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!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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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