TODAY’S READING: I KINGS 4-6
OVERVIEW:
Solomon’s key men; the kings of the earth come to hear Solomon; the preparation for building theTemple; the specifics in building theTemple.
HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:
Solomon is reigning over allIsraeland chapter 4 and verse 25 lets us know it is a time of peace. God confirms His granting of wisdom and understanding to Solomon, and by the end of chapter four, the kings of the earth are coming to listen to Solomon. This is a great picture of the millennial reign of Christ as He sits on the throne of David inJerusalemduring a time of great peace as the kings of the earth come and worship before Him. However, we also see a crack in Solomon’s character as king. Chapter 4 and verse 26 states the vast number of horses Solomon has acquired. It doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, does it? The key is found in Deut. 17:16 where God specifically tells the future kings ofIsraelnot to multiply horses to themselves. Horses represent power and strength in an army, something to trust other than God (Psalm 20:7). In good times, we, too, must watch for the small things that begin to bring us down.
Solomon does understand the opportunity before him. Because of the victories by his father (David), he has the opportunity to live in peace and build thetempleofGod. We, too, have an opportunity before us because of the victory won by our Father. I Cor.6:19tells us that each one of us as a believer in Christ is thetempleofGod. The question is, how are we doing building God’s temple? Do we prepare with the same passion Solomon did, or do we simply take it for granted? Will we be remembered for the temple (our lives) we built unto the Lord?
At times it can seem monotonous reading through the specific details of the temple. Always remember, God had a plan for that building. It wasn’t Solomon’s responsibility to figure it all out, but rather to simply follow God’s plan. The same is true in our lives. I Corinthians 3 tells us the kind of materials God wants us to use to build the temple of our lives and work.
CHRIST IS REVEALED:
Through SOLOMON as the kings during the millennial kingdom of the earth come before Him to seek His wisdom. – I Kings 4:34 (Phil. 2:9-11 – Christ will one day rule the world as Israel’s king in His millennial reign, and every knee will bow before Him.)