OT: The First Book of Kings, Chapter 9

1 Kings 9:1-28

9:1-2 Through steadfast and ardent faith, Solomon keeps his communication with God open and healthy. Solomon has just completed the temple; before that, he set up his administration with righteous leaders and disposed of corrupt ones. 

9:3-5 God speaks to Solomon a noted second time. Noted because, a child of God lives with His presence constantly in their moment-to-moment thoughts and activities. This is a personal message, spoken by God to his child. We can each receive as though he is speaking directly to us, because he is: 

“I have heard your prayer and your supplication that you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built to put My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually. 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 My 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.’

These are the promises God makes to us.

• I Have Heard Your Prayer and Supplication: He hears our earnest prayers and they matter to him. 
• I Have Consecrated This House You Have Built: He has blessed the temple within us we have built from faith. 
• My Eyes and My Heart Will Be There Perpetually: We have His undivided attention and depth-less love.

These are the commitments God asks us to make Him.

• Walk Before Him in Integrity and Uprightness: Live righteously and with compassion. 
• Do According to All He Has Taught: Follow His life philosophy and instruction of truth and justice. 
• Keep His statutes and Judgement: Allow Him to discipline for your (and the) greater good. His intentions are pure and selfless.

And the result of this relationship between us and God are these.

• Establish Kingdom Forever: the Kingdom of God will dwell within and around us. Providing for, protecting and propelling us.

9:6-9 Of course, there is an alternative. God cautions Solomon, and us, that to choose a crooked and corrupt lifestyle is to disengage from His blessings. A corrupt heart will quickly turn to rubble what once was magnificent. The book of Judges serves as a concise example of the rise and fall of humanity: each time they allowed or contributed to corruption, they fell. Each time they committed to righteousness they rose. 

God is our source of provision. He does not cut us off from Him. Ever. We cut ourselves off from Him. When we choose the wicked way, the selfish way, we pull away from our sustenance. The health of our spirit and life begins to decline.  

9:10-14 Solomon gives Hiram (who provided supplies for the temple and other buildings) twenty cities in Galilee. Hiram is not pleased with the land. Hiram's gift to Solomon is gold.

9:15-19 Additional buildings constructed by Solomon's command are listed. 

9:20-22 Solomon creates a labor force from the people left in the land who are not of the tribes of Israel. But the children of Israel serve him in the military, as servants, officers, captains and commanders. 

9:23 Solomon appoints 550 officials over the labor force.

9:24 Solomon's wife, Pharaoh's daughter, came to live in the house Solomon had built for her. 

9:25 Solomon sacrifices to God three times a year.

9:26-28 Solomon has a fleet of ships built on the shore of the Red Sea.

OT: The First Book of Kings, Chapter 8

1 Kings 8:1-66

8:1-4 Solomon arranges for the ark of the covenant to be brought into the temple by the elders of Israel and heads of each tribe. The ark of the covenant has symbolized God's constant presence with His children. In celebration, Solomon and the elders place the ark in the newly built and furnished temple. It is an extraordinary moment because it becomes starkly apparent that the tribes are no longer a fragmented, weak and nomadic nation. Once they had claim to nothing, not even themselves, and now they prosper because God makes and keeps promises.

8:5 Solomon and all of Israel offer sacrifices to God. Although this practice is antiquated, Isaiah 1:11, it was once a way for people to show their gratitude for God in a physical state. They offered their best in trust that God would replace what they were brave enough to give away. 

8:6-9 The ark is placed inside of the temple; inside of the ark are the two stone tablets Moses placed. The tablets are a reminder that there is a philosophy of life by which to live by, guidelines God has given us to live righteous lifestyles. The ceremony and the wealth do not negate what is written on the stone. The children of Israel have found prosperity because they have walked the path of righteousness. The law of God is the specific blueprint which has led them to where they are now.

8:10-11 In Exodus 13:21, God represented His presence as a cloud over the tribes of Israel. This cloud now fills the temple. The temple is so consumed by the cloud that the priests stop ministering. God's sense of humor makes a serious point: do not be so distracted by beautiful surroundings and eloquent words that you forget the purpose. The cloud which traveled over us in the beginning, travels over this generation too. God is not confined to a temple; He is not limited by any border. His presence makes a place holy and therefore His cloud blesses this temple. 

8:12-13 Solomon identifies the cloud as God's presence, declares this exalted house to God and invites Him to dwell forever with them. And surely God's presence in our lives comes through invitation. He is the mastermind of our world, planet and universe but His presence in our soul comes from invitation. He does not force Himself upon us. Solomon constructs a physical place for God as a symbol for God to make a permanent spiritual place among him. Create a place within yourself for God to dwell.

8:14 Solomon now addresses the people by first blessing them. Solomon's love for the people is genuine: when he had an opportunity to make a selfish request, he chose selflessly instead. His wish is to lead with wisdom and discernment because he takes his responsibility to protect them seriously.

8:15-16 Solomon expresses gratitude for God who has kept his promises throughout generations. God has been present since (and before) slavery in Egypt. Generation after generation, he continued to place the pieces which would lead to this moment. He placed prophets like Moses and Samuel, leaders and brave men like David for the tribes to make strides toward their freedom.

8:17-18 David wanted to built this temple for God but God decided it would be Solomon who would build it. God appreciated David's desire to build the temple but God sticks to His perfect timing. David was kept busy repairing and establishing the tribes so that they could actually have this moment.

8:19-21 Solomon highlights the fact that God has been true to His word and consistent in His presence and ability. His word is fulfilled: Solomon sits on the throne, has built the temple and has rescued this people from the slavery and the wilderness. Never forget that Egypt is symbolic of our own slavery and journey through the wilderness. Whoever or whatever our master is, God promises a way to freedom. God is present and consistently faithful with us, if we are present and consistently faithful with him, we too will see His promises fulfilled in our lives. 

8:22-23 Let's unpack this beautiful message Solomon speaks to God: "There is no God in heaven above or on earth below like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts."

No God like You: There is no other God, no other entity who is like our spiritual Father. No person, thing or force has His capacity for love and wisdom, patience and power. Nothing chooses selflessness so consistently as He does.  

Keep Your Covenant and Mercy: Though we break our commitment with Him, He never breaks His with us. His promises come into fruition. Magnanimously, He allows us to start and restart as many times as we need to finally see the way and the truth. He allows us to continue to repent and reclaim our blessings, even when our behavior should disqualify us.

Walk Before You With All Their Hearts: We are told so many times throughout the Bible that are entire heart is required in faith. Authenticity and sincerity are the transparency we need in order for blessings to come into our lives. We must genuinely seek the nature of God in order to understand it. Putting in the effort is the training we need to handle the reward. We request great wisdom and blessings from God, the journey of faith builds within us the capacity to receive and maintain those things. 

8:24-26 God promised David that his son with reign as king and that if the king ruled righteously, He would remain with them. Solomon now requests the continued fulfillment of that promise. He endeavors to be a righteous king and a faithful servant of God. Like his father, Solomon sees his position as king as a blessed responsibility, a service to God. And no matter our position in life, we have the opportunity to serve God with a blessed purpose. The friend, the mother, the sibling, the granddaughter, father, child, spouse who has been given an opportunity to serve God from their position on earth. 

We may not be kings or queens over nations but we have an impact in our relationships, homes and communities. Who we chose to be matters. God is willing and able to help prepare us for our roles. To establish us and equip us to rise in them. Our perspective must change: we must see as our lives as opportunities to serve Him. Blessing after blessing bloom into our lives when we choose to serve righteousness. Because blessing is the nature of God's instruction... if we're willing to keep learning, He's willing to keep instructing.

8:27 Solomon knows and acknowledges that God cannot be contained. All of these people are gathered to celebrate the completion of the temple. Solomon is quick to remind everyone to celebrate God; who is so absolute that He makes this magnificent temple seem like a useless pile of stones. To Solomon, this temple is a construction of physical gratitude and love for God. But the temple does not match God; it cannot contain Him nor can it even contain all that God has done for the tribes and each individual committed to Him.

8:28 But Solomon asks God to receive his humble offering. He asks God to continue to listen to his prayers and his cries. 

8:29-30 If nothing else, Solomon hopes this temple will serve as a beacon proclaiming God's children's plea for Him to be receptive to their prayers: "that Your eyes may be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that You may hear the prayer which Your servant makes toward this place. And may You hear the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Hear in heaven Your dwelling place; and when You hear, forgive."

8:31-32 Solomon asks God to discipline His people. Solomon does not deny our fallible nature. He confronts it and asks God to deal with it as He seeks fit, teaching us to be better and kinder.

8:33-34 Solomon also knows that people have, do and will, fall away from God and neglect His word and will. Solomon asks for God's forgiveness. He asks God to reel us back in when we stray too far. This is a humble and prudent request, essentially Solomon says something we should all say to God: I will make mistakes, please love me through them. Please do not let me run too far from You.

8:35-36 Solomon asks God to discipline in a manner which teaches us to come back to Him. Only God has the capacity to be as generous as this request requires. Hold the rains, Solomon asks God, so that we can experience the wilderness again. The difference between the deserve and the living water of God will quickly and thoroughly reroute us back to a righteous path.

8:37-40 Like Solomon, welcome God into your heart. He is able to analyze it and make the corrections which transform a whole life. He is able to coax the darkness out. He is able to heal the raw and tender. Solomon asks God to embrace the children who acknowledge their failure or ugliness and stretch their hands out to Him in effort to be better. Kinder. Literally or figurative, God is able to clear the pestilence that maybe we allowed in... but have since decided is unwelcome. 

8:41-43 The prosperity and reputation of the tribes of Israel and their God draws other people to them. It is Solomon's hope that those people will experience the love and truth of the God they have heard about and will be welcomed into His arms. Everything Solomon continues to ask God are already guarantees made by God. Solomon asks God to accept people outside of the tribes of Israel. God already claims and loves each individual. Regardless of our origin here on earth, He knows we all first came from Him. 

Notice that Solomon and the tribes of Israel do not wish to hide or horde their blessings. They understand that God's provision is given in abundance and is without limits. How can that be? Love is a limitless resource. It cannot be contained or quantified. The heart, soul and spirit continue to make space for love. No matter how many people are in our lives, we have the infinite capacity to love them all and deeply. This is how God loves His children: whoever walks into the house is given a room and His whole heart.

8:44-45 God knows who our enemies are better than we do. That is why, when we fight against injustice, we can count on God's support. He has already sized up the enemy and drawn a plan of their inevitable defeat. Solomon asks God to protect and support His righteous children who go out against evil.

8:46-53 Solomon is wise enough to anticipate that all of God's children will have moments of weakness and corruption. He makes this beautiful plea on our behalf for God to discipline us, draw us back to Him, and love us into forgiveness in the way that only He can:

“When they sin against You (for there is no one who does not sin), and You become angry with them and deliver them to the enemy, and they take them captive to the land of the enemy, far or near; yet when they come to themselves in the land where they were carried captive, and repent, and make supplication to You in the land of those who took them captive, saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong, we have committed wickedness’; and when they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies who led them away captive, and pray to You toward their land which You gave to their fathers, the city which You have chosen and the temple which I have built for Your name: then hear in heaven Your dwelling place their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause, and forgive Your people who have sinned against You, and all their transgressions which they have transgressed against You; and grant them compassion before those who took them captive, that they may have compassion on them (for they are Your people and Your inheritance, whom You brought out of Egypt, out of the iron furnace), that Your eyes may be open to the supplication of Your servant and the supplication of Your people Israel, to listen to them whenever they call to You. For You separated them from among all the peoples of the earth to be Your inheritance, as You spoke by Your servant Moses, when You brought our fathers out of Egypt, O Lord God.”

Such a crucial component of faith is an individual's ability to acknowledge their own fallibility. We grow only when we realize we are inadequate in some way. When we acknowledge our weakness, God makes us strong. When we admit our ignorance, God teaches to be wise. Solomon does not make the mistake of believing that he or the people are perfect. He knows that their prosperity has been given by God because of their ability to grow in spite of their imperfection. 

8:54-57 Solomon stands up after making these prayers on his knees. He began his address to the assembly with gratitude to God and he finishes the same way. He thanks God for the rest the tribes now have. He acknowledges the journey of faith over several generations in order to get to this place. He thanks God for the fulfillment of His promises: because God does not have to be faithful and generous with us, He chooses to be.

8:58 "...that He may incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statues and His judgements which He commanded our fathers." Solomon's prayer is that when temptation tries to lure us away (the temptation that is greed, and evil in all of its forms) may God redirect us straightforward back to Him.

8:59-60 It is Solomon's hope that we will be as stalwart with God as He is with us. God is intimately present in every moment; may we all realize the manifestation of His presence in our lives, day and night. Solomon's hope is that we will always realize that our God cannot be compared to. That we will choose Him because of His un-matachable nature, every time there is a choice to be made. That we will realize nothing can or will sustain us the way that He nourishes our souls.

8:62-64 After Solomon's address, he and the people make sacrifices to God. Sacrifice looks different in our time and generation: the selfless gifts we give God are the selfless actions we make on behalf of others. When we donate our resources, and not just the monetary ones. Our time and friendship is valuable. An honorable sacrifice to God that we give out of cheerful willingness but also out of love and service to Him.

8:65-66 The people feast and celebrate for seven days, twice. They return home with contented and faithful hearts. Gratitude for God and acknowledge of all that He has orchestrated and brought into fruition.

OT: The First of Kings, Chapter 7

1 Kings 7:1-51

7:1-12 Solomon has many buildings constructed during his reign. It becomes apparent that the tribes of Israel are experiencing a time of wealth never experienced before (even by their ancestors). Their cohesive and faithful, righteous lifestyle enables blessings in abundance to fill their lives. God speaks to us through scripture to teach us that very lesson: that He can provide for us when we give Him full reign. And God can unequivocally provide the things nothing and no one else can: provision, yes but also peace of mind and stable, steadfast joy.

7:13-14 Solomon hires a celebrated craftsman from the tribe of Naphtali. 

7:15-22 The construction of bronze pillars for the temple.

7:23-26 The construction of "The Sea and the Oxen." Solomon wanted arithmetical art that would represent the tribes and their journey of faith, from slavery to freedom (Moses led the children of Israel across the red sea).

7:27-39 The construction of carts and lavers (basins). 

7:40-51 Furnishings of the temple. 

OT: The First Book of Kings, Chapter 6

1 Kings 6:1-38

6:1 And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the Lord.

6:2-10 Details of the temple are given.

6:11-13 The temple does not take away God's life advice. God does not teach us in order to get us to worship Him; He teaches us to live righteously in order that we may have joy and peace. As the beauty of blessing unfolds in our lives, we naturally worship God for all He has done for us. Solomon has this incredible temple built for God but we do not just show gratitude to God and then move on. God's advice to Solomon is the same here as it is in the beginning (1 Kings 3:14) and end: 

Then the word of the Lord came to Solomon, saying: “Concerning this temple which you are building, if you walk in My statutes, execute My judgments, keep all My commandments, and walk in them, then I will perform My word with you, which I spoke to your father David. And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake My people Israel.”

Faith without works is dead, James 2:14-26. This temple is lovely but if the people in it and around it are not living righteously, it does not compensate for faith. In other words: it is not enough to just exalt God. For to truly love Him, we must walk His ways. Our love for Him must be alive. Our faith must work justly, compassionately, righteously in order to be alive. God is alive in His children, what we do for others we do for him (Matthew 25:40) and therefore to exalt Him means not necessarily to build an ostentatious physical temple for Him but to provide a beautiful sanctuary for His children as well. Sanctuary in friendship. Leadership. Influence. Opportunity. Support. Love. Honesty. Forgiveness. Mercy.

6:14-36 Details of the temple's inner sanctuary are given. God does not bless us because we worship him. We do not need to build this opulent temple (though the gesture is sweet). We need to build this opulent inner-sanctuary inside of ourselves. For it is representative of our faith. We must create an environment of faith within ourselves, a space wide and deep and tall. Beauty in the details... an intimate moment-by-moment relationship with God. After all, 1 Corinthians 3:16 reveals that our faith is the temple of God within us.

6:37-39 Solomon has the temple built over seven years. In the Bible, seven is God's number of spiritual completeness. This temple would provide hundreds of thousands an official place and opportunity to contemplate and further their faith. To worship and learn. To step outside of life and into spirituality. 

OT: The First Book of Kings, Chapter 5

1 Kings 5:1-18

5:1-3 David so loved God that he hoped to build a House for the Lord, 2 Samuel 7:2. A central and grand place of worship. But we all have different potential and purpose here on Earth and it was not David's purpose to build it. David was a military leader; he crushed enemies and built alliances according the word of God. It was David's purpose to build and secure a land in which the people after him, led by Solomon, could prosper and celebrate their faith in safety. 

5:4 It is Solomon's purpose to build the temple, and God knew this early on, Samuel 7:12-13. God chooses the perfect timing to build blessings in our lives. He clears a path, protects the borders and provides the material before construction can begin. Because God builds to last. And that is why we benefit from trusting in His timing (even though it often feels like delay).

5:5 Solomon's intention to build this temple speaks of his faith. So many people remember God only when the only thing they have an abundance of is suffering. But even though Solomon has wealth, fame and security, his gratitude for God is at the forefront of his life.

5:6 With the surplus God has provided, Solomon chooses to commission this huge project: the construction of a temple for God. A child of God can be identified by their desire to express their genuine and ardent love and gratitude for God. Children of God pour their heart and resources out for Him by serving others and worshiping who He is. They are always aware of His presence and provision and it drives them to be like Him.

5:7 Hiram, an ally of the tribes of Israel and Judah is overjoyed by Solomon's leadership and project. Love for God extends beyond the tribes. God began his relationship with humanity through a tiny group of people so that their example would lead others to Him as well; the prosperity of the tribes is a testimony of His goodness and of the abundance a righteous lifestyle yields.

5:8 Solomon requests cedar and cypress logs. Hiram agrees to provide these materials in order to build the temple. This is evidence to us that God can provide for us even outside of the sphere of our comfort. Our faith is able and has no borders. Even though God enables the tribes to be self-sustained by their faith, He is able to garner support and friendship outside of the tribes. We do not only have to feel secure in our homes, communities or comfort zones. God is able in the areas surrounding us as well.

5:9-12 Solomon and Hiram make an arrangement: Hiram will send the wood down the river and Solomon will provide food for Hiram's household. A mutually beneficial arrangement; each provides what the other needs. God has given Solomon the ability to make and retain these peaceful and productive arrangements. 

5:13-14 Thirty-thousand men comprise a labor force created by Solomon to build the temple. Ten-thousand per month are sent in shifts. That way, the laborers will not overexert themselves and will have time to be home and with family. Solomon sets Adoniram in charge of the labor force.

5:15-16 Seventy-thousand men carried materials; eighty-thousand procured stones. Men are chosen to lead and supervise the project. The building of the Lord's temple is a family project. His temple is built by his people. This is symbolic of our lives in faith: the peace and compassion He promises to build is an effort we participate in. The spiritual house of the Lord is made up by the compassionate souls of His children.

5:17-18 Solomon ensures that the best products are used to build this temple. It is not an attempt to be ostentatious; instead it is Solomon's desire to express the extraordinary nature and beauty of God. We humans are limited in our ability to return God's generosity but Solomon does everything he can to give God the best that he can.

OT: The First Book of Kings, Chapter 4

1 Kings 4:1-34

4:1-19 These verses comprise the names of the men who made up Solomon's administration:

1 So King Solomon was king over all Israel. 2 And these were his officials: Azariah the son of Zadok, the priest; 3 Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder; 4 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, over the army; Zadok and Abiathar, the priests; 5 Azariah the son of Nathan, over the officers; Zabud the son of Nathan, a priest andthe king’s friend; 6 Ahishar, over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda, over the labor force. 7 And Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household; each one made provision for one month of the year. 8 These are their names: Ben-Hur, in the mountains of Ephraim; 9 Ben-Deker, in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan; 10 Ben-Hesed, in Arubboth; to him belonged Sochoh and all the land of Hepher; 11 Ben-Abinadab, in all the regions of Dor; he had Taphath the daughter of Solomon as wife; 12 Baana the son of Ahilud, in Taanach, Megiddo, and all Beth Shean, which is beside Zaretan below Jezreel, from Beth Shean to Abel Meholah, as far as the other side of Jokneam; 13 Ben-Geber, in Ramoth Gilead; to him belonged the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, in Gilead; to him also belonged the region of Argob in Bashan—sixty large cities with walls and bronze gate-bars; 14 Ahinadab the son of Iddo, in Mahanaim; 15 Ahimaaz, in Naphtali; he also took Basemath the daughter of Solomon as wife; 16 Baanah the son of Hushai, in Asher and Aloth; 17 Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar; 18 Shimei the son of Elah, in Benjamin; 19 Geber the son of Uri, in the land of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan. He wasthe only governor who was in the land.

4:20-21 The tribes of Israel and Judah begin to truly prosper until Solomon's leadership. Solomon is loved and the people celebrate and all of this is made possible by Solomon's faith and ability to follow God's will. God knows how to lead us through the details which deliver us into blessing and away from suffering.

4:22-23 Solomon and the people live with abundance. To live as a servant of God is to be served by God as a king. It is a beautiful thing to be provided for by God; He sets no limitations: there is a surplus of His love and eagerness to gift joy.

4:24-25 Families are well provided for. The land is wide and safe. God provides and protects in a way that humans simply cannot. Under Solomon's leadership, the tribes live by God's will. And this people who began as slaves, bask in security and surplus.

4:26-28 The tribes have a strong and massive army. They have no lack. God's provision is complete. He ensures that His children have everything and more than they need. As soon as we invite Him into our lives and clear space for His will to fill, blessings proliferate.

God wants each of us to understand that our plans and manipulation cannot accomplish what He can. Once we stop trying so hard to be in control and give Him control instead, everything we hoped for falls effortlessly into our lives.

4:29-31 God continues to provide Solomon a constant stream of wisdom, understanding and compassion. Solomon's faith makes him different from every other man living. It is not Solomon's effort that makes the difference, it is his effort in faith. Solomon begins to develop a widespread reputation as a wise man. And all of this honor and prosperity began with one selfless request.

4:32-34 People travel to hear Solomon speak. And Solomon speaks of simple things: nature and proverbs. God's word and love is not complicated. The word of God draws people in; our souls yearn to absorb His love and simple truths. Solomon is humble, rather than haughty, and it earns him the respect many arrogant men before and after him worked so hard for and failed.

OT: The First Book of Kings, Chapter 3

1 Kings 3:1-28

3:1 In 2 Samuel 7:13, God promised to love Solomon; He promised to discipline Solomon as well, as any good father would. Solomon decides to marry the Pharaoh of Egypt's daughter and we see some of David's mistakes in his son. God advised His children not to marry outside of the faith, not because it is an exclusive club, but because when we are not surrounded by our faith, we tend to forget it (1 Kings 11:1-4). It was a custom during this time for royal lines to marry; marriage created allies across regions. But God never taught us to live by the world's way. It is not a sin for Solomon to marry outside of the faith, but it will eventually cause him a personal crisis in faith.

Solomon begins plans to build two homes: one for himself, and one for God. 

3:2 People are sacrificing to God in the "high places" because there is not yet a designated place to do so. David once wanted to build a home for God but God explained that it would be Solomon who would build the place of worship. Through and with David, God reestablished the twelve tribes of Israel. Together, they brought them back together and secured their place on the earth as well as their faith. With that work accomplished, a permanent place of worship for God could be built.

3:3 We learn that Solomon, despite his mistakes, truly loves God. David gave Solomon advice on how to rule and he follows it (we read in the previous chapter how closely he actually follows it). And this is why God ensured the kingship for Solomon: unlike David's other sons, Solomon is willing and eager to love and follow God's will.

3:4 Solomon travels to Gibeon to make a sacrifice to God in the great high place (again, there is not yet a centralized place of worship, just many smaller high places).

3:5 God presents Himself to Solomon in a dream: "Ask! What shall I give you?" Solomon has recently become king over the tribes of Israel; it would be easy for him to boast about his position or ask, in arrogance, for more prominence. What he chooses to ask for in this moment will define his character.  

Although we often neglect to realize or answer, God asks each of His children the same question (John 14:13-14). For God wants to bless us. Though He knows what is best for us, it pleases Him to have open communication with us; He loves to hear our hopes and dreams. He loves to contemplate our answers to His question and then customize their delivery into our lives. Because God knows that it is not necessary what we ask for that matters... what matters is why we ask for it. We reveal our heart when we ask for answer. 

3:6 This is where Solomon truly sets himself apart as a child of God. This is where Solomon reveals his heart. Because Solomon uses this opportunity to make a selfless request. Before making his request, Solomon thanks God. Solomon has acknowledges God's generosity and steadfast support in his life and he is grateful. 

It is so important to have a well-rounded relationship with God. We must not be so focused on the blessing that we forget the journey. God delivers grand blessings into our lives but in between, he constantly delivers the smalls ones. The ones that make all the difference in the details of the journey. 

3:7 After exalting God, Solomon pours out his humility. He feels inexperienced in his position as king; he compares himself to a small child. He admits that he does not know how to handle his new responsibility. So many before Solomon never cared about or even considered whether they were qualified for the responsibility. Those people lusted for power and prominence so much that it did not occur to them to wonder if they were worthy of it. But Solomon is not content to rule as he is, he feels inadequate. 

3:8-9 Solomon is grateful for his position but overwhelmed. Therefore, rather than make a selfish request, Solomon asks for the capacity to care for all of the responsibility God has given him. A stunning request! God is so willing and able to compensate for our inadequacies if with that power we have righteous intentions.

Solomon asks God how to properly and fully love and lead the people surrounding him. He asks God how to discern from good and evil in order to protect them. That is precisely how you ask for something in God's name, John 14:13-14: And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

Whenever we ask God for something, we should ask ourselves whether what we are asking for is rooted in the same soil as Solomon's request. Are our intentions born out of desire or compassion? Do we make a request that will benefit more than just ourselves? We must remember that God knows how to bless His children and loves to do so, Luke 12:13! He knows what we need better than we do, Matthew 6:8. Like He has done for the people in this Bible, He will enthusiastically fill our lives to bursting with blessings. We do not need to ask for things for ourselves because when we sincerely ask for things for others, God takes care of us. If we are busy taking care of others, God is busy taking care of us, Luke 6:38.

Life can be so chaotic: externally and internally. Fear and anxiety cause us worry... most often about ourselves. It is a natural response of our body. But is is also a black hole of suffering. God asks us to work with Him and learn to remove the fear and anxiety. To trust Him to provide the path, provision and protection we need to endure (and even enjoy) life. For if we can trust that our path, provision and protection is ensured, we can focus on living generous, selfless lifestyles. If we worry about anything, Solomon teaches us, worry about taking care of the people who need it. Because if we are trusting children of God, we do not need to worry about ourselves, we can remove it from our conscious! Our needs are taken care of.

3:10 Solomon's request warmed God. We make God so happy when we step into the image of compassion He made us in. 

3:11 God's response to Solomon is further support of the truth that our selfless generosity inspires God to absolutely stuff our lives with blessings: 

The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

Solomon receives what he asks for and more! But our compassion must be genuine. We are given to in order that we may give. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 reminds us that God loves cheerful givers. People who give not to earn points for themselves but because their heart yearned to fill a need another person had. 

If Solomon is willing to remain with God, God promises a long life. We have so much potential for good here! So much opportunity for it through our faith. If we are willing and eager fellow-workers with God, we do great work while we are here. Solomon did not ask for honor or riches; his reputation did not matter. He had one simple request: to adequately do God's will. 

When we make that request the central point, motivation, hope and destination of our lives, we begin to speak God's love language.

3:15 Solomon wakes from his dream and immediately worships God. He worships before the blessing, during the blessing and after receiving the blessing. Invite God into every moment. Every breathe and thought and heartbeat. Be as present with Him as He is with you. He is listening, He is answering, He is providing. 

3:16 As king, it is Solomon's responsibility to settle matters between the people. A difficult case is presented to Solomon: two women approach him with a disagreement over the parentage of a baby. These women are not married and therefore, their stories cannot be supported by their spouses; it is one woman's word against another.

3:17 The first woman explains that she and the other women live in the same house. While at home, she gave birth to a baby.

3:18 On the third day, she claims, the other woman also gave birth to a baby.

3:19 But the second woman's son died overnight.

3:20 So, the tells Solomon, the second woman whose child died, woke in the night and took her baby.

3:21 The first woman woke to find the baby who died in her bed. But after examining him, she noticed that the child was not hers. She tells Solomon that the women switched the babies.

3:22 At this point, the second woman (accused of the crime) denies switching the babies. She claims that it was the other woman whose baby died.

3:23 This situation gives Solomon an opportunity to utilize the wisdom he asked for from God. Solomon anticipating such moments as these, moments when truth is obscure and a solution even more so. Solomon does not know these women; clearly one woman is telling the truth and determining which one is crucial.

3:24-25 The wisdom Solomon received from God is the ability to discern a sincere and compassionate soul. Solomon has an idea, he intends to force the women to reveal their true hearts by making a horrible declaration. He tells each that he will kill the child, divining the body and therefore allowing each woman an opportunity to bury her child.

3:26 Immediately one of the women cries out, yearns with compassion, to save her baby. She pleads with Solomon not to kill the child and to allow the other women to keep him. Her outcry reveals that winning the disagreement is not important to her; she only wishes to protect her child. Even if it means giving him to the other woman.

The other women thinks Solomon's decision is fair. This reveals that she has a jealous and corrupt heart. She does not truly care about the child.

3:27 Solomon's idea worked. Based on each of their reactions, he decides that the baby belongs to the first woman. He orders the baby to be kept alive and given to her.

3:38 Solomon's God-given ability to discern truth in this situation is met with awe and appreciation. People begin to see God working with Him as he leads their nation. Although Solomon asks for wisdom rather than honor, the righteous manner in which he leads earns him both. 

OT: The First Book of Kings, Chapter 2

1 Kings 2:1-46

2:1-2 David knows that his days on Earth are coming to a close. Before it leaves, he must ready Solomon to reign as a righteous king. More importantly, David needs to impress upon his son the importance of living as a righteous man.

2:3 To his son, David gives this instruction: "... keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgement, 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."

Experience taught David that faith expertly navigated him through life. Faith made doors where there were dead ends; faith restored what was damaged, faith gave what did not exist, faith raised what had fallen. Steadfast faith enabled David to reign as a king worthy and capable of his responsibility.

2:4 God promised David that if his sons became earnest men in faith, "with all their heart, and all their soul"  the tribes of Israel would continually have a king to lead them. Faith requires our wholehearted effort. Our faith must be present in every element of our lives; David asks his son to be a good man because who we choose to be is the foundation of everything we do.

He asks his son to be obedient to God. The reason is because even if Solomon were gullible and slow, God would make the reparations or conditions which enabled him to prosper anyway. David understands that if Solomon is rooted in faith, his son and the kingdom will be well nourished by righteous soil.

2:5-6 As all new kings do, Solomon inherits the responsibility of circumstances which took place before him. David gives Solomon one of his first duties to settle: Joab. The commander's service has been controversial at best and disobedient at worst. David mentions Joab's murder of Abner and Amasa which did not take place during a war or battle. Perhaps David suspects that Joab will be out of control without David; after all, David is the only one Joab has ever been completely loyal to.

2:7 The discussion between father and son turns to foreign relations. David would like Solomon to keep peace and gratitude between himself and the sons of Barzillai. When David was forced out, he found provision and shelter in their generosity. In some ways, David began with nothing. The tribes of Israel were fragmented and scattered when he became king. It is different for Solomon. Solomon inherits a united kingdom and the small bit of history it has always begun to accumulate.

2:8-9 Solomon is tasked with finishing business David was unable to do himself. David made a vow not to kill Shimei, who disrupted the tribes of Israel and propagated the chaos which resulted in David's flee from the throne. Shimei's rebellion went unpunished by David, who showed him mercy and forgiveness. But it becomes important to David that Solomon uproot the known seeds of rebellion before they begin to grow like weeds in his infancy as king.

2:10-11 David passes away and is buried in the City of David. He reigned for forty years, an obedient servant of God. (Note that humble servants of God are exalted by Him as kings). 

2:12 Solomon sits on the throne and his position is secured. In 2 Samuel 7:12-16, God spoke to David about Solomon and this prophesy is here fulfilled:

12 "When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. 15 But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever."

2:13 Now that his father has passed away, Adonijah revives his plans to take the throne from Solomon. He approaches Solomon's mother Bathsheba. Immediately Bathsheba asks Adonijah if he comes in peace, a reasonable question considering that the last time Adonijah was around, he was building a rebellion against David and Solomon. But Adonijah claims to be there peaceably.

2:14 Although Adonijah does not present an immediate threat to Bathsheba, his reason for being there is deceptive. Bathsheba likes suspects this but allowed Adonijah to speak.

2:15 Adonijah re-illustrates the past: he claims that all of Israel was his and that the people loved him and expected him to reign. He tries to make Bathsheba feel that he is owed something. From his arrogant perspective, Adonijah feels that he gracefully released his claim to the throne to Solomon. The truth is that it always belonged to Solomon. Still, Adonijah sticks to his delusions in order to promote his agenda. 

2:16 Adonijah asks a favor from Bathsheba and she allows him to continue with his request.

2:17 Adonijah asks Bathsheba to ask Solomon (on his behalf) if he can marry Abishag (the young woman who was brought to care for David). Adonijah knows that his request will be denied by Solomon: this is a frank attempt to claim one of David's wives and therefore claim more of a right to take the throne. Solomon will see right through it. Adonijah hopes that if the request comes from Solomon's mother, out of affection for her, he might make an unwise decision. 

2:18 Bathsheba agrees to take the request to Solomon. Likely, Bathsheba trusts her son to do the right thing regardless of who the request comes from. Bathsheba loves her son and actively participated in ensuring his reign as king; she would not throw it away. Adonijah makes the mistake of thinking Bathsheba a gullible woman.

2:19-21 Bathsheba brings Adonijah's request to Solomon.

2:22-24 Solomon is not hoodwinked by Adonijah's attempt. He knows that if Adonijah were to marry Abishag, it would solidify his claim to the throne. Solomon determines that Adonijah's continued rebellion must result in death (he will not allow good and evil to play tug-a-war with the throne). Better to thwart Adonijah before he does find a way to dethrone Solomon. 

Solomon strongly suspects that Adonijah's motives are evil but leaves room for his own mistake: Solomon asks God to strike him down if he is wrong for ordering Adonijah's death. 

2:25 But surely Adonijah is a representative of evil. He was not chosen by God to reign. His attempts to reign are self-motivated and deceptive. He is not an honest or righteous man. And therefore Solomon instructs Benaiah to kill Adonijah, so he does.

2:26-27 Solomon begins his work. Abiathar is removed as the priest (he went against God and joined Adonijah's rebellion). Solomon inadvertantly initiates God's prophesy in 1 Samuel 2:27-36 and 1 Samuel 3:11-14. Continued disobedience would cause this priest-line to lose their place. This is a small moment in which we can see the omniscience of God, who foresaw these events and planned for them before they ever took place. 

2:28 Joab suspects that Solomon is handing out due justice to David's former men and defects to Adonijah. Just as David suspected, Joab's loyalty to David ended with David's death. He could not be trusted to support Solomon. 

2:29 Following Solomon's command, Benaiah goes to Joab to execute him.

2:30 Instead of surrendering, Joab refuses to come out, he tells Benaiah that he will die where he is. Benaiah brings Joab's words back to king Solomon.

2:31-33 Solomon figures that is Joab insists on dying where he is... he can. But he will be executed there for his crimes against innocent men. Solomon does not want the justice to go undelivered as he knows it will negatively impact Israel in the future. Solomon intends to lead a righteous nation. In order to do that, justice cannot be ignored. It festers and disrupts the nations, infiltrates and poisons faith.

2:34 Therefore Benaiah returns to Joab and kills him. Joab is buried by his home. 

2:35 Solomon places Benaiah as the new commander over the army; and he places Zadok as priest. Benaiah takes over Joab's former position and Zadok claims Abiathar's former position. As he becomes established in his throne, Solomon puts righteous men in command. A kingdom is a multi-headed body; if each person in a position of power is rooted in faith, the nation will prosper.

2:36-37 Finally, Solomon attends to the business of Shimei. Solomon tells Shimei to build a house in Jerusalem and to stay there. He was never punished for his crimes but Solomon makes it clear that he will not be allowed the freedom to do so again. If he leaves the designated area, he will be killed.

2:38 Shimei accepts and does as instructed. 

2:39-45 Three years later, Shimei leaves his home to retrieve what he considers to be his property (slaves). We do not know the details of the circumstances which caused Shimei to break his deal with Solomon. But we do know that Solomon is wise and merciful. We also know that God enables his servants, such as Solomon, to bring His will into fruition (even if inadvertently).

Therefore Shimei is put to death for his disobedience. The events of Shimei's death are personal between himself and God, as only they know the details of the conditions. Nevertheless, he broke the law which protected him from being punished for his crimes.

2:46  "Thus the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon." Without hesitation, Solomon began his reign faithful to God and to his father's advice. He rid the kingdom of flagrant rebellion. He restored corrupted positions with honest men. 

OT: The First Book of Kings, Chapter 1

1 Kings 1:1-53

Welcome to the first book of Kings! In 1 Samuel 8, the prophet Samuel spoke to the tribes of Israel about the downfalls of electing a king. God had established a relationship with the tribes in which He was their only leader. But the tribes of Israel asked for a man king. God warned of the hazards of having a human king but they insisted. In God's system, they would rely only on Him to provide and protect. It would have greatly benefited the tribes to choose God as God's reign is omnipotent, omniscient, selfless and consistent. Under the reign of a human king, however, the tribes of Israel would be subject to the whims, desires, moods and mistakes of the man in power. The tribes ignored God's cautioning because they wanted to be like the nations around them.

In the previous books, we saw the reign of Saul and the reign of David juxtaposed. Everything God warned of happened. Saul had many faults, David had few. Neither compared to the heavenly Kingship. But David loved God and ultimately that remained the foundation of his reign. As we begin this new book, we see that David is now an elderly man. The tribes of Israel need a new king and this is where 1 Kings begins. 

1:1-4 David is an old man and his servants notice his advanced age pulling some of the life out of him. David is always cold and needs constant care. The servants decide to hire a young woman to be his caretaker (specifically a virgin, but she and David will not have a relationship). The young woman's name is Abishag and she's described as lovely.

1:5-6 David's son with Haggith, Adonijah, declares that he will succeed his father as king. Adonijah is Absalom's younger brother and he's as handsome as Absalom was. Adonijah begins to gather men to make his declaration official, specifically Joab and Abiathar the priest.

7:7-8 Adonijah has the support of some of the most powerful men. But not the support of all of them, and certainly not God's. Zadok the priest, Benaiah, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei and more of David's "mighty men" were loyal to David and not yet another king. For these men understood that David's position as king was granted by God; any man following David would need that same anointing from Him.

1:9-10 Adonijah begins to celebrate; he gathers all of his supporters and his brothers to sacrifice to God. But there are two issues: one, his brother Solomon was notably uninvited (as well as all of David's loyal men). Two, Adonijah's sacrifices to God are meaningless; he never sought God's permission or direction to become king. He just plans to assume the position.

David has always been a humble man and king. He began his life as a shepherd from a modest family and he retained that humility throughout his life. But David's sons were born into royalty and raised within it. Most of David's sons are prideful and overconfident, to the point of arrogance. David raised a kingdom obedient to God's will, and in its current state of obedience to God, it would only receive a king who was worthy of maintain the same. Those most loyal to God and to David understood this but Adonijah did not.

1:11-14 The prophet Nathan, who has previously served as David's anchor in storms of drama and wavering faith, sends Bathsheba to reveal Adonijah's plans. Nathan tells Bathsheba to remind David that their son Solomon was promised to succeed him as king.  We learn that Solomon is chosen by God in 1 Chronicles 28.

Solomon was born in 2 Samuel 12:24-25 and it is in that chapter that we first learn of God's affection for Solomon. At birth, before birth, God knows the nature of our souls, Ephesians 1:4. Like his father, God knew that Solomon would make a righteous (even if imperfect) king. Solomon will not be perfect; David is not perfect but it serves as a reminder to us that God loves us fiercely even through our imperfection. He claims a righteous heart (and all of the baggage and mess that comes with it). And that is precisely the difference between Solomon and Adonijah. Both are imperfect but only one has a righteous heart. 

1:15-16 Bathsheba visits David with her message and he is attentive. 

1:17-21 She explains Adonijahs plans and her fear that after David dies, nothing will stop him from taking the throne from Solomon. And indeed it does rightfully belong to Solomon. Although he is not the eldest or described as the most handsome, he is chosen by God. True and pure faith would trust that God can and will arrange the circumstances of Solomon's reign but in the midst of the drama and chaos, Bathsheba panics that Adonijah will succeed in thwarted God's will. It is a reminder to us that when we are in the midst of drama and chaos, we can trust God to intricately orchestrate His will into our lives, heal our wounds, restore our paths, establish and secure our rightful places.

1:22-27 The prophet Nathan enters and affirms everything Bathsheba has told David: Adonijah has made his declaration official and only few question or doubt it. In fact, his claim as king seems so imminent that Nathan wonders if David truly had appointed Adonijah.

1:28-30 David is earnest in reassuring Bathsheba that Solomon will be king after him. The honesty and confidence of this declaration exists because of David's faith and submission to God. God has chosen Solomon and David will not act against God will. More than David, David knows that it would be useless to try (even if we wanted to).

1:31 Bathsheba is so relieved that she bows to the ground with gratitude for David's statement. David and Bathsheba have a difficult history together and it comforts her that their (second) and living son will not suffer because of their mistakes. In fact, he will thrive by the love of God despite his parents' mistakes.

1:32-35 Zadok and Nathan are instructed by David to officially declare Solomon king. From atop David's mule and David's throne, all of the tribes of Israel and Judah will see that Solomon has been chosen.

1:36-37 David's men are relieved. Their assignment will assure Solomon as king and they are genuinely pleased about it. Likely these men have known the sons of David and find Solomon to be the most fit to be king. Like his father, Solomon does not assert himself over the kingship. Other people panic - his mother, David's men - but Solomon does not; he does not lust for the throne.

1:38-40 So David's men bring Solomon to Gihon and follow his instructions. The people of Israel and Judah understood the declaration of Solomon as their new king and begin to celebrate.

1:41-42 Meanwhile, Adonijah and his supporters are eating when they begin to hear cheering.

1:43-48 Adonijah learns that his younger brother Solomon has been declared king by David and has received the emphatic support of the people. He also learns of David's joy to be alive long enough to see his son's coronation.

1:49 Adonijah's party quickly breaks up; his supporters return home as their support of him would now be open rebellion.

1:50-51 Adonijah becomes afraid of Solomon; he begs his brother not to kill him.

1:52-53 Solomon has no intention of killing his brother. As he would promise any man, Solomon explains that if his brother is a good man he will live and not be harmed but if he is a wicked man he will die. Solomon sends his brother home in peace. This is Solomon's first, at least recorded, decision as king. Solomon is known for his wisdom and discernment and from his first words we can understand why. He is a humble and just man.

OT: The Second Book of Samuel, Chapter 24

2 Samuel 24:1-25

24:1 There is some confusion to this verse. In this chapter, it is written that God instructed David to do a census of Israel and Judah. However, in 1 Chronicles 21, it is written that it was actually Satan who convinced David to do a census. If it is actually Satan behind David's intention to count the citizens, it is a display of evil trying to claim what does not belong to it (such as temptation and violence does).

24:2 We might not be certain of David's motivations, but here we learn that he does initiate the census.

24:3-4 More evidence supports the idea that David was not commanded by God to do this census: Joab is willing to follow David orders but he questions them. Throughout this book, Joab has proven to be a bold and opinionated man; he would not have second-guessed David without good reason. Still, Joab is loyal and David persisted, so he left to do a census of the people.

24:5-9 Therefore Joab and his men went throughout region after region counting the men of Israel and Judah: 800,000 men in Israel and 500,000 men in Judah. In these times, a nation's military truly determined its ability to exist. Since men made up the armies, it was their count that mattered most to a king.

24:10 David apologizes to God after doing the census; God is not the one who sanctioned the census. The fact that David was tempted to count the men suggested some weakness of straying from his faith. Fear and enemy might tempt us to count our stores, question our strength, or seek material reinforcement. Conversely, faith tells us plainly that all we need for protection is God. It should not have mattered to David whether or not he had an impressive army. God is the army and He cannot be defeated.

This relates to our own lives because various circumstances cause us to question whether or not we can rely on God. As if He has limits, we face new circumstances and stop trusting that He has the strength and willingness to help us through them. In Numbers 11:23 God asks Moses: has the Lord's arm been shortened? It is a rhetorical question, meant to remind us that God's ability does not diminish. New circumstances arise but our God remains the same powerful and generous God He has always been.

So, whenever we wonder if we are qualified enough for something, strong enough, brave enough, tall enough, smart enough... whatever it is, we must remember that God fills our deficiencies. David did not have to worry about the size of the army because a faithful relationship with God ensures protection and victory. In Deuteronomy 20:8 it is written that those who are afraid are not required in battle; God easily sends the weak in faith home because He does not need numbers. Faith wins battles, not numbers.

24:11-13 The prophet Gad brings a message from God to David. David has three options to chose from: seven years of fame, three months hiding in the wilderness, or three days plague. This is a lesson from God, not a punishment. The discipline is meant to strengthened David's faith and therefore David's strength against the temptation and faithlessness that brings destruction.

24:14 David does not choose to suffer alone; he has spent his life in hiding before and the memory causes him to make a selfish decision. God raises us to be selfish, humble creatures who take responsibility for our own actions... not just because it's the right thing to do but because we have compassion for others.

24:15-16 A plague therefore comes to the land from God through an angel of the Lord because of David (this would weigh more heavily on David than the option he declined). For if David had chosen to flee, he alone would have suffered. His choice caused many others to suffer, but he saved himself. This is another lesson that our choices have consequences that affect others, not just ourselves.

Side note: Notice that God has angels who work for Him. Like us, they are fellow-workers with God. God strengthens you here on earth for a purpose. But what we learn here also qualifies us for positions and opportunities to work with Him when we graduate this level of life. In the Spirit, we can be just as productive and faithful as we are here, perhaps more so. Obedience and humility are required (our time on Earth is a great opportunity to build that skill set!)

24:17 David realizes his selfish mistake. He suffers to see so many innocent people harmed because of his own poor choices. Suddenly, David does not shy away from punishment; he admits his sin, and even asks God to punish him for what he has done. The lesson from David is to be brave and take responsibility for your mistakes. God does not expect perfection but he does expect honesty and good intentions. When we mess up, we have to take ownership to learn and grow from our mess.

God does not delight in punishing us. When we fall, He wants to pick us us. He only allows us to feel to wound so that we will learn and remember not to make the mistake that caused us (or others) pain. He is not cruel. His discipline is administered as a loving father and He is lenient when we are honest with him and compassionate with others.

24:18-21 David approaches the threshing floor (a hard, level surface on which grain is threshed) of a man named Araunah. He wants to purchase it and create an altar for God to show God that he has learned his lesson.

24:22-23 Araunah gives the space to David as well as livestock and anything else he might need. (Only a faithful man would give so much away so easily if it was meant to be given to God - imagine giving up something important to you). Araunah sincerely prays that David will receive the restoration of his relationship with God.

24:24 Araunah is willing to give everything to David for free (he loves God and has a generous, humble heart). But this also provides a choice and a lesson for David. If this sacrifice costs David nothing, it is insincere. After all, it is easy to give away something that does not belong to you. Instead, David purchases everything he wishes to sacrifice to God from Araunah so that the sacrifice is heartfelt and directly from David.

24:25 So David builds an altar for God and provides offerings. The plague in Israel is withdrawn because the righteousness of the king is restored. David's mistake was a reminder that selfish choices made by leaders hurt their followers. Remember that we are all leaders in some way (as siblings, friends, parents, neighbors, teachers, bosses, cohorts). Our example and our influence in the world matters and makes a difference. 

OT: The Second Book of Samuel, Chapter 23

2 Samuel 23:1-38

23:1-7

1 Thus says David the son of Jesse;

Thus says the man raised up on high,

The anointed of the God of Jacob,

And the sweet psalmist of Israel:

David identifies himself as the author (speaker) of these words. They are David's last words as his journey on the earth comes to a close. As in life, David's full attention is focused on God.

2 “The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me,

And His word was on my tongue.

David receives counsel and wisdom from God and here he imparts it on everyone who is listening to him.

3 The God of Israel said,

The Rock of Israel spoke to me:

‘He who rules over men must be just,

Ruling in the fear of God.

The God of Israel, the foundation of Israel impressed upon David the importance of justice and obedience. David's own life teaches us that to be just in life and obedient in faith is to be productive, joyful, victorious, blessed and respected.

4 And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises,

A morning without clouds,

Like the tender grass springing out of the earth,

By clear shining after rain.’

David's description of God highlights how gentle and  brilliant our creator is: morning light and fresh grass, clear rain and sky. Our God is clarity for He provides perspective, wisdom and truth. His light illuminates our life and shatters the shadows of fear and brokenness in our lives. His love is pure, unadulterated by selfish motive and arrogance. He is as invigorated everyday as new dawn, as spring grass. He has been with humanity since our beginning but He is vibrant and nimble as He always was.

5 “Although my house is not so with God,

Yet He has made with me an everlasting covenant,

Ordered in all things and secure.

For this is all my salvation and all my desire;

Will He not make it increase?

David acknowledges that there were times in his life where he was not totally aligned with God. In those times, God remained faithful to loving and disciplining David. God never discarded him because of his mistakes, grave as they were. God restored and put David's life and priorities back into order. He healed the damage David inflicted and felt. Incredibly, God continued to provide and bless David; time and time again, God increased David's blessings. David is awed by God's constantly generosity and forgiveness. 

6 But the sons of rebellion shall all be as thorns thrust away,

Because they cannot be taken with hands.

David trusts God to remove the harms that threaten His children. 

7 But the man who touches them

Must be armed with iron and the shaft of a spear,

And they shall be utterly burned with fire in their place.”

Finally David warns that those who confront evil must have the armor of their faith, Ephesians 6:10-18. God's removal of evil is thorough. As we are coworkers with Him, when we join His army, we receive the tools to do such complete work.

23:8-12 The names of David's most productive military men are given: Josheb-Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah who each had spectacular God-given victories against the Philistines. 

23:13-17 David's men were so loyal to him that even if David merely mentioned a desire, they pursued filling it regardless of the danger. Their trust in God to deliver them through such dangerous situations is evident as well. When David's men return from enemy-land with a cup of water for David, David shows his humility by pouring it out to God. David does not feel worthy of it, even though he is thirsty (and likely desperately so, since he even mentioned it). To David, the One worth going through such trouble for is God.

There is much to learn from David's relationship with God and his respect for Him. David puts God first. Before his own needs, he puts God's worthiness to be worshiped. David's steadfast willingness to place his faith before everything else, even when it was difficult, changed and blessed his entire life, healed every wound and repaved every path. 

23:18-19 Abishai is listed as another of David's mighty men.

23:20-23 Benaiah is listed as another of David's mighty men.

23:24-38 More of David's loyal military men are listed: Asahel, Elhanan, Shammah, Elika, Helez, Ira, Abieazer, Mebunnai, Zalmon, Maharai, Heleb, Ittai, Benaiah, Hiddai, Abi-Albon, Azmaveth, Eliahba, Jonathan, Shammah, Ahiam, Eliphelet, Eliam, Hezrai, Paarai, Igal, Bani, Zelek, Naharai, Ira, Gareb, and Uriah. 

David was blessed by God to be surrounded by faithful, brave and loyal men. God is thorough in building beautiful lives for His children; He surrounds us with love and the material and opportunity to give love. 

OT: The Second Book of Samuel, Chapter 22

2 Samuel 22:1-51

22:1-2 This chapter is special: It is a microscopic lens into David's soul and faith. This prayer explores David's personal and raw journey of faith with God. It is a display of the humility, trust and gratitude which propelled David through life.

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

3 The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; 

The most miraculous element of trust is that we can only truly employ it when it is difficult to do so. Trust in God is confidence that He is able and willing to make the impossible possible. In the tumultuous midst of uncertainty, David chooses to believe God when He says He loves Him and will continually rescue him from his oppressors. 

My shield and the horn of my salvation,

My stronghold and my refuge;

My Savior, You save me from violence.

David's ability to trust God to shield him resulted in impenetrable refuge. When it seemed there were arrows of malice pointed at David from every angle, he trusted God to block him from each one. David acknowledges the steadfast and tireless presence, effort and love of God in his life. 

4 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;

So shall I be saved from my enemies.

David makes a declaration of commitment to God. More than that, he declares his praise of our worthy God. Our God works so hard for our love, He deserves more than we could ever provide but accepts and cherishes what meager scraps we are able to give.

5 “When the waves of death surrounded me,

The floods of ungodliness made me afraid.

God was even able to save David from himself. From his worst mistakes, David was healed and instructed back into righteousness. Whether or not we deserve such magnanimity, God pours it out to us. David remembers the fear that confronted him at times in his life; he felt paralyzed by its promise of imminent destruction. But David is amazed throughout his life by each time God picked him up and flew him out of desperation.  

6 The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me;

The snares of death confronted me.

David suffered in diverse ways during his life: he was accused of crimes he did not commit, he was forced out of his home, he was forced into caves, he was made to confront the worst of himself, he had to go against popular opinion, he had to go against societal norms, his family was mistreated on various occasions, he lost his best friend, he was betrayed and betrayed again by his own son... the list is long. But God pulled him out of all distress. God made him strong enough to bear and smart enough to fix what could be changed.

7 In my distress I called upon the Lord,

And cried out to my God;

He heard my voice from His temple,

And my cry entered His ears.

Each time David called out to God, God was receptive. We may not understand the nature of His omnipotent presence or the depth of His compassion, but God offers His whole self to us. He listens and empathizes, plans and resolves. He may not intervene unless we ask Him to, but once we place our burdens in His capable hands, we find that He is deft in dealing with them.

8 “Then the earth shook and trembled;

The foundations of heaven quaked and were shaken,

Because He was angry.

God is indignant on our behalf. He will not allow a righteous children of His to suffer. He feels. He shares our despair and sorrow as well as our laughter and joy. He experiences every emotion we feel with us. 

9 Smoke went up from His nostrils,

And devouring fire from His mouth;

Coals were kindled by it.

The details of our lives matter to Him, profoundly. 

10 He bowed the heavens also, and came down

With darkness under His feet.

11 He rode upon a cherub, and flew;

And He was seen upon the wings of the wind.

12 He made darkness canopies around Him,

Dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.

13 From the brightness before Him

Coals of fire were kindled.

He watches intently on our behalf. He arrives swiftly and boldly on our behalf. The events of our lives, the circumstances of our days, the words that are spoken to us, the thoughts that are directed toward us, the plans that are made about us. He sees everything, even the things that are outside our own line of sight. And all of it matters to Him. All of it can be bent by His will.

14 “The Lord thundered from heaven,

And the Most High uttered His voice.

15 He sent out arrows and scattered them;

Lightning bolts, and He vanquished them.

16 Then the channels of the sea were seen,

The foundations of the world were uncovered,

At the rebuke of the Lord,

At the blast of the breath of His nostrils.

And God always chooses to act on our behalf. Not just because we ask Him to but because He truly cares. He arrives and shatters the things and people who torment and threaten us. He does not do so flippantly. He comes roaring to our defense because we are His beloved.

17 “He sent from above, He took me,

He drew me out of many waters.

Just as God pulled David from the sea, so will He scoop each of us out from drowning. Whether the waters are enemies or insecurities or fears, He will rescue us and dry us off. He will provide haven, in heaven and here on earth.

18 He delivered me from my strong enemy,

From those who hated me;

For they were too strong for me.

God knows of our particular weaknesses. He knows when an enemy is more powerful or cunning than we are, and He steps in. We are vulnerable without Him but with Him we are undefeated. Unable to be defeated. David felt extreme insufficiency but he survived it each time because God supplemented what he needed and was missing. 

19 They confronted me in the day of my calamity,

But the Lord was my support.

No matter how persistent our tormentors, they are never more present than our God is. He dwells within us, around us. And as He surrounds us, His will orchestrates our rescue and our victory. He supports David; He supports us. He is the crutch when we are weak and He is the strong body that lifts us when we are too fatigued by suffering to move.

20 He also brought me out into a broad place;

He delivered me because He delighted in me.

But God does not just rescue. He provides a haven. A new place, a safe place, to recover and to grow. He places us in a spiritual place, where we can experience the brilliance and intensity of His love and healing. And in that place He delights in who we are. He marvels as His child in the safe and private moments of rescue and restoration. He reveals all of the ways He finds us beautiful.

21 “The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness;

According to the cleanness of my hands

He has recompensed me.

And David learned that the more responsible he became with all that God entrusted him with, the more he received. As long as our hands do the planting and nurturing of righteousness, God provides an abundant harvest. He overfills the basket that is our life with blessing. When we love and maintain the things, people and relationships in our lives, we show God that we are capable of loving more. Of having our life expanded in new directions.

22 For I have kept the ways of the Lord,

And have not wickedly departed from my God.

23 For all His judgments were before me;

And as for His statutes, I did not depart from them.

24 I was also blameless before Him,

And I kept myself from my iniquity.

25 Therefore the Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness,

According to my cleanness in His eyes.

David highlights the importance of following God, walking His path of righteousness without straying. So many forces seek to rip us from our bond with Him. There are many snakes in the garden ingratiating themselves to us, speaking of alternates paths. But David reminds us that God's path is the only one worth walking. 

Vengeance does not mollify anger. Money does not ever satisfy greed. Control does not dissipate fear. Vanity does not suffocate insecurity. But the snakes in the garden will cunningly work to convince you otherwise. Contentment comes only from the righteous love and instruction of God.

26 “With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful;

With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless;

The righteous have the likeness of God; they are sparks of His great fire. A child of God understands his/her Father on a deeply spiritual level. The spiritual energy we create is the spiritual energy we receive; we were made for and born into such a system of natural justice.

27 With the pure You will show Yourself pure;

And with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd.

The evil discover the other side of the ferocity of God. Our creator who continues to form and bring new blessings into our lives, also has the ability of destruction. The devious and cunning find that He outsmarts them at every turn, obliterating their malicious plans. 

28 You will save the humble people;

But Your eyes are on the haughty, that You may bring them down.

God saves the humble because the humble save the broken and the weak. But the arrogant are pursued by their own negative energy. Self-absorption dissuades a person from being generous; and their ignorance neglects to care for the broken and the weak. Their neglect of the ones God holds so dear causes Him to bring them down, an effort to encourage the humility they so lack. 

29 “For You are my lamp, O Lord;

The Lord shall enlighten my darkness.

Like David, allow God to be the beacon of your life. Like Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:12, bring this mantra into the moments of desperation in your life: "Nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” Allow His word and will to bring understanding and resolution to chaos and injustice. We do that by following David's example: keeping our faith, our personal line of communication open with God, exploring His word and following His will.

Life presents us with difficult choices and seemingly impossible circumstances and each of them can be confronted by the simplicity of God's work. Be righteous. Be just. Allow God to defend you. Allow God to ensure justice over you. Do not pursue your own vengeance, or indulge your own greed, just continue to work righteously and He will bring your rescue and blessing into fruition. 

30 For by You I can run against a troop;

By my God I can leap over a wall.

31 As for God, His way is perfect;

The word of the Lord is proven;

He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

God's consistent rescue allows David to trust and understand that God truly acts and provides and rescues. David begins to feel unstoppable as long as He is journeying with God. The size and ferocity of the enemy ceases to matter. Nothing is more giant than God's will and ability.  And if we are in a place of fledgling faith, begin to build the strong relationship David has built with God. Little by little, your commitment to Him will reveal His commitment to you.

32 “For who is God, except the Lord?

And who is a rock, except our God?

Nothing compares to God. God Who is the embodiment of love, light, peace and justice. The manifestation of patience and joy and wisdom. God Who trustworthy without fault. God Who is fierce without weakness. 

David knows that God is the only true safe foundation. Because he lived the same life we are living, he would have been tempted to try other places to land. None of them provided the way that God provides.

33 God is my strength and power,

And He makes my way perfect.

God corrects our errors. Heals our wounds. Reinforces our strength and the force of our efforts. He is our bumper rail, our training wheels, our magic eraser. He cleans up the messes we leave in our wake and makes the path we are walking safe. For we are clumsy children. We throw tantrums and crash into things. We are like toddlers and He chases after us with the love and patience of a new and dedicated Father. To Him, we are endearing, even as we make a mess of trying to walk His righteous path. We are on the path and that is what matters to Him.

34 He makes my feet like the feet of deer,

And sets me on my high places.

God is able to instruct us, train us, to be swift and wise as we live in this big and often chaotic world. He teaches and instructs and brings us up to the heights of joy of love. His presence and effort in our lives is dynamic; He moves and provides from and for every angle. 

35 He teaches my hands to make war,

So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

He prepares us to defend ourselves. We are not helpless in distress. He helps, but He also helps us to defend ourselves. He equips us with the tools we need to be bold and fierce and brave. God is generous with His knowledge. He is generous in using His wisdom and energy to build strength within us. 

36 “You have also given me the shield of Your salvation;

Your gentleness has made me great.

37 You enlarged my path under me;

So my feet did not slip.

As He protects us, He is merciful. He makes from for our clumsiness. The harsh wounds of our mistakes are kindly, tenderly healed by Him. He provides new chances and opportunities, wider paths, firm and stable ground. God's salvation provides us endless opportunity to be revived, reborn. We are propelled and protected by His love. His love constantly draws us out of trenches.

38 “I have pursued my enemies and destroyed them;

Neither did I turn back again till they were destroyed.

God is thorough and complete. When He uproots evil in our lives, He gets every weed. And David's persistence in faith allowed God to pull up every noxious weed in his life. Because David was committed to righteousness; he did not turn his back in laziness or ignorance or neglect. He was not satisfied until he had uprooted every toxin... and confronting enemies and fears requires depths courage and faith.

39 And I have destroyed them and wounded them, 

So that they could not rise;

They have fallen under my feet.

Evil is not able to resume its plans against us. Our relationship with God stifles their efforts, deprives them of their material to do so.

40 For You have armed me with strength for the battle;

You have subdued under me those who rose against me.

41 You have also given me the necks of my enemies,

So that I destroyed those who hated me.

42 They looked, but there was none to save;

Even to the Lord, but He did not answer them.

43 Then I beat them as fine as the dust of the earth;

I trod them like dirt in the streets,

And I spread them out.

The fears and enemies that loom over us become dust underneath our feet. Patience and trust in faith make it so.

44 “You have also delivered me from the strivings of my people;

You have kept me as the head of the nations.

A people I have not known shall serve me.

45 The foreigners submit to me;

As soon as they hear, they obey me.

46 The foreigners fade away,

And come frightened from their hideouts.

David is astounded by his position as king. A humble boy made into a revered king.  David did not pursue a crown, and it certainly never meant more to him than his relationship with God did. David is amazed by all that his faith in God has provided: more than he knew to dream of, more than he feels he deserves, more than he feels deserving of.

Righteous children of God are leaders because of their absolute submission to peace and justice. God entrusts His children with so much because he knows their souls are compassionate and responsible enough to manage many blessings. God knows that his humble children will never allow arrogance to taint and ruin what is around them.

47 “The Lord lives!

Blessed be my Rock!

Let God be exalted,

The Rock of my salvation!

Absolute joy bursts from David for the presence of the Lord. Just His existence is enough to spark life back into a soul. Hope into a heart.

48 It is God who avenges me,

And subdues the peoples under me;

49 He delivers me from my enemies.

You also lift me up above those who rise against me;

You have delivered me from the violent man.

50 Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles,

And sing praises to Your name.

Therefore, I will give thanks to You, O, Lord. In this prayer, David has expressed his love of God's nature. David gives his thanks because he is grateful that humanity ended up with a Creator who chooses to be kind and capable. Who chooses to be patient and brave. Who chooses to use His ability for good and against evil. Who chooses to forgive and rescue and restore. (It is awesome that God chooses not to use us for dart practice).

51 “He is the tower of salvation to His king,

And shows mercy to His anointed,

To David and his descendants forevermore.”

 It is David's hope that all souls will join him in praising God, our infinitely beautiful and eternal King.