Daily Bible Devotionals

“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.

“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)

“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?

“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.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of 1 Kings 4. Click the links below to watch or listen!

“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!

“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.

“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.