June 10, Reading Notes

1 Kings 7

1 Kings 7:1-12

Apparently, as Solomon was directing the building of the temple, he was also making his house/palace. It is interesting to see that immediately after it mentions that he worked on the temple for 7 years, it says he worked on his own house for 13 years. It should also be noted that although the ESV doesn't begin verse one with a conjunction, the Hebrew has one. It should either be, "and" or "but." I don't see this as being negative, per se. The temple was a fairly simple building: No kitchens, bathrooms or bedrooms. A palace would be a little more complicated. In retrospect, however, knowing how the story ends, you know that Solomon's pursuits became obsessions. As Jesus told Martha, "Only one thing is necessary." Solomon definitely missed that memo.

1 Kings 7:13-51

Apparently Hiram was a popular name. This, obviously, is not the king, but a very skilled worker/artist.

When you read all of this detail, you realize that Solomon, inspired by the Spirit, was quite an artist too.

V. 27-37 Apparently these 10 stands were like butcher block tables on wheels, for preparing the sacrifices. This was not something God had included in the tabernacle. Definitely they were a great idea. Solomon must have thought this would be a nice touch.

V. 51 We'll read later that David did a lot of planning for the temple and amassed huge amounts of gold, silver and bronze to build the temple. I don't know if this means Solomon put what was left over in the treasury, or that he didn't use what David saved and put it all in the treasury.

I think for us as disciples, the moral of the story here might be to make sure we are spending more of our time following Christ in the harvest, making disciples, rather than falling into the obsession of making a "heaven on earth" on a dying planet.

Acts 7:30-50

V. 35 Note how this sentence fits into the "eventual" point Stephen will be making (v. 51).

Remember to look for examples of Israel rejecting God and seeking to do things their own way.

Psalm 128

This song focused the worshipers coming to Jerusalem on true prosperity and fulfillment. It begins with the fear of the Lord (mentioned twice) and is fulfilled in family, in this case, a fulfilled wife and children.

As we read these, it is easy to forget these were actually sung. Here is a song that mentions the fear of the Lord, that might actually sound like some of these songs did when they were sung.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ35aiGAchc

Proverbs 16:31-33

Gray hair is meant to equate age with wisdom. I wish that was always true. So, what does this person crowned with wisdom know? What have they mastered? They know to be slow to anger and to control their spirit. They know that in spite of the chaos and the arrogance of man, God is really in charge and working His plan of redemption to completion in Christ. As Paul told Timothy, they know how to act in godliness, righteousness, faith, love, steadfastness and gentleness, in all situations, because God is in charge.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.