Tag Archives: King

Acts 25

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Acts 25: Paul Appeals unto Caesar

When Felix is replaced by Festus, Paul’s Jewish accusers decide to re-try the case against Paul. Paul asks Festus to appeal unto Caesar; “…I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.” (Acts 25:10) Festus explains the case involving Paul to the visiting King Agrippa. Shortly after, the trial begins, and Festus makes an opening speech explaining the situation of the Jews desiring his death and Festus explains that the Jews made warrantless claims and false accusations with no evidence against Paul. Festus explained that this was contrary to Roman Law, explaining; “…It is not the manners of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.” (Acts 25:16) Festus desired that King Agrippa hear from Paul himself, and he agrees.

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Luke 2

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Luke 2: Birth of Jesus Christ

                In the days of Caesar Augustus, he commanded that everyone be taxed and return to their city of lineage to be taxed. Joseph and Mary returned to the City of Bethlehem, there May brought forth her first born son, and

“…wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lol, the angel of the Lord came upon them: and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel sad unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:7-14)

Once the angels had gone away, the Shepherds all made haste to see the child, and they found Him lying in a manger. After eight days the child was circumcised and He was called, Jesus. There was a man named Simeon who was just and devout. The Holy Ghost told him that before he died he would see the Lord’s Christ. Upon seeing him, he was filled with joy and said; “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” (Luke 2:29-30)

A prophetess named Ana also came to proclaim of the greatest of Jesus. After they had performed all things in the Law of Moses they returned to the City of Nazareth where Jesus “…grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon him.” (Luke 2:40)

Every year Joseph and Mary would return to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover, Jesus being 12 years of age traveled with them, but stayed behind without His parents knowing. When the parents returned to Jerusalem they found Jesus sitting for three days in the temple; “…sitting in the midst of doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard of him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have south thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye no that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.” (Luke 2:46-50)

                Both Joseph and Mary were confused by this, of course Jesus was speaking of His Father’s business, not that of Joseph’s, but of Heavenly Father’s business. Jesus “…increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)

Psalms 9-10

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Psalms 9-10

Chapter 9: The Righteous in Zion; the Wicked in Hell.

To the chief Musician upon Muth-labben, A Psalm of David.

                “Muth-labben – What this phrase means is somewhat disputed, but it likely indicates either what the motivation for writing the Psalm was (in which case it probably means “the death of Labben” or “the death of the son” or “the death of the fool”) OR how the psalm was to be sung (in which case it probably denotes a specific musical instrument to be used for accompaniment, or an existing song whose tune was to be used.

Some (as in the New King James Version) associate the title with the phrase ‘The Death of the Son’, and apply that title as the ancient Chaldee version does: ‘Concerning the death of the Champion who went out between the camps,’ referring to Goliath. Perhaps David wrote this Psalm remembering the victory over Goliath from the advantage of many years since that triumph.”

David tells about the judgment of the Lord and how he shall judge the world in righteousness…

“…the Lord shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.” (Psalms 9:7)

David also mentions that those who trust in the Lord will have his help…

“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” (Psalms 9:9)

David goes on to say that “…they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” (Psalms 9:10)

Those who put their trust in God will not be forsaken, or in other words will not be abandoned. If you put your trust in the Lord he will be a refuge for you in times of trouble. So that we can later “…rejoice in…salvation” (Psalms 9:14). However, those who forsake the Lord and put their trust in the Devil, who by the way WILL FORSAKE YOU, will be “…turned into hell…” (Psalms 9:17)

                David, in closing, asks the Lord to put the wicked people and nations “…in fear… that the nations may know themselves to be but men.” (Psalms 9:20). We can learn a lot from this, as the world falls apart around us, we can know that we are just men (human) we must obey our master, Lord and Savior.

Chapter 10: The Lord is King Forever and Ever

Because this Psalm has no title (in the middle of several Psalms that do), and because it shares some similar themes with Psalm 9, some have thought that it was originally the second half of Psalm 9. But many arguments of Bible Scholars have led to this being really unknown.

David starts off by questioning the Lord;

“Why standest thou afar off, Lord? Why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalms 10:1)

The answer is pretty simple, usually we don’t understand the workings of the Lord, but as we are reminded in the last chapter, the Lord is a refuge for those who trust him and he will not forsake them. See Psalms 9:9-10. Sometimes we just don’t fully understand things that happen in our short life, most people live to an average age of 75? 80? In the scheme of Eternity, that is nothing!

David goes on to mention that the evil/wicked ones are “…full of cursing…deceit and fraud…” (Psalms 10:7)

                David asks the Lord in closing of this chapter to “…forget not the humble.” (Psalms 10:12) and to “Break… the arm of the wicked and evil man…” (Psalms 10:15). One thing we can know for sure is that the wicked will never prevail, those who trust in the Lord will be lifted up in the last day and given refuge.

 

Esther 5-6

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Esther 5-6

Chapter 5: The King Receives Esther

On the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, across from the king’s house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house. So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, which she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter. And the king said to her, “What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you; up to half the kingdom!” So Esther answered, “If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.” Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, that he may do as Esther has said.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

At the banquet of wine the king said to Esther, “What is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!” Then Esther answered and said, “My petition and request is this: If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, then let the king and Haman come to the banquet which I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said.”

Haman went out that day joyful and with a glad heart; but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, and that he did not stand or tremble before him, he was filled with indignation against Mordecai. Nevertheless Haman restrained himself and went home, and he sent and called for his friends and his wife Zeresh. Then Haman told them of his great riches, the multitude of his children, everything in which the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and servants of the king. Moreover Haman said, “Besides, Queen Esther invited no one but me to come in with the king to the banquet that she prepared; and tomorrow I am again invited by her, along with the king. Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”

His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows be made, fifty cubits high, and in the morning suggest to the king that Mordecai be hanged on it; then go merrily with the king to the banquet.” And the thing pleased Haman; so he had the gallows made.

Chapter 6: Mordecai Recieves Great Honors

That night the king could not sleep. So one was commanded to bring the book of the records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. And it was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, the doorkeepers who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. Then the king said, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” And the king’s servants who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.”

The king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king’s palace to suggest that the king hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. The king’s servants said to him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” And the king said, “Let him come in.”

Haman came in, and the king asked him, “What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?” Now Haman thought in his heart, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?”

Haman answered the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, let a royal robe be brought which the king has worn, and a horse on which the king has ridden, which has a royal crest placed on its head. Then let this robe and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes that he may array the man whom the king delights to honor. Then parade him on horseback through the city square, and proclaim before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!’“

The king said to Haman, “Hurry, take the robe and the horse, as you have suggested, and do so for Mordecai the Jew who sits within the king’s gate! Leave nothing undone of all that you have spoken.” So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai and led him on horseback through the city square, and proclaimed before him, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to

Afterward Mordecai went back to the king’s gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered. When Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him, his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish descent, you will not prevail against him but will surely fall before him.” While they were still talking with him, the king’s eunuchs came, and hastened to bring Haman to the banquet which Esther had prepared.

1 Chronicles 27-29

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1 Chronicles 27-29

Chapter 27: Officers who served the King

David’s army was divided into units of twelve, with one group of the twelve on alert each month of the year. By doing this, they found an effective way of always keeping the troops ready and the inactive troops regularly trained.

Over the first first month was; Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his course were 24,000.The children of Perez was the chief of all the captains of the host for the first month.

Over the second month was; Dodai an Ahohite, and of his course was Mikloth also the ruler: in his course were 24,000.

Over the third month was; Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest: and in his course was 24,000. Benaiah, who was mighty among the thirty, and above the thirty: and in his course was Ammizabad his son.

Over the fourth month was; Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him: and in his course was 24,000.

Over the fifth month was; Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in his course was 24,000.

Over the sixth month was; Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

Over the seventh month was; Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course was 24,000.

Over the eighth month was; Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

Over the ninth month was; Abiezer the Anetothite, of the Benjamites: and in his course was 24,000.

Over the tenth month was; Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course was 24,000.

Over the eleventh month was; Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his course was 24,000.

Over the twelfth month was; Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his course was 24,000.

Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah: Of the Levites, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel: of the Aaronites, Zadok: Of Judah, Elihu, one of the brethren of David: of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael: Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel: Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah: Of the half tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner: Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel.

And over the king’s treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, was Jehonathan the son of Uzziah: And over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub: And over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite: over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite. And over the olive trees and the sycomore trees that were in the low plains was Baal-hanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil was Joash; And over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds that were in the valleys wasShaphat the son of Adlai: Over the camels also was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the asses was Jehdeiah the Meronothite: And over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagerite. All these were the rulers of the substance which was king David’s.

Chapter 28: Solomon to Build the Temple

David assembled all of the princes of Israel and the princes of the tribes and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by their month.

David stands and says; “… Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God, and  had made ready for the building: But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war and hast shed blood.” (1 Chronicles 28:2-3). But he continues on to say that he was chosen to be the father of the one chose to build that house. This is Solomon. Solomon will build the house of the Lord. David says to Solomon; “…Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off forever.” (1 Chronicles 28:9)

David further counsels Solomon to take heed and build the sanctuary for the Lord. He says; “…be strong, and do it.” (1 Chronicles 28:10)

David continues to give Solomon the blue prints for the construction and gives him all the resources that he will need in preparing and going forth with the construction.

He continues to speak with Solomon; “…Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.” (1 Chronicles 28:20)

Chapter 29: Solomon Reigns as King

Everyone in Israel makes generous offerings of Gold, Silver, Iron, Time, etc. to the construction of the house of the Lord. David blesses and praises the Lord and instructs the people. David dies and Solomon reigns as the king. In verse 29 the chapter mentions the books of both “Samuel” and “Gad” which we no longer have today. This is another example of why the Bible is not complete.

1 Chronicles 23-24

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1 Chronicles 23-24

Chapter 23: Solomon is Made King

When David was old and ready to return to his heavenly father he made his son Solomon king over the land. David then gathered up all the princes in Israel, and the priests with the Levites and had them all numbered, which was 38,000 men, of which 24,000 men were charged with working in the house of the Lord and 6,000 were officers and judges. 4,000 were porters and 4,000 praised the Lord with instruments.

David divided them up into groups; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

Of the Gershonites were: Laadan, and Shimei.

The sons of Laadan; the chief was Jehiel, Zetham, and Joel.

The sons of Shimei; Shelomith, Haziel, and Haran.

The sons of Shimei were:  Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah. And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second.

The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

The sons of Amramwere ; Aaron and Moses. Moses the man of God, his sons were named of the tribe of Levi.

The sons of Moses were, Gershom, and Eliezer.

The sons of Eliezer were: Rehabiah the chief. And Eliezer had no other sons; but the sons of Rehabiah were very many.

The sons of Izhar; Shelomith the chief.

The sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.

The sons of Uzziel; Michah the first, and Jesiah the second.

The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. The sons of Mahli; Eleazar, and Kish.

And Eleazar died, and had only daughters, and the sons of Kish married them.

The sons of Mushi; Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth.

These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, which did the work for the service of the house of the Lord, from the age of twenty years and upward.

Chapter 24: Sons of Aaron and Levi Divided

The divisions of the sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest’s office.

David distributed them, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, Ahimelech, and the sons of Ithamar, according to their offices of service.

The sons of Eleazar and the sons of Ithamar; were they divided.

Among the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen chief men of the house of their fathers, and eight among the sons of Ithamar according to the house of their fathers. They were divided by lot.

7 Now the first lot came forth to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah, the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim, the fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin, the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah, the ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah, the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim, the thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab, the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer, the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Aphses, the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezekel, the 21st to Jachin, the 22nd to Gamul, the 23rd to Delaiah, and the 24th to Maaziah.

And the rest of the sons of Levi were these:  the sons of Amram; Shubael: the sons of Shubael; Jehdeiah.

Rehabiah: of the sons of Rehabiah;  wasIsshiah.

Of the Izharites; Shelomoth: of the sons of Shelomoth; Jahath.

And the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth.

Of the sons of Uzziel; Michah: of the sons of Michah; Shamir.

The brother of Michah was Isshiah: of the sons of Isshiah; Zechariah.

The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi: the sons of Jaaziah; Beno.

The sons of Merari by Jaaziah; Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri.

Of Mahli came Eleazar, who had no sons.

Concerning Kish: the son of Kish was Jerahmeel.

The sons also of Mushi; Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth.

1 Chronicles 11-12

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1 Chronicles 11-12

Chapter 11: David King of Hebron

All the people come out to see David and tell him that they are with him, and that they will do according to what the Lord would have and anoint David king over Israel.  David makes a covenant with all the Elders of Israel. David tells them that whoever is the first to smite the Jebusites would be the chief captain. So Joab was the chief.  David dwelt in the castle and because he dwelt there the castle and everything surrounding it became the “City of David”. David and his kingdom became greater and more powerful with the Lord by his side. He had many chief captains; Jashobeam, Eleazar, Dodo (who was one of the 3 mightiest).

Dodo was with David at Pasdammim and there the Philistines were gathered to battle where a parcel of barley was. But David and his men were able to kill the Philistines and the Lord delivered them.

After this 3 of the 30 captains of David went down with him to the rock of David into the cave of Adullam, where the host of the Philistines were camped in the valley of Repham. So while there, David asked his 3 men to go in among the Philistines to draw him water from the well of Beth-lehem that is near the gate. So they sneak in and get him water. But when he goes to drink it, David pours it out on the ground, and said;

“…My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it…” (1 Chronicles 11:19)

Abishai the brother of Joab was the chief of the three; because he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them. Because of this he was more honorable than the other two.

Then there was Jehoiada the son of Kabzeel (who was a very valiant man), who has killed two lion-like men of Moab, he also slew a lion in a pit on a snowy day. He slew an Egyptian. Then there was the last of the three, who was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada who  was honorable, but hadn’t yet attained the honor of the first two. So David set Benaiah over his guard. These valiant men of the armies were;

Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Beth-lehem, Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abi-ezer the Antothite, Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah, that pertained to the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,

 The sons of Hashem the Gizonite; Jonathan the son of Shage the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Ur, Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite, Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai, Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Haggeri, Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armourbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai, Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him, Hanan the son of Maachah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite, Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jehiel the sons of Hothan the Aroerite, Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite, Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite, Eliel, and Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite.

Chapter 12: David’s Mighty Men

Men come to David in the area of Ziklag. The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah, Jeziel, Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, Berachah, Jehu, Ismaiah, Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, Josabad, Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, Shephatiah, Elkanah, Jesiah, Azareel, Joezer, Jashobeam, Joelah, Zebadiah, and the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.

Those men who fought in battle where men of war who could handle shield and buckler, and whose faces were like the faces of lions and were as swift as the roses upon the mountains.

The sons of Gad (in order of birth); Ezer, Obadiah, Eliab, Mishmannah, Jeremiah, Attai, Eliel, Johanan, Elzabud, Jeremiah, Machbanai. They were the captains of the host who went over to Jordan in the first month. They met up with David and David answered them and said unto them; “…If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it” (1 Chronicles 11:17)

                One of the chief captains, Amasai, then responds by telling David that they are on his side. There in Ziklag; Manasseh, Adnah, Jozaband, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, Zilthai and all the thousands that were with them fall under the control of David. These men helped David against the band of the rovers, these are the numbers of the men that were under David;

The children of Judah: 6,800

The children of Simeon: 7,100

The children of Levi: 4,600

The children of Jehoiada: 3,700

Zadok and his father’s house: 22

The children of Benjamin: 3,000

The children of Manasseh: 18,000

The children of Issachar: 200

of Zebulun: 50,000

of Naphtali: 1,000 captains and 37,000 with spear and shield.

of the Danites: 28,600

of Asher: 40,000

 

On the other side of the river Jordan were 120,000 men. All of these men came to Hebron to make David king over all of Israel! There was joy in Israel.

1 Kings 9-10

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1 Kings 9-10

Chapter 9: Promises of Blessings

The Lord again appears to Solomon and promises him great blessings if the Israelites are obedient and great cursing’s if they chose to forsake the Lord. Solomon reigns with power, authority and splendor. He is able to levy a tribute on all the non-Israelite residents and starts his own Navy.

Chapter 10: Queen of Sheba Visits King Solomon

Because of the great success of King Solomon as nearby Queen, the Queen of Sheba hears about this and decides to see for herself, because she did not believe what she heard. So she travels to meet King Solomon, and with her she travels as a train of camels carrying all manner of riches. When she arrives and meets King Solomon she says;

“…It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. Howbeit I believe not the words until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame I heard” (1 Kings 10:6-7)

How often do people down play something they heard? Never. Which means that until you met King Solomon in person you would never be able to understand the kind of wisdom and wealth that he was in possession of.

It says that King Solomon exceeded the wealth of any other leader in the world at that time. It goes on to say that the entire world longed to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. He was so well liked that every year he would receive gifts of gold, silver and fine things.

 

1 Kings 7-8

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1 Kings 7-8

Chapter 7: Solomon Builds Himself a House

Solomon builds himself a house that takes him 13 years to complete! The construction of the palace or house of Solomon was very similar in design and elegance as the Temple of the Lord was. I won’t go into detail about all the sizes of the house or the way it was built… but imagine very nice… with gold and fine carved timber throughout.

King Solomon hired a man by the name of Huram who was very skilled with Bronze work. He came to work for the king and complete all the tasks assigned to him. Huram cast two bronze pillars with a network of interwoven chains on the tops, one was called Jakin in the south and the other was Boaz in the north. He also made a molten sea with (baptismal font) that had a radius of 7.5 feet, this “sea” is rested upon the backs of 12 oxen; 3 facing north, 3 facing east, 3 facing west, and 3 facing south. Huram also made 10 stands (carts) with wheels that had basins of water in them, and some pots, shovels and sprinkling bowls to do all of the ordinances.                King Solomon had everything made or overlaid with Gold and once the house portion of the Temple was completed he put the rest of the Gold, Silver and other treasures his father had dedicated into the treasuries of the Temple.

Chapter 8: The Ark of the Temple

The Ark and the two tablets of stone that are placed inside of the Ark are moved into the “holy of holies” inside the Temple. The glory of the Lord fills the Temple, like a cloud throughout the Temple, so much that the priests are unable to stand up.

Solomon offers a dedicatory prayer and asks for temporal and spiritual blessing upon all of Israel, especially those who are repentant and follow the commandments. The people of Israel sacrifice and worship for 14 days straight. One verse that really caught my eye was the following;

“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?” (1 Kings 8:27) -There is more than just “one” heaven… something that latter-day revelation has revealed about where we go when we die. This is all part of the Plan of Salvation… and the 3 degrees of glory that exist in what most people commonly refer to as “heaven”.

1 Kings 1-2

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1 Kings 1-2

*This was originally posted June 6, 2012*

Chapter 1: Adonijah Fails to Be King

King David at this point is very weak and fragile. It says that he was very cold and even with blankets could not get warm. So his servants go to find a young virgin to sleep with him to make him warm. They found Abishag, she cared for the king.

We don’t know exactly what happened between Abishag and King David, but most likely nothing more than someone to care for him. It is rumored by many bilblical scholars that Abishag is the same woman that is in the poem, “The Song of Solomon”, because it is speculated that while the young woman was taking care of David, she was having a fling with his son, Solomon.

Because King David was sick and old, Adonijah, one of the sons of David exalts himself and tells everyone that he will become king. Adonijah technically would be in succession for the throne, if God worked that way. Only God calls the king of Israel… and that is one thing that Adonijah failed to realize is that only God can exalt us. Adonijah even gathers chariots and horsemen (50 in all) to try and market his kingship to all of Israel. Adonijah has a huge banquet in his honor, but refuses to invite Solomon and Nathan the prophet. Joab (the chief general to David) and Abiathar (the high priest of Israel) supported Adonijah, without speaking to David or consulting the Lord.

However, not all of Israel supported Adonijah; Nathan, Zadok and all the mighty men of David refused to support him. They decided to sacrifice sheep, oxen and fattened cattle to the Lord so that they could receive his blessing and also use the meat to hold a feast for those who did not support Adonijah. Nathan tells Bathsheba to go in unto King David and tell him that he had once said that Solomon would become king, and ask David why Adonijah is becoming king instead? So Bathsheba goes into talk with David and tells him what has happened. Nathan decides to come in also and confirm these words.

David decides he has to make things right and sets the course straight so that Solomon can become king after he dies. So David calls a meeting and sets Solomon as the king of Israel and has Nathan and Zadok the priest take him to the tabernacle and have him anointed as king and then he commanded that horns blow and all of Israel announce that Solomon is king!

Adonijah hears that Solomon has been made king he trembles with fear and actually goes to see Solomon and begs for him to spare his life. Solomon tells Adonijah that if he is righteous then he will have nothing to fear, but if he lives a wicked life, he will die by his sword.

Chapter 2: Solomon; King of Israel

Before David dies he tells Solomon to be a righteous king and follow the commandments of God. In 1 Kings 2:4 it states; “…If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel”. This really struck me, especially with the current elections throughout the world, but more specifically in the United States between Barak Obama and Mitt Romney. We know that the government is corrupt and the economy is quickly sinking, but why? Because we have become a wicked a perverse people, and because of this our leaders are also extremely wicked. David also tells his son Solomon to treat his enemies with love, as a friend.

David dies and is buried in the City of David, David reigned over Israel for forty years and reigned over Hebron seven years and thirty three years in Jerusalem. Adonijah goes to Bathsheba and asks her to ask Solomon for Abishag to be his wife. Bathsheba brings his request to her son, King Solomon. King Solomon is upset because he told Adonijah that his life would be spared if he was a good man, but this unrighteous request would cost him his life, Adonijah was executed.

King Solomon also goes to Abiathar the priest and tells him that he is worthy of death also, but he would spare his life for now, but he must be exiled to his own fields. He was spared because he was there with King David during his trials and had carried the Ark of the Lord.

King Solomon also executes Joab and places Zadok in the place of Abiathar as priest for Israel. Solomon calls Shimei and gives him an offer to dwell in Jerusalem but never be permitted to travel from his home, or across the Brook Kidron. So he agrees and goes on his way, however one day the slaves of Shimei escape and Shimei goes after them. Once Solomon heard that Shimei had traveled he sent someone to kill him. Thus the kingdom of Solomon was set in place.