finding. I continue to grow in my belief that nothing is wasted in the text of the scripture. This data has a lot more meaning beyond the simple reading of the text.
This is a daunting record of King David's administration of the newly established kingdom of Isreal. I say "daunting" because it is jam packed with names and places which are extremely difficult to pronounce (and I always try to as I read it). This record is another very significant list of names, places, titles, and some geaneology information which I suppose would be critical for historical fact finding. I continue to grow in my belief that nothing is wasted in the text of the scripture. This data has a lot more meaning beyond the simple reading of the text.
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