Daily Bible Devotionals

“They set the ark of God on a new cart and transported it from Abinadab’s house, which was on a hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the cart and brought it with the ark of God from Abinadab’s house on the hill. Ahio walked in front of the ark. David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating before the Lord with all kinds of fir wood instruments, lyres, harps, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals. When they came to Nacon’s threshing floor, Uzzah reached out to the ark of God and took hold of it, because the oxen had stumbled. Then the Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah, and God struck him dead on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there next to the ark of God.” 2 Samuel 6:3-7 (HCSB)

Several years ago, on a rainy New York City evening, three friends of mine were having dinner at an upscale restaurant when a shabby man outside began struggling with the restaurant door. The shabby-looking man became frustrated to the point where he yelled for someone to open the door; the rain was pouring down on him. Sensing the man was crazy, my friends yelled, “Don’t let him in!” Against their protest, the hostess opened the door, and in walked the actor Al Pacino! My friends wanted a photo with the actor but dared not ask after how rudely they had treated him. They would not have acted so foolishly had they known the man they were disrespecting.

The Lord’s people tend to forget what sort of God they face. We forget that there is the power to Judge in His holiness. No, we should not be scared of Him, but being sacred toward Him wouldn’t hurt! Contrary to the belief of some Christians, the Lord is not our tame, warm & fuzzy friend in the sky. The application of today’s passage is clear: You dare not disrespect a God who is both real and holy!

As a young believer, I was somewhat offended when I first read this story. (Back then, my opinion of God was distorted by my ignorance of His Word.) After all, Uzzah was only trying to help. Was he really supposed to allow the oxen to bounce the ark right off the cart? Why didn’t the Lord cut him some slack? Why so severe in His judgment, so seemingly arbitrary? Should we be angry? Or should we fear?

Back in the book of Numbers (4:4-6, 15, 17-20; and 7:9), the rules were clear: No touch, no look, no cart. The priests were to cover the holy furniture, not touch or look upon the sacred items “lest they die.” Then the ark was to be carried on the backs of the Levite priests of the Kohathite clan. In that whole process, God is being gracious to Israel. He is forcing them to be personally involved with Him. It is easy to put the ark on a cart and have some beasts of burden haul it with almost no effort on the part of the priests. But it is another thing for them to shoulder the responsibility personally!

Similarly, we should take personal responsibility for our faith. More than a salvation moment, God wants an ongoing personal relationship with us. Don’t “Google” the Bible, looking for guidance. And don’t let some religious leader shoulder your responsibility. Get to know the Guide personally by meeting Him daily in His Word. Perhaps, then you will live a life that honors Him as He prescribes in His Word.

“David told the messenger, ‘Say this to Joab: “Don’t let this matter upset you because the sword devours all alike. Intensify your fight against the city and demolish it”. Encourage him.’ When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband Uriah had died, she mourned for him. When the time of mourning ended, David had her brought to his house. She became his wife and bore him a son. However, the Lord considered what David had done to be evil.” 2 Samuel 11:25-27 (HCSB)

Several years ago, I was surfing around the TV dial when a Discovery Channel program caught my eye. Scientists were dropping cats off buildings. The scientists were conducting experiments as to why cats always land on their feet, regardless of the position they were in when they fell (or were thrown). Mystery solved.

In today’s passage, David reminds me of one of those cats. Throughout the whole drama, David is in control and successful. No matter how he falls, David seems to land on his feet. Perhaps, you have known people like that. No matter how wicked or evil their deeds are, they always seem to come out unscathed. Don’t believe the hype.

Sin frustrates. While David is always active, always the one in control, he is repeatedly frustrated. In verses 2-5, David saw, inquired, sent, took, and copulated…but his secret hits a snag: “I am pregnant.” No problem. In the next segment (vv 6-11), David sends for, asks, orders, and lavishes gifts, but he cannot control Uriah. David has more cards to play. He gives Uriah final orders, invites him to dinner, gets him drunk...unsuccessful. David may put Uriah “under the influence,” but Uriah is not under David’s influence.

King David, always the mover and shaker, even has Uriah carry his own death warrant under Royal seal. Eventually, Uriah is killed. David has persevered; he has succeeded. How can this be? This is Israel; this is DAVID! He is the king in the covenant with the Lord. The man “after God’s own heart” takes the sword after God’s own people? Here is David, who put Mephibosheth at his table, and Uriah in the grave. Everyone is suspect, and the only one acting like a God-fearing Israelite is the Hittite! Welcome to Old Testament thug life.

So, what are we to learn from today’s passage? The simple truth is that the kingdom is not safe, even in David’s hands. It is only safe when Messiah Jesus rules with justice and righteousness. Yet, until Jesus permanently & publicly enforces that just regime at His second coming, it will not be unusual for God’s people to suffer, even within (what claims to be) the Kingdom of God. It is detestable when Church leaders rule with harshness and severity, crushing rather than comforting Jesus’ flock, suffocating rather than sustaining them.

Bottom line: David may have Bathsheba’s flesh and Uriah’s blood, but he cannot escape the Lord’s eyes nor His iron rod! The silence of God does not indicate His absence. For a moment, He may be silent, but the Lord is not sightless nor powerless. Rebuke is on its way!

“When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadezer, he sent his son Joram to King David to greet him and to congratulate him because David had fought against Hadezer and defeated him, for Toi and Hadezer had fought many wars. Joram had items of silver, gold, and bronze with him. King David also dedicated these to the Lord, along with the silver and gold he had dedicated from all the nations he had subdued-” 2 Samuel 8:9-11 (HCSB)

Back in chapter 7, God established a covenant with David. David had sought to build a house for the Lord, but the Lord disallowed David’s efforts, promising instead to build David’s house. In this statement, there is a play-on-words: The “house” David proposed to build was a temple, whereas the “house” God promised to build David was a kingdom that would endure throughout the generations.

Chapter 8, therefore, is simply recounting the various wars by which David’s kingdom was established by God. When reading these accounts of Israelite warfare, one may wonder, “Where is the God who is merciful to the nations?” Oh, He is right there among the stories of war.

Take notice of Toi, king of Hamath. He is sort of “smooshed” in the middle of an archival sandwich, yet there is something distinguishing about him. He doesn’t have to be struck down. When Toi hears how David has struck down Hadezer, he sends his son Joram to ask for terms of peace and express his delight over Hadezer’s defeat.

Toi exemplifies a pattern in the Bible’s Kingdom doctrine. If there are rulers and nations who war against the Lord’s kingdom, there are also some who lay down their arms and seek peace under His Kingdom. God is not all “pro-Israel” and “con the nations.” He honors any sincere acts of surrender/submission. This is not only a “New Testament” idea; we find it here in 2nd Samuel.

Some nations must be subdued; others submit. Some remain rebellious; others repent. Some are crushed, while others are contrite.

“So now, kings, be wise; receive instruction, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with reverential awe and rejoice with trembling. Pay homage to the Son or he will be angry and you will perish in your rebellion….” Psalm 2:10-12a (CSB)

Here’s the lesson: The reaction of the surrounding peoples to David’s kingship is a pattern of the reaction to Messiah Jesus’ Kingship. Today’s passage is a picture showing that a nation need not be struck down by the Lord’s anointed king if they will only submit to Him. No nation or individual can play the victim as if it/they had no alternative but to be crushed. Salvation is offered to all who surrender to Messiah Jesus; crushing judgment awaits all who refuse & despise His Kingdom.

“So the king asked, ‘Is there anyone left of Saul’s family I can show the kindness of God to?’ Ziba said to the king, ‘There is still Jonathan’s son who is lame in both feet.’ The king asked, ‘Where is he?’ Ziba answered the king, ‘You’ll find him in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.’ So David had him brought from the house of Machir in Lo-debar. Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, bowed down to the ground and paid homage. David said ‘Mephibosheth!’ ‘I am your servant,’ he replied. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ David said to him, ‘since I intend to show you kindness because of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all your grandfather Saul’s fields, and you will always eat meals at my table.’” 2 Samuel 9:3-7 (HCSB)

In 1932, Franklin Roosevelt made a speech in Pittsburgh advocating restraint in government spending. Four years later, he wanted to speak there in favor of government spending. He asked one of his advisers how he could manage an about-face without seeming like a flip-flopper! The advice was straightforward: Deny that you made a speech in Pittsburgh in 1932!

Ahhh, politics. I think I speak for us all when I say we need leaders whom we can trust to keep their word!! David did not practice the Washington D.C. way. When he made a promise to Jonathan, he kept it. He could easily have denied the private conversation, said he had been impetuous, and argued national security overrode personal agreements. No. David honored his word. And one greater than David offers the same to us!

Perhaps, you have already begun to see a parallel of this story with the offer of salvation that Jesus extends to all who would accept His Grace.

David offered Mephibosheth: 1) Protection, 2) Provision, and 3) Position

“For while we were still helpless, at the appointed moment, Messiah died for the ungodly. For rarely will someone die for a just person – though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. But God proves His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Messiah died for us! Much more then, since we have now been declared righteous by His blood, we will be saved through Him from wrath. For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by His life!” Romans 5:6-10 (HCSB)

We can never appreciate David’s commitment of love unless we understand the source of it, the Author of love. The Messiah (the Son of David), whom David called “My Lord,” has extended His “Do not be afraid” to us “spiritual Mephibosheths.” The first principle for grappling with the marvel of God’s love is to realize that He has no personal benefit in loving us. Our presence cannot advance His worth. There is absolutely no reason why we should be eating continually at the King’s table. And if we have any sense, we won’t be able to understand it, either! We must simply receive His grace and, thankfully, live in His presence, inviting others in need of salvation to join us.

“Some time later the king of the Ammonites died, and his son Hunan became king in his place. Then David said, ‘I’ll show kindness to Hunan son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.’ So David sent his emissaries to console Hunan concerning his father. However, when they arrived in the land of the Ammonites, the Ammonite leaders said to Hunan their lord, ‘Just because David has sent men with condolences for you, do you really believe he’s showing respect for your father? Instead, hasn’t David sent the emissaries in order to scout out the city, spy on it, and overthrow it?’ So Hunan took David’s emissaries, shaved off half their beards, cut their clothes in half at the hips, and sent them away.” 2 Samuel 10:1-4 (HCSB)

2 Samuel 10 functions as a prophetic lesson. As Hunan and Hadadezer’s Aramaean allies stir themselves up against David, so the kings and rulers of the world were still bent on resisting the sway of the Lord and His Messianic King, Jesus.

“Why do the nations rebel and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and His anointed One: ‘Let us tear off their chains and free ourselves from their restraints.’” Psalm 2:1-2 (HCSB)

It is far easier to see the fulfillment of Psalm 2 when we eavesdrop on the prayer of the Jerusalem church in Acts 4. Especially when we hear those early believers applying the Psalm 2 prayer to Herod and Pontius Pilate (and others).

“When they heard this, they raised their voices to God and said, ‘Master, You are the One who made heaven, the earth, and the sea, and everything in them. You said through the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of their father David Your servant: Why did the Gentiles rage and the people plot futile things? The kings of the earth took their stand and the rulers assembled together against the Lord and against His Messiah. For, in fact, in this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, assembled together against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, to do whatever Your hand and Your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your message with complete boldness, while You stretch out Your hand for healing, signs, and wonders to be performed through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” Acts 4:24-30 (HCSB)

In today’s passage, David is the Lord’s chosen king, with Hunan and Hadadezer against him. Those folks who conspired against the Lord’s anointed lost. 2 Samuel 10 is simply a miniature Psalm 2 and proclaims: Despite all resistance and hostility, the Davidic king will rule. If we don’t have that assurance, how could we (co-heirs with the One Matthew 1:1 calls “Son of David”) live in the hope of eternal security? How else could we endure persecution for proclaiming the gospel of Jesus? In light of the assured fulfillment of the Psalm 2 prophecy, let’s reaffirm our commitment to stand firm in the Lord!

“So the Lord sent Nathan to David.” 2 Samuel 12:1 (HCSB)

If you recall yesterday’s chapter (2 Samuel 11), David was in control. David was the prime mover; he got things done. David totally dominated the action from the palace roof until he crashed into the unyielding wall of the Lord’s righteousness.

As expected, God and His Word dominate chapter 12. We expect judgment on David. And we see that here in chapter 12. But we have the sense that we have traveled beyond judgment in today’s chapter into the land of Grace and Mercy. Grace is God’s “something-for-nothing” when we don’t deserve anything. And His Mercy is set into motion when we don’t receive what we really deserve.

Without the words, “So the Lord sent Nathan to David,” we would be in for a bleak and hopeless story. This first line of chapter 12 dispels any notion that the Lord is a passive onlooker.

The verb “sent” (salah) is a signal. This verb occurs 12 times in chapter 11, where everyone “sends”: David sends, Bathsheba sends, Joab sends. Now God sends. He has gone into action and sends Nathan to David.

**Is the Lord calling you to be a “Nathan” for a brother or sister in sin? We must be willing to risk offending even the king to deliver God’s Word. Otherwise, we offend the King of Kings sends us as His messengers.

Let’s fight the urge to run ahead into the story. We should pause and meditate on those opening words because they speak of the vigilance of Grace. They show us that Grace pursues and exposes the sinner in his sin. They teach us that the Lord will not allow his servants to remain comfortable in sin but will ruthlessly expose our sin, lest we settle down in it.

LESSON: You may succeed in unfaithfulness, but God will come after you!

What immense and genuine comfort every servant of Messiah should find in the first six words of this chapter! Not that God’s pursuing Grace is enjoyable. But what if Grace and Mercy did NOT pursue us? What if God abandoned us when we succeeded at sin?

“But God proves His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us!” Romans 5:8 (HCSB)

“When King David heard about all these things, he was furious. Absalom didn’t say anything to Amnon, either good or bad, because he hated Amnon since he disgraced his sister Tamar. Two years later, Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, and Absalom invited the king’s sons.” 2 Samuel 13:21-23 (HCSB)

David heard how Amnon had used him and had weaseled his permission for Tamar to come to his house. David also heard how Amnon had abused Tamar, how he had disposed of her as if she was trash, and how she was seen and heard running and screaming through the streets with her robe ripped. Perhaps, David had even heard how Tamar was now a devastated woman, living in her brother Absalom’s house.

David “heard about all these things, and he was furious.” That’s good. That should have been his proper response. But that was all. And that’s bad. It’s like the Irish poem:

“This here’s the story of Ian McRory. Shall I begin it? Well, that’s all that’s in it.”

David was enraged; he was furious; he could scarcely contain his rage. But, unfortunately, he did. It is unfortunate because there is something right about David’s fury. It should have led to righteous results. His anger should have led to justice. Amnon should have been punished and Tamar exonerated. Instead, Amnon is not held accountable, Tamar receives no retribution, and Absalom is handed a reasonable excuse for revenge. David heard. He was very angry. And he did nothing.

Of course, many theologians say David was a prisoner of his own folly. After all, how could he call Amnon to account when David himself had violated Bathsheba and eliminated her husband? But herein lies our lesson from today’s passage.

Many Christians are trying to determine how (or if) they should confront a sin issue in the life of another believer. Often, believers will resist God’s leading to hold a brother or sister accountable based on the reality that they have sinned in similar ways in the past. It is as if they are waiting for a “sinless” believer to come along and confront sin. This is ridiculous!! Believers excuse themselves, “we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.”

But that simple fact is what qualifies you to confront and exhort others who are in sin! True, we should not judge, but confronting and rebuking sin in a fellow believer’s life is not judging. It is pointing out the obvious and correcting another believer because you do not want them to incur even more consequences.

This was David’s error. David had a responsibility, and he chose passivity over accountability. As both father and king, David was charged with maintaining justice, whether he was personally compromised or not. As brothers or sisters in Messiah, and having been born-again onto a “holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), we are given the responsibility to 1) be accountable and 2) hold each other accountable.

“David was climbing the slope of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he ascended. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. Each of the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they ascended.” 2 Samuel 15:30 (HCSB)

Israel’s rightful king has been rejected, and he plods up the Mount of Olives, weeping. Admittedly, David is suffering for his sins, but he is still the king, and nobody enjoys seeing the Lord’s anointed being deposed by “the people’s choice,”…even if it is the king’s son.

This would not be the last time we see such a scene. The “Descendant of David” (the rightful king according to 2 Samuel 7:12-16) will be seen on the Mount of Olives.

“Now He came near the path down the Mount of Olives, and the whole crowd of disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen:” Luke 19:37 (HCSB)

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus evokes images of both Absalom and David, with the Mount of Olives as a backdrop. We think of Absalom because the people of Jerusalem celebrated Jesus’ arrival just as they celebrated Absalom’s. To them, Jesus would be the candidate of the people, the One who would hear their cases against the Roman and Sadducee oppression and judge their oppressors. They wanted Jesus to fit their agendas.

“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in Heaven and glory in the highest Heaven! And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples.’ But He answered and said to them, ‘I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.’” Luke 19:38-40 (NKJV)

Note that this was the same crowd who, once their vision for leadership became blurred, chose Barabbas!

We think of David when we read of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem, not so much over his rejection as the doom of those who have rejected Him.

“As He approached and saw the city; He wept over it, saying, ‘If you knew this day what would bring peace – but now is hidden from your eyes. For the days will come on you when your enemies will build an embankment against you, surround you, and hem you in on every side. They will crush you and your children within you to the ground, and they will not leave one stone on another in you, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.” Luke 19:41-44 (HCSB)

It is possible to believe you are clinging to Jesus in a saving way, yet all the while be clinging to the “wrong” Jesus. Jesus spoke of this very dilemma: Matthew 7:21-29. Make sure the Jesus you claim to follow is the Jesus of the Bible, not one who has been altered by man’s imagination. The best way to be sure is to read the Bible.

“Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, ‘Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut his head off!’ The king replied, ‘Sons of Zeruiah, do we agree on anything? He curses me this way because the Lord told him, “Curse David!” Therefore, who can say, ‘Why did you do that?’ Then David said to Abishai and all his servants, ‘Look, my own son, my own flesh and blood, intends to take my life – how much more now this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse me; the Lord has told him to. Perhaps, the Lord will see my affliction and restore goodness to me instead of Shimei’s curses today.’” 2 Samuel 16:9-12 (HCSB)

Shimei was certain that the Lord was paying back David for all the “Saul-ish” blood he shed and that the Lord was giving Absalom the kingdom. Finally, Shimei’s trash-talking became tiresome. Abishai, Joab’s brother, turns to David and asks permission to cut Shimei’s head off! After all, it’s hard to talk trash without a head.

David argued that the Lord had ordered Shimei to curse him. Instead of shutting up Shimei by force, David sought relief elsewhere:

“Perhaps, the Lord will see my affliction and restore goodness to me instead of Shimei’s curses today.” 2 Samuel 16:12 (HCSB)

Take a moment and let the gravity of that statement take hold. What is it that David wants the Lord to see? His iniquity. Here is the secret of David’s peace. David had deep-seated confidence in a God of “un-guessable” grace, Who tends to replace cursing with goodness. He assumes the Lord has this strangely wonderful way of looking upon guilt and yet returning a blessing instead of a curse. If the mouth of God has declared David’s deserved punishment, perhaps the eye of God may long to spare him from it.

How can David even begin to think this way? Notice how he is not sure of this. He uses the word “perhaps.” David confesses the Lord’s freedom in this matter; He may or may not. But can’t you see that David could never have said, “perhaps” - never even conceived the possibility - unless he had already experienced the known character of God? How can he even dream this unless he actually knows a God like that and is a man after that God’s own heart? You can’t imagine how deep God’s compassion is for you, even when He disciplines you for your sin. But David would try because he knew Him.

Shouldn’t this come as exceptional hope to us today, those of us Christians who believe we have made a royal mess of our lives? What of us who have smashed God’s commandments, defiled His standards, and then suffered miserably for it? Repentance and forgiveness have come, yet we are sure God only regards us with grudging tolerance. And sometimes, we doubt His patience! Are we truly banned to the junkyard? Perhaps, we should take a stare at David’s God. What if we had a God, Who can look at guilt and return good if He desires? Well, we do. And, perhaps, He will.

“Hushai continued, ‘You know your father and his men. They are warriors and are desperate like a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Your father is an experienced soldier who won’t spend the night with his people. He’s probably already hiding in one of the caves or some other place. If some of our troops fall first, someone is sure to hear and say, ‘There’s been a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.’ Then, even a brave man with the heart of a lion will melt because all Israel knows your father and the valiant men with him are warriors. Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba – as numerous as the sand by the sea – be gathered to you so that you personally go into battle.’” 2 Samuel 17:8-11 (HCSB)

At his core, David was more shepherd than warrior. In contrast, Absalom wanted to be considered a warrior without being a shepherd. Absalom wanted the “image” of shepherding. Remember how he stood at the gate and told the people he should be judging their cases because David was too busy for them? But there was never any evidence he judged a single case. In modern political terms, Absalom ran on the “shepherd” ticket, but his true heart was to be considered mighty.

Hushai knew Absalom’s heart, so he negotiated toward Absalom’s ego. Notice how Hushai stresses David the “warrior.” He tells Absalom:

“Your father is an experienced soldier who won’t spend the night with his people. He’s probably already hiding in one of the caves, or some other place.” 2 Samuel 17:8b-9a (HCSB)

The fact is that David, being a good shepherd, was right there with the “sheep” who had followed him. Absalom, undoubtedly, learned a lot from his father about warfare, but he misjudged his dad’s heart. Absalom wanted to be king but didn’t want to look after his “flock.” It reminds me of Jesus’ words:

“I assure you: Anyone who doesn’t enter the sheep pen by the door but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. The doorkeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they recognize his voice. They will never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from him, because they don’t recognize the voice of a stranger.” John 10:1-6 (HCSB)

In chapter 15, David, being the “Shepherd of Israel,” stood by and watched all his “sheep” walk by. He even stopped a few and questioned them to see if they were truly “his.” Hushai knew David’s heart, so he knew exactly where David would be. That is what made his counsel so brilliant. He played Absalom’s prideful ignorance against him.

Lest we idolize Hushai’s heroism, we must recognize Hushai had no idea whether Absalom would heed his counsel. It is safe to say Hushai was led by God’s Spirit, so the praise for David’s rescue lies in God’s doing. We don’t know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future. Our responsibility, then, is simply to trust His leading.

“Now all the people were in a dispute throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, ‘The king saved us from the hand of our enemies, he delivered us from the Philistines, and now he has fled from the land because of Absalom. But Absalom, whom we anointed over us, has died in battle. Now, therefore, why do you say nothing about bringing back the king?” 2 Samuel 19:9-10 (HCSB)

I was riveted to the television news in late August 2005. A tropical depression-turned-hurricane was bearing down on New Orleans, and it did not look like the kind of storm “Gulf Coasters” were used to weathering. Having grown up in the Southern US and vacationed all along the Gulf Coast, I was well aware of the potential property damage that strong storms can inflict. I had driven past the shells of blown-out beach homes and washed-away tourist attractions. But nobody predicted the enormously ominous impact of Katrina, and it all played out LIVE on cable news.

While the storm itself was horrifying, its greatest impact occurred in the aftermath. The citizens of New Orleans had to cope with the reality that even though they may return to their former houses, they were no longer “home.”

That is the impression 2 Samuel 19 gives us of King David’s return from exile. It becomes one of those “welcome home – maybe” situations where David almost wishes he hadn’t returned. He returns home as king, but the kingdom seems to crumble in his hands. Remember, this is mostly David’s fault. (see 2 Sam 12:11)

All of Israel was in a dilemma. And, as often happens to people in difficult times, they began bickering among themselves. The writer allows people to describe their political condition: The king delivered us many times, but we anointed Absalom king over us. Now Absalom is dead. So, why aren’t we bringing David back as king?

David got wind of this sentiment. He fired off a message to the elders of Judah, his own tribe, via his priestly friends Zadok and Abiathar. He appealed to their PRIDE: why should they lag behind the rest of the tribes of Israel in restoring him as King? He appealed to their RELATIONSHIP: David himself was from Judah, “bone and flesh.” Finally, he appealed to their ANXIETIES: he swore to appoint Amasa, commander of Absalom’s army, in place of Joab. This was a signal that those in Judah who had supported Absalom needed fear no retribution from the new Davidic regime.

David still had the old magic:

“So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah, just as the heart of one man…” 2 Samuel 19:14a (HCSB)

Yes, David risked polarizing the rest of Israel, but Absalom’s revolt had begun in Judah. David needed to fortify his kingdom first with his own people (David was a Judean) as the foundation. It reminds us that just as “judgment begins in the house of the Lord” (1 Peter 4:17), it is also where reconciliation must happen first. And if there is to be REVIVAL in the World, it must begin with a “revival of unity” among the Church-at-large. Let it begin with us as we seek His Word!

“Just then the Cushite came and said, ‘May my lord the king hear the good news: today the Lord has delivered you from all those rising up against you!’ The king asked the Cushite, ‘Is the young man Absalom alright?’ The Cushite replied, ‘May what has become of the young man happen to the enemies of my lord the king and to all who rise up against you with evil intent.’ The king was deeply moved and went up to the gate chamber and wept. As he walked, he cried, ‘My son Absalom! My son Absalom! If I had died instead of you, Absalom, my son, my son!’” 2 Samuel 18:31-33 (HCSB)

As we read through these passages, notice how nobly many of the Gentiles act, as opposed to the moral compromise that seems to rule the Israelite characters. It is evident throughout the Torah and Tanakh (aka Old Testament) that God is pleased to honor anyone who wholeheartedly follows Him, regardless of ethnicity.

Notice how the Cushite gives honor to the Lord for David’s deliverance. He has seen something in David’s leadership and has learned something about David’s God in the process of serving the king. I find it interesting that the Cushite tells the whole truth, whereas Ahimaaz simply wanted to be considered well in David’s eyes. In today’s passage, we learn that significant truths sometimes come from a secondary character. Finally, David learns the truth: Deliverance for David involves disaster for Absolam!

In this news, we get our most valuable lesson: If the Kingdom of God under God’s chosen king is to be saved, then the enemy who assaults the kingdom must be destroyed.

God offers no secure salvation to His “Bride” unless He brings decisive judgment on her enemies. We must stop praying, “Deliver us from evil,” unless we yearn for evil’s destruction. Otherwise, we are like a patient ready to undergo cancer surgery, who pleads with his doctor, “deal gently with my cancer,” or urges the surgeon, “get most of it, but leave a little, because cancer and I have a deep relationship.”

You see, David and Absalom are also metaphors for the warring relationship between our “new life” as believers and our carnal flesh. Often, we become unjustly sentimental over our sin. We say to God, “Take all of me, but not that!” Most of the tension within the church today seems to be over the spiritual conflict between those who are determined to be in the World (and somewhat sentimentally “of” it) and those who choose to be in the World yet are actively driving out Worldliness in their lives.

The visible evidence between the two is much like the difference between Ahimaaz and the Cushite: In their testimonies. The former only shares half of the gospel (love/acceptance) so as not to offend, while the latter lays out the whole truth as it is.

There will always be those who cannot understand why there cannot be ecumenicity between Believers and the World: literally, between Christ and Antichrist. But God’s people know David was wrong to pine after Absalom and that the Cushite was right. Preserving God’s Kingdom involves permanently removing its enemies in our lives.

“They were at the great stone in Gibeon, when Amasa joined them. Joab was wearing his uniform and over it was a belt around his waist with a sword in its sheath. As he approached, the sword fell out. Joab asked Amasa, ‘Are you well, my brother?’ Then with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. Amasa was not on guard against the sword in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach with it and spilled his intestines out on the ground. Joab did not stab him again for Amasa was dead. Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.” 2 Samuel 20:8-10 (HCSB)

There was a revolution underway. A Benjamite named Sheba was trying (unsuccessfully) to get the ten tribes of Israel to secede from David’s tribe of Judah and the priestly tribe of the Levites. He was a rebel. David appointed a man named Amasa to muster a Judean army within three days to pursue Sheba and quash the rebellion. For whatever reason, Amasa took more than his allotted time, so David told Abishai to muster his army and march against Sheba. Joab and his men were riding out under Abishai’s command.

It seems cut and dried. Go get the rebel. But if you look closely, you will notice two rebels in this story. Joab is also a rebel, perhaps more dangerous than Sheba. On his way to bring justice to another rebel, Joab took the opportunity to kill his power rival within David’s kingdom. Sadly, we are not surprised. We have seen this all before. People who get in Joab’s way find themselves pushing-up daisies! Joab butchered Abner and Absolam. Now Amasa is his latest victim. Joab specialized in treachery and blood.

But was he really a “rebel”? Sure, he was a brutal warrior, but was he a threat to the kingdom? I believe so. Sheba wanted to leave the Davidic kingdom behind, but Joab refused to be controlled within the kingdom. He was always hacking away to keep his own position unrivaled. Jesus warned us of such men.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father Who is in Heaven.” Matthew 7:21 (HCSB)

There is such a thing as acknowledging the king’s sovereignty yet disregarding his will. You see, Joab is faithful to David. He does not try to become king like Sheba, yet he acts as his own king. He is extremely loyal to David but essentially un-submissive to David.

This kind of person has no place in the kingdom in the end. There are scores of “Joabs” in the Church. Do you have “Joabs” in your life? Are you a “Joab” to someone else in spiritual authority? Are you one who claims loyalty to God yet denies the authority of His Scripture?

“David spoke the words of this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.” 2 Samuel 22:1 (HCSB)

There is much that can be said about today’s chapter. Surely theologians have ripped apart and dissected this psalm and its companion, Psalm 18. Have fun with that. Today, I just want to point out some simple observations.

2 Samuel 22 is a psalm of Thanksgiving. Timely, don’t you think? Here, we have a reflective piece, looking back over a long dramatic saga of salvation: When the Lord rescued David “from all his enemies and from Saul.” This heading is the lens through which we are to view the whole psalm.

At this point in his life, David’s history could have been narrated as that of a great and powerful king. This chapter, however, corrects any misunderstanding that David’s life and kingdom should be understood as anything other than the result of God’s sovereign and powerful acts. David is not “King David” by any means other than God’s desire. Furthermore, David’s Kingdom is sustained by nothing other than God’s provision.

These are not the words of an observer. They are from David himself!

But why do we need a song to tell us that? Don’t we already know God has supported David, despite David’s apparent flaws? Yes, but songs and poetry convey emotions that we otherwise don’t assume.

For instance, when David eluded Saul’s spear, nothing really registered on my emotional Richter scale. Even when God held Saul in His own strait-jacket (having him incapacitated by prophesying while David escaped), I didn’t do much more than sigh. When David seemed doomed to commit political suicide and march out with the Philistines against Israel, there was not much emotion from me. One thing I definitely didn’t do was jump up and say, “God is awesome!!!”

By using poetic songwriting and explosive language, David provides the truth behind all these instances (and others): All these deliverances came from the Lord! He is the sky-splitting, world-shaking, enemy-bashing God!!

Does our worship represent such passion and remembrance as David’s? Is there intensity in our praise? Does our worship reflect our understanding of the importance of our personal righteousness? Does our worship celebrate the invincibility of God’s Kingdom, which we are a part of through David’s “Son,” Messiah Jesus? Most importantly, does our worship point exclusively to the One who calls, establishes, and sustains us?

“Then Nathan said to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, ‘Have you not heard that Adonijah son of Haggith has become king and our Lord David does not know it? Now please come and let me advise you. Save your life and the life of your son Solomon.’” 1 Kings 1:11-12 (HCSB)

Big trouble in Israel. Adonijah, Absalom’s younger brother, is making his run for the kingdom. He has everything a king needs: ambition, style, image, position, and both military and religious support. Oh, but he lacks two things: David’s blessing and the Lord’s anointing. In the words of American Express, “Don’t leave home without it!”

1st and 2nd Kings begin by showing the kingdom of Israel in a somewhat depressing light. Then, things get worse. Throughout today’s chapter, there is a lot of dialogue and speeches, but the Lord is almost silent. Oh, God is working, but we don’t see or hear Him. It reminds me of a coming day that Jesus spoke of:

“Then He told the disciples: ‘The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you won’t see it.’” Luke 17:22 (HCSB)

The savior of the day, so to speak, is Nathan, the Prophet. He is the only non-royal in the drama, and perhaps, not having a “chip on the table” makes him the most sensible counselor.

Nathan learns of what is going on (down at Abijah’s party) and decides something needs to be done to alert the King about the state of affairs, which happens to be “affairs” of the state. (I love a good pun.) Nathan’s role in this story is crucial! Looking at the whole scene, everything rests on Nathan. He not only intervened but also had a plan to stir David to action. Nathan was the man who stood in the gap – his vigilance got David off his couch (virgin hits the floor with a ‘thud!’) and protected Bathsheba and Solomon from almost certain death. Nathan makes the difference and saves the kingdom.

Isn’t it interesting how big of an impact a Kingdom-minded, Bible-centric servant of God can make? Apart from being Kingdom-minded, Bible-centric, and servant-minded, all we need (to be competent counselors) is to recognize that this World is not our home! When we don’t have a stake in some Worldly “kingdom,” isn’t it amazing how clearly we can see God’s direction? And how selflessly and effectively we can influence our surroundings for the Kingdom of God!

“So Gad went to David, told him the choices, and asked him, ‘Do you want three years of famine to come on your land, to flee from your foes three months while they pursue you, or to have a plague in your land three days? Now, think it over and decide what answer I should take back to the One who sent me.’ David answered Gad, ‘I have great anxiety. Please, let me fall into the Lord’s hands because His mercies are great, but don’t let me fall into human hands.’” 2 Samuel 24:13-14 (HCSB)

Several years ago, there was an inspiring episode at the Brookfield Illinois Zoo. A three-year-old toddler fell eighteen feet into an area inhabited by seven gorillas. He was crawling where toddlers shouldn’t and discovered the fate of those who are ignorant of (or disobedient to) the rules. The boy was still alert when taken to a hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. How did that boy ever get out of gorilla land? As it were, Binti, a seven-year-old female gorilla, picked the child up, cradled him in her arms, and put him down near a door where zoo keepers could get him.

The story seems amazing to us because we do not generally associate gorillas with kindness. The toddler’s parents may be grateful to Bitni, but I bet they would prefer not to trust the gorilla with their child again.

David cries, “Please, let me fall into the Lord’s hands because His mercies are great….” David is about to meet the Lord’s wrath and yet is convinced of the Lord’s mercies. Somehow, he imagines that the hand that strikes him will nevertheless spare him. David’s assumptions are astounding! His words in verse 14 communicate more than necessary resignation; they provide abundant consolation. See how well David knows His God! In his crisis, David’s theology seems to emerge almost by reflex action.

Isn’t this how it should be in our Christian experience? Must we always save our best theology for our darkest moments? When we sin (even great sins), is there a kinder place to fall than “into the Lord’s hands”?

I wonder if, in our gut-level thinking, we might have a gorilla view of God’s mercies. We tend to see mercy as a divine exception rather than God’s typical character. David knew he was not facing a fickle gorilla-god even in His wrath. Was David a believer who had a grip on God’s mercy? No, God’s mercy had gripped David.

“Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying: ‘I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn; that the Lord may fulfill His Word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne in Israel.’ ” 1 Kings 2:1-4 (NKJV)

Many years ago, the Washington Times carried a story about the abduction of a police officer. Officer Bob, as he was called, sat in his patrol car at various locations in the Maryland village, where he served as a deterrent to speeding motorists. Officer Bob was, however, a mannequin dressed as a patrolman and propped behind the wheel of a police cruiser. After he had been sitting in the same location for several days, someone smashed the window and stole him.

Ultimately, police work cannot be done passively, i.e., with dummies. It takes a proactive approach. The same could be said of Kingdom work. The Kingdom will not be secure with merely passive attention. If the Lord’s Kingdom (which in 1 Kings 2 is also Solomon’s kingdom) is to be made secure, active and vigilant measures will have to be taken. No Officer Bob techniques will do. And those are exactly David’s words to Solomon.

As David is nearing death (and knows it), he charges Solomon with what matters most. Solomon is to show manhood and strength, walking in the Lord’s ways, which are CLEAR, AVAILABLE, and BENEFICIAL. Should Solomon (and the other Davidic kings) give wholehearted obedience to God’s Word, God will see that His promise to David remains in effect. The point is plain: Obeying God’s Word is the condition for enjoying His promises.

Here, we have, side-by-side, the promise to David and the Torah of Moses. And there is no conflict between them; they are perfectly compatible. On the basis of 2 Samuel 7:14-15, one can say that the unfaithfulness or disobedience of Solomon (or any Davidic king) would not negate the promise to David. BUT, that text assumes there will be no enjoyment of the blessings of that promise unless a king remains faithful. David knows it from experience: obedience is the internal means of Kingdom security.

And therein lies our application. Are we saved by Grace, through faith, and not of our good works? (Ephesian 2:8-9) Absolutely! But that does not mean we may live as we wish and expect to be successful. Our joy and success are linked to our obedience to God’s Word. And there are consequences for our sin, even as believers. Personally, I am grateful King Jesus (the Righteous “Son of David”) is ruling the Kingdom! And that He extends His grace to us.

“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask! What shall I give you?’ And Solomon said: ‘You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours.’ The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.” 1 Kings 3:5-10 (NKJV)

The theme of this chapter is “wisdom.” Solomon’s request for wisdom is also a pattern of prayer for us.

1) The true incentive to prayer: The generosity of God. (5b, 13-14) We respond to God’s offer to “ask what I should give you” because we know He is generous. While we were yet sinners, Jesus died for us; that’s about as generous as it gets!

2) The true foundation of prayer: The faithfulness of God (6-7a, 8). God can be trusted. He is faithful, and His faithfulness is the foundation of our prayers. Why would we spend our time praying if God was not faithful to hear our prayers and was unable to answer them within His predictable articulated character?

3) The true anxiety of prayer: The people of God (7b-9) Solomon asked not for himself, exclusively. He counted himself among the people…not elevated as some demi-god/king. Solomon realized he had been chosen to serve the people, and his request was solely to that end: that he could fulfill his obligation to the kingdom.

4) The true goal of prayer: The pleasure of God (10-14). There is something so pleasing about the pleasure of someone you want to please! The goal of our prayer should not be simply for our pleasure. We should always be aware that it is God’s pleasure that we are created for. Part of reading God’s Word is learning what pleases Him and aligning our lives with His requirements…which truly pleases Him!

“When Hiram (King of Tyre) heard Solomon’s words, he greatly rejoiced and said, ‘May the Lord be praised today! He has given David a wise son to be over this great people!’ Then Hiram sent a reply to Solomon, saying, ‘I have heard your message; I will do everything you want regarding the cedar and cypress timber.’” 1 Kings 5:7-8 (HCSB)

I admit that 1 Kings 5 is hardly electric. It only records the preliminaries and the shopping list for Solomon’s “Home Depot” run. And yet, in the Bible, even the preliminaries bear witness to His firm promise, His Kingdom, and His necessary wisdom.

Try to fight the tendency to look upon this chapter as Southern Californians view highway construction or road repair: enduring however many miles it lasts, simply to get beyond it. Remember the words of Paul:

“For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures.” Romans 15:4 (HCSB)

Sometimes, inspiration from the Holy Spirit demands more perspiration from us! So, what are we to glean from Solomon’s shopping list? Here are three things.

The Temple preparation confirms the Lord’s Promise. (2 Samuel 7:12-13a) The Lord told David his son would sit on the throne and build the Temple. The Lord’s promise drives the construction project, not man’s planning. For the Christian today, isn’t it Kingdom promises which encourage our Kingdom work?

The Temple preparation anticipates the Lord’s Kingdom. (Re-read 1 Kings 4:34-5:1) Such praise from Hiram in today’s passage (from the mouth of a pagan king) is important to note. The writer is not saying that Hiram has “converted” to following the Lord, but he is surely among those national/kingdom leaders who were impressed with Solomon and took notice of his testimony about God. Hiram’s remarks can be taken as a subtle foreshadowing of the coming “universal” kingdom, whereby people of all nations will enter into a saving relationship with David’s “Son,” Messiah Jesus.

The Temple preparation represents the Lord’s Wisdom. “Wisdom” is the skill to get things done. It is important to remember that wisdom is a divine gift, not merely a human aptitude. Wisdom is seldom flashy, and so it is easily belittled. Haven’t we all fallen into that misunderstanding about God: If He is not showing Himself as “miraculous,” He isn’t working on our behalf? God chooses to display Himself in any number of ways. Yet, for us, He often reveals Himself as He did to the prophet Elijah. It is God’s still, small voice that proves most convincing in our times of difficulty.

Take your time in Chapter 5. Perhaps, wisdom requires our “hush” to be heard.

“The Word of the Lord came to Solomon: ‘As for this temple you are building – if you walk in My statutes, observe My ordinances, and keep all My commands by walking in them, I will fulfill My promise to you, which I made to your father David. I will live among the Israelites and not abandon My people Israel.’” 1 Kings 6:11-13 (HCSB)

Have you ever watched one of those home improvement shows where a couple decides to makeover a room by utilizing the “do it yourself” approach? I’ll just say they typically learn that some jobs DEMAND a professional! Admittedly, I’m not a construction guy. I don’t like doing handy work around the house because it always looks like a kindergartener did it when I’m finished! I’m not into construction. Maybe you are, and I hope you’re just itchin’ to help me with some renovations.

So, can you imagine my lack of excitement as I approach a chapter like today? It’s pretty much a detailed play-by-play about “how to build a Temple .”If you’re into construction or architecture, this may be the chapter that changes your life. Totally not my kind of thing.

But two distinctions struck me as quite profound. One is how this chapter (along with chapter 7) represents more than just a holy building project. It is the beginning of a whole new era in Israel’s redemptive history.

Israel was 430 years in Egyptian bondage (before God redeemed them with the gift of freedom), so Israel was 480 years of wandering (so to speak) before God gave them the gift of rest. God had decided Israel’s wandering was over; hence, He allowed Solomon to build Him a house. It is as if God would not rest until He had given Israel rest.

The second item that sort of “jumped out” of today’s chapter, for me, was the timing in which the Lord appeared to Solomon. God spoke to Solomon in the middle of the Temple’s construction, precisely between the Exterior and Interior construction phases. Why is this important? Consider the apostle Paul’s words to the Corinthians.

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit Who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV)

It is not enough for us, as followers of Jesus, to have a clean, well-built “exterior.” We must also have a sanctified (set apart for God) interior. You can have the former without the latter, but if you have the latter, you get the former by default. Perhaps, today is the day that the “Architect and Finisher” of our faith has interrupted construction on us to underscore how much our personal obedience matters to Him. You see, the entire Kingdom of Israel’s blessing rested on Solomon’s obedience. Whose blessing is dependent upon YOURS?

“He (Solomon) set up the pillars at the portico of the sanctuary: He set up the right pillar and named it Jachin; then he set up the left pillar and named it Boaz. The tops of the pillars were shaped like lilies. Then the work of the pillars was completed.” 1 Kings 7:21-22 (HCSB)

Today’s chapter, like chapter 6, is another construction progress report. Today, we learn of Solomon’s palace, the palace of his Egyptian-born queen, certain government buildings, and of course, the Temple. I am impressed with the detailed description and also the lack of detail. The writer gives us enough details to be impressed with the workmanship but not enough to reconstruct the Temple. There are simply too many engineering details left out to recreate the structure exactly.

I believe these specific details may be left out for the same reason that the melodies of the Psalms were lost: So we would not worship them! Can’t you imagine some Hollywood movie star trying to rebuild the Temple on Malibu beachfront property, the “holy of holies” with a Viking kitchen? No, we were meant to appreciate the detail, but we could never recreate it.

Furthermore, the writer spends most of his time on the Temple and less on the “government” buildings. It seems the Lord is telling us that worship should govern us more than a government, which worships our votes.

Today’s passage focuses on two bronze pillars. These pillars are not described as supporting any structure or roof. They were a free-standing testimony to all who entered the Temple. Solomon gave each pillar a name. Jachin means “He will establish.” It may also be construed as a prayer, “May He establish.” Boaz means, “In Him is strength,” or “By the Lord, the King is mighty.”

Here then, are “He will establish” and “In Him is strength,” serving as majestic statements in front of the Temple proper. The first highlights the promise of the Lord, and the second the power of the Lord. The first recall what the Lord said; the second suggests what He can do. Jachin points to the original anchor of God’s Word; Boaz points to His ongoing adequacy to bring that Word to pass.

“He (Abraham) did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, because he was fully convinced that what he promised He was also able to perform.” Romans 4:20-21 (HCSB)

One could say that Jachin emphasizes the foundation on which the king and the people are to rely, while Boaz signifies the resource upon which they must draw. Jachin highlights God’s Grace, while Boaz points to our responsibility:

“Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!” Psalm 105:4 (NKJV)

“May the Lord our God be with us as He was with our ancestors. May He not abandon us or leave us so that He causes us to be devoted to Him, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commands, statutes, and ordinances, which He commanded our ancestors.” 1 Kings 8:57-58 (HCSB)

British politician John Bright once wrote that when “sallying-forth” in the morning, he did not have to choose between wearing trousers or a shirt. “Decency,” he continued, “has joined trousers and shirts.”

Speaking of the sanctity of the marriage union, Jesus said, “What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” (Matthew 19:6) But this principle of “joining together” also applies to the study and expression of theology, especially the teaching about God’s character and His ways. Christians tend to stress one aspect of God’s character at the expense of another. Doing so, they risk “sallying-forth” half-clothed. In refusing to accept the whole counsel of God, we create our own doctrinal graven images.

Solomon’s prayer is theologically instructive because it shows us how we must hold the truths about God in a holy tension. As “trousers and pants” cannot be separated and remain decent attire for a gentleman rider, so we must keep together what God has revealed about Himself, Biblically. Here are some of God’s (seemingly contradicting) complimenting attributes revealed in Solomon’s prayer.

Clarity and Mystery: God shrouds Himself in a “thick cloud” yet reveals Himself through His Word. He satisfies our need for both clarity/certainty, yet His infinite ways cannot be fully comprehended by His creatures, so He remains mysterious to us. (v.v. 1-13)

Fidelity and Expectancy: Because God has faithfully held us in the past, we do not fear for the future, even though it is mostly unrevealed to us. (v.v. 14-26)

Immensity and Intimacy: Solomon acknowledges God is in Heaven (which cannot contain Him) and yet exhorts Israel to pray towards the Temple. God is both uncontainable AND accessible. (v.v. 27-30)

Severity and Mercy: God’s people are always getting into sin situations wherein we feel God’s rebuke, yet there is a way to restoration and forgiveness. (v.v. 31-53)

Particularity and Universality: God set Israel apart from the nations yet does not discriminate against anyone (Jew or Gentile) who seeks to worship Him. (v.v. 41-43)

Eschatology and Practicality: (Eschatology is a big word, meaning the study of “end times.”) The Lord is Lord over the last day and every day. (v.v. 56-60)

Of course, for us, the greatest Divine “complementary combination” is when God joined His Son, Jesus, with His “Bride,” the Church.

“Now, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and judgments, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’” 1 Kings 9:4-6a (NKJV)

Years ago, while I was having lunch with a pastor friend, he casually mentioned the time “when I got shot.” This shocked me because I did not recall having ever met someone who had been shot, much less who lived to tell about it. Actually, the story was tragically comical. My friend was in grade school when he and a buddy found a .22 rifle cartridge in his father’s desk drawer. They decided to go to the garage and hit the cartridge with a hammer. BLAM! Gunshot. After all the instructions about staying away from guns, those boys had no idea the potential of getting shot lay less in the rifle and solely in the bullet!!

Nobody could say Solomon wasn’t warned – because the Lord told him precisely what the price tag of infidelity would be. God is so kind, isn’t He? He spells it all out; He warns clearly so that we will understand the urgent need for faithfulness.

And God hasn’t changed. The New Testament book of Hebrews (beginning in 2:1-3 and continuing throughout the epistle) scares the stew out of us! That is all to praise God’s grace and the safety of His people.

In today’s chapter, the Lord (through Solomon’s dedication prayer) authorizes the temple as a means of grace where Israel can access His sovereign (and caring) presence. Then, He assures Solomon that he will enjoy Davidic-style blessing so long as he lives a Davidic-like life.

But God’s sobering message is implicit: There is a high cost for apostasy. Infidelity will bring the loss of Territory, Temple, and Throne. The first involves the loss of land and further defines the Abrahamic covenant; the second involves the loss of sanctuary and the visible means of grace established under Solomon’s regime; and the third will entail the loss of kingship and affects the Davidic covenant.

Only a fool would flirt with faithlessness—fools like us. Let today’s chapter encourage us to stay humble, always seeking God’s Word with fearful respect, that all we are and have is because of God’s faithfulness. And that should empower us.

“When the queen of Sheba observed all of Solomon’s wisdom, the palace he had built, the food at his table, his servants’ residence, his attendants’ service and their attire, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he offered at the Lord’s temple, it took her breath away. She said to the king, ‘The report I heard in my own country about your words and about your wisdom is true. But I didn’t believe the reports until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, I was not even told half. Your wisdom and prosperity far exceed the report I heard.’” 1 Kings 10:4-8 (HCSB)

There is a tendency for us to be appalled by all the gold and splendor in today’s chapter. How could God approve of Solomon’s abundance? At the risk of sounding like I subscribe to the “health & wealth” prosperity gospel (which I don’t), I want to put forth that the prosperity of God’s people is always the gift of the Lord’s goodness. It is the definition of “prosperity,” which is debatable. God’s goodness toward His people demands that we are both thankful (lest we idolize gifts in place of the Giver) and joyful (lest we despise prosperity as though it were sinful) rather than scornful.

Why must we default to being indignant over “materialism” rather than acknowledging that the Lord’s blessing makes some folks wealthy (Proverbs 10:22)? We should allow them to be content to enjoy such provision, should God choose to allow it. Actually, today’s chapter is a prophetic foretaste of the splendor of God’s Kingdom on earth. The Queen of Sheba is a sample of the future tribute the nations will bring to Messiah Jesus.

“May he rule from sea to sea and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth. May desert tribes kneel before Him and His enemies lick the dust. May the kings of Tarshish and the coasts and islands bring tribute, the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. Let all kings bow down to Him, all nations serve Him.” Psalm 72:8-11 (HCSB)

“May he rule from sea to sea and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth. May desert tribes kneel before Him and His enemies lick the dust. May the kings of Tarshish and the coasts and islands bring tribute, the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. Let all kings bow down to Him, all nations serve Him.” Psalm 72:8-11 (HCSB)

“May He live long! May gold from Sheba be given to Him. May prayer be offered for Him continually, and may He be blessed all day long.” Psalm 72:15 (HCSB)

“…because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of all the Gentiles shall come to you. The multitude of camels will cover your land, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come; they shall bring gold and incense, and they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord.” Isaiah 60:5b-6 (NKJV)

Furthermore, today’s chapter sets up a word of criticism for unbelievers.

“The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here!” Matthew 12:42 (NKJV)

Jesus told the religious leaders of His day (those demanding a miracle) that the Queen of Sheba only needed a few Polaroids of Solomon’s riches and religious extravagance to be wooed. We have something GREATER than Solomon! We have Jesus and His Spirit!