My Daily Bible Blog

1 Kings 8 and 9

Ch 8
v1-13
Finally, the Temple is built and the Ark is carried in a correct fashion to its final resting place. I can almost hear God (and the people of Israel) give a sigh of relief. All of the studies we have done since David became King, really since the Israelites left Egypt with Moses, culminate at this point.
Times are good in Israel.
v14-21
I like that Solomon starts his prayer with praise, a good example for our own prayer format. There are so many references here to the books of Samuel that I can't cover them all. Needless to say, this prayer of praise recalls so many conversations (or 'convos' as a college girl I know would call them) between David and God. Many promises that have been fulfilled: that's a great thing to be thankful for.
v22-61
In v25 he's asking if God will fulfill his promise to David (see 2:4 - that was repeated to Solomon on David's death bed) but because I’m playing Sunday morning quarterback, I doubt it. Also, Solomon is making some poor choices in regards to women, money, greed, and alliances.
I also like all the desire for forgiveness, grace, and mercy for Israel. I can almost see God nodding his head during this and thinking of His plan to send Jesus to die for our sins...maybe with an "All in good time, Solomon, all in good time". Solomon's heart seems to be so pure, and so dedicated to God in v56-60. I was ‘burying’ him earlier (to use the parlance of our time) but I feel some 'digg' is in order. He shows humility, desire to follow God, and desire for God's word to reach the world - I fell that last part is oft forgotten in his era. He sets forth a difficult charge in v61, but isn't that what we should all desire to do? Fully committed! Live by his decrees! Obey his commands! No grey area there.
v61-66
144,000 head of livestock. That's A LOT of livestock. This temple is such a Huge Deal. I feel it has lost some of its importance in our day. Also, isn't 144 seen other times in scripture? 12 x 12...is that any relevance to the 12 tribes of Israel? Just curious...non issue.

Ch9
v1-9
It's quite a challenge in v4. Solomon has to walk before Him as David did AND do all He commands AND observe His decrees and laws. Side note - Is this implying that David did not?
This reads a little like foreshadowing; only because I am well versed in human nature.
7 "...object of ridicule among all peoples” Harsh, but isn't this how it happens to us to? Israel can be a good metaphor for ourselves or our households and how we honor God's commands and walk before Him in integrity of heart can easily affect our success/failure.
It's sad to already know that v 8-9 will happen, and are happening today. Do we need to reclaim Jerusalem and rebuild the temple? -Just a question for discussion.

v10-28
When I first read the title of this passage "Solomon's Other Activities" I thought 'uh-oh, here we go again'. And my hunch was right.
Fill in your own observations of Solomon's mistakes here (see ch 8 commentary)...and be sure to recognize them in your own life and realize the effect they have on your relationship with God and on your life.