pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Temple Completion

Readings: 2nd Chronicles 1, 2nd Chronicles 2, 2nd Chronicles 3, 2nd Chronicles 4, 2nd Chronicles 5:1

‭2 Chronicles 1:1 – “Solomon, David’s son, was securely established over his kingdom because the LORD his God was with him.”

2nd Chronicles begins in a great place – Solomon is “securely established” as the king of Israel. He gathers all Israel and offers a great sacrifice at Gibeon. God appears that night in a dream, inviting Solomon to ask for whatever he wants. It is wisdom and knowledge to lead well. God grants this request as well as promising wealth and fame – the two things other kings would’ve asked for. Solomon acquires a vast number of horses and chariots, evidence of his wealth.

Chapter 2 through 5:1 covers the building of the temple. Solomon secures a needed craftsman as well as lumber from Hiram of Tyre in exchange for wheat, barley, wine, and oil. A huge immigrant work force is gathered and construction begins. The temple is built on the former site of Ornan’s threshing floor. The main temple is built, followed by the porch and the holy place. All is covered in gold, gems, carvings, and embroidery. Winged creatures are made for the holy place. The curtain and two columns are made. The altar, Sea, lampstands, tables, and bowls are made. Lastly, all of the small pieces are made: tongs, wick trimmers, censers…

Now that the temple and all of its equipment is completed, Solomon brings the gold, silver, and other objects that David has dedicated to God to the temple treasuries. All is set to dedicate the temple to the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, what great detail. What great care. These are echoes of the detail and care that went into the construction of the tabernacle. God, help us to give such great detail and care to the building of our faith. And, Lord, may our lives reflect the magnificent beauty of your love. Amen.


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A Solid Foundation

Readings: 1st Chronicles 28, 1st Chronicles 29

1st Chronicles 28:9c: – “If you seek God, he will be found by you; but if you abandon him, he will reject you forever.”

As we close 1st Chronicles we close the story of David’s reign. Who and what David was and much of what he did will live in through Solomon and through the construction of the temple. The peace and prosperity that Solomon and Israel will enjoy are also byproducts of David’s life and legacy.

David gathers all Israel to Jerusalem. He begins by explaining why Solomon will build the temple: David has shed too much blood. He reminds the people that God chose him as king and declares that God has chosen Solomon as the next king. We once again read the call to obedience. This time it is summed up this way: “If you seek God, he will be found by you; but if you abandon him, he will reject you forever.” David then gives Solomon the plans for the temple. These plans include both the building plans for the physical temple and the plans for ordering and administrating the temple. David is thorough.

Turning the focus to Solomon, David tells him to be “strong and courageous.” He tells him to get to work. David tells him that there is nothing to fear – God is with him. All is ready. David then gives generously from his own personal wealth. He then challenges the leaders to do the same. Their “wholehearted and willing” generosity inspired the people to rejoice. David then blesses the Lord, recognizing first God’s power and might. He then acknowledges that all comes from God. He rejoices in their choice to return some as a blessing to God.

A great celebration follows. Solomon is crowned and, according to the chronicler, “All Israel obeyed him.” David does, having lived well, having provided well for the future. I wonder, are we as intentional about living this way? Do we live in such a way that we die well, leaving a solid foundation for those who will follow?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the great reminder today. David saw beyond himself and worked hard and gave generously for that future. David set a great example. Use us too as good, faithful, generous examples for others. And maybe most importantly, David knew that all he had – all Israel had – were gifts from you. Grant us this perspective too. All is yours. Lead us to treat our lives and all that we have and are this way. Amen.


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Preparations

Readings: 1st Chronicles 22:2-19, 1st Chronicles 23, 1st Chronicles 24, 1st Chronicles 25, 1st Chronicles 26, 1st Chronicles 27

1st Chronicles 22:12 – “May the LORD be sure to give you insight and understanding so that… you will observe the Instruction from the LORD your God.”

Today’s readings are all about David laying the groundwork for the building of the temple and for the transition to Solomon’s kingship. Chapter 22 is about building the temple. Chapters 23-27 are like the nuts and bolts, the details of how the temple and kingdom will operate under Solomon and future kings.

In chapter 22 David gathers all the supplies and workers needed to build the temple. He recognizes that Solomon is “young and inexperienced.” David shares God’s words with Solomon, naming him as the one to build the temple, as the one to rule Israel. Inviting God into this process, David says, “May the LORD be sure to give you insight and understanding so that… you will observe the Instruction from the LORD your God.” What a blessing. David then gathers Israel’s leaders and instructs them to dedicate themselves to God and to help build the temple.

Then the Levites are counted and assigned. Some will oversee the work on the temple while others will be gatekeepers, judges, or musicians. Some Levites are assigned to help the Aaronites in the temple’s daily operations. The Aaronites are divided by lot into 24 groups. They will take turns serving in the temple. Asaph’s family are the musicians. They too are divided by lots into 24 groups. The Korahites, Gershonites, and Izharites are the gatekeepers, treasurers, and judges, respectively. All cast lots to assign rotational duties.

Twelve military leaders are appointed. They each oversee a group of 24,000 who will each serve one month. Tribal leaders are named. Civil servants are named to oversee the important financial and agricultural affairs of Israel. Royal advisors are named.

David is quite thorough in organizing and ordering all things for his successor. What if we gave such attention to helping those who follow us at work, at home, in the organizations we’re part of?

Prayer: Lord God, David was very meticulous about preparing for his successor. You were certainly part of his plan. David’s love for you and for your people was evident in his actions. Self was the least of his concerns. Lord, help us to lead in these ways, especially in times of change and transition. Bless us with your Holy Spirit’s guidance. Amen.


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The Lord Gave…

Readings: 1st Chronicles 17, 1st Chronicles 18, 1st Chronicles 19, 1st Chronicles 20, 1st Chronicles 21, 1st Chronicles 22:1

1st Chronicles 18:14 – “David ruled over all Israel and maintained justice and righteousness for all his people.”

Photo credit: Patrick Schneider

As we continue in 1st Chronicles we read mostly familiar stories. They maintain the core content of what we read back in 2nd Samuel. But the chronicler also makes changes and he or she omits content, always for a purpose. In general, the chronicler elevates the good side of David while downplaying or even omitting content that portrays David’s sinful side.

We begin today’s readings with the story of David’s desire to build God a house. Instead, God says David’s house will be built into a dynasty. David’s son will build the temple and God will love him always. There is no mention of the human rod that God will use to discipline Solomon and other future disobedient kings.

Several wars and battles come next. Some are engagements that Israel initiated and others are defensive in nature. These battles secure David’s borders far in all directions. We often read this about the victories that the Lord gave David: “The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.” God was with David in other ways too. The Lord gave him the desire and ability to lead well. In 18:14 we read, “David ruled over all Israel and maintained justice and righteousness for all his people.” David is a good king. During this time of war, in 2nd Samuel we find the story of Bathsheba…

In chapter 21 a “heavenly adversary” tempts David into taking a census. This is a prideful act. Written 200 years after the exile, Judaism has developed a concept of the “satan.” This concept was not even a thought when 2nd Samuel was written – near the end of David’s life. God is justly offended by the census and offers David a choice of three punishments. David chooses the plague because God’s hand may show mercy. 70,000 die. As the plague nears Jerusalem, at Ornan’s threshing floor, God stays the messenger’s sword. David, not knowing this, offers up his own life for the lives of “these sheep.” David shows the same mercy God has shown. The Lord gave David a heart after God’s own heart. He is led to buy Ornan’s threshing floor and there sacrifices an offering upon the altar that he built. The messenger’s sword is sheathed. This place will be the site of the temple Solomon will build.

Prayer: Lord God, you generously gave to David – strength, guidance, wisdom, mercy, compassion. Lord, give us these same gifts as well so that we may honor you with the faithful living of our lives. Give us the desire to love you with our whole hearts. Amen.


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God as the Center

Readings: 1st Chronicles 13, 1st Chronicles 14, 1st Chronicles 15, 1st Chronicles 16

1st Chronicles 14:16-17 – “David followed God’s orders exactly… David’s fame spread… the LORD made all the nations fear him.”

Today’s four chapters focus on David’s efforts to establish Jerusalem as the center of worship in Israel. This effort in chapter 13 begins with his first attempt to move the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. It seems and feels like a good idea, so off they go! Part way tragedy strikes and the ark is left there with Oded-edom.

King Hiram of Tyre then builds David a palace and David marries more secondary wives, which leads to more children. The Philistines test David’s kingship twice. Both times David seeks God’s direction. Both times Israel is victorious. In verses 16 and 16 we read, “David followed God’s orders exactly… David’s fame spread… the LORD made all the nations fear him.”

This same approach guides David’s second attempt to bring the ark to Jerusalem. He prepares a place for the ark to reside. David appoints the proper Levites to their proper roles. All is done according to what is written in the instruction scroll of Moses. With great joy and celebration, the ark enters Jerusalem. David dances joyfully, but Michal, his wife, loses all respect for him. She thinks this is not how Kings should act. Sacrifices are offered and gifts are given, all in celebration, thanksgiving, and worship. David’s prayer reflects these three things.

In chapter 16 we find David continuing to follow God’s instructions. Priests are assigned and instructed to carry out the daily requirements of the Law – both before the ark and at the tabernacle in Gibeon. David returns home to bless his house. He has led well, moving to establish God as the center of his life and of the nation Israel.

Prayer: Lord God, today we see the outcomes of choices to follow your will and way. When David is faithful and obedient, you are present and you offer the right way to go. By the power and presence of your Holy Spirit, lead us to seek and to listen to your voice. Guide us to walk faithfully and obediently in the ways that you reveal. Strengthen us to live with you at the center of our lives. Amen.


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Israel Was Joyful

Readings: 1st Chronicles 10, 1st Chronicles 11, 1st Chronicles 12

1st Chronicles 12:38 – “All these men of war, armed for battle, came to Hebron determined to make David king over all Israel.”

Our reading begins with the deaths of Saul and his three sons. This is the end of his reign. They die ingloriously in a battle with the Philistines, who dishonor the dead. Some brave warriors from Jabesh-gilead recover and bury their bodies in Jabesh.

The chronicler then turns to the story of David’s kingship. It begins at Hebron where Israel’s elders come to ask David to be their king. This unites Judah with Israel. David makes a covenant with them. God will be a part of his reign. David then conquers Jebus, renaming it Jerusalem. Zion and David’s city are also common names for Jerusalem. David and newly minted Joab repair the city.

Next we read a section on David’s mighty warriors. These men stood out for their skill in combat, for their bravery, and for their loyalty to David. The example of David craving some water from the well at Bethlehem is given as an example. On their own, three break through the Philistine lines and get him some water. David pours the water out to honor God.

Then we have a flashback to David’s time at Ziklag. This was when Saul was trying to kill him and he fled to Philistine territory. Warriors from Benjamin, Gad, Judah, and Manasseh come to support him as the next king of Judah. This shows that a transition is under way even though Saul yet lives. The story turns to Hebron, where a massive gathering of warriors and common folk alike gather to celebrate David becoming king. All 12 tribes are listed, reflecting the genealogies we read in chapters 1-9. All of Israel supports David as their king. The reading closes with this summary: “Israel was joyful.”

Prayer: Lord God, how right and good it is when your plans and purposes are worked out. How important it is for us to be an active part of that unfolding. We ask that you would lead and guide our lives, using us for your plans and purposes. Amen.


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All Listed

Readings: 1st Chronicles 1, 1st Chronicles 2, 1st Chronicles 3, 1st Chronicles 4, 1st Chronicles 5, 1st Chronicles 6, 1st Chronicles 7, 1st Chronicles 8

1st Chronicles 9:1a – “So all Israel was listed in the official records of Israel’s kings.”

Today we read lots of genealogy. There are many familiar names. Some are well-known Bible characters and other names are familiar because we just read Kings. Chapter 1 takes us from Adam up to the time of Israel. There are familiar names besides Adam’s – Enoch, Noah, Esau, Israel (Jacob). Chapter 2 begins with a listing of Israel’s 12 sons.

The rest of chapter 2 through chapter 9 details the 12 tribes/sons of Israel. The chronicler begins with Judah and works in a circle geographically, ending up with Benjamin and in Israel’s political and religious center: Jerusalem. Judah’s family comes first. In chapter 3 we find a focus on David’s family. In verses 10-16 we find familiar names, ones we just read about in 2nd Kings. In chapter 4 we read about Simeon’s family. Here we begin to get a bit of history too. Chapter 5 holds the Transjordan tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Here too we get a bit of their history.

Chapter 6 covers Levi’s family, their priestly duties, and the refuge cities. In chapter 7 we read of the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, and the rest of Manasseh. Here we find troop counts. Naphtali gets but one verse. Chapter 8 comes back around to Benjamin’s tribe. The last half or so focuses on families living in or around Jerusalem. This section ends with 9:1a – “So all Israel was listed in the official records of Israel’s kings.”

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reset today. What a grand and detailed summary! While we know only a handful of names compared to the cumulative list, those familiar names remind us of your grand plan. This sets the stage as we continue on in your word. Once again, thank you Lord. Amen.


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Fully Poured Out

Readings: 2nd Kings 22, 2nd Kings 23, 2nd Kings 24, 2nd Kings 25

2nd Kings 25:21 – “So Judah was exiled from its land.”

Photo credit: Mukund Nair

Today’s reading begins with Josiah. While repairing the temple, the instruction scroll is found. Hearing its words, Josiah rips his clothing in anguish and sends folks to inquire of the Lord. He recognizes how far Judah (and Israel) had wandered from the Lord. Disaster is coming soon, says the Lord. And yet Josiah sets out to love God with all his heart, being, and strength. The covenant is restored. All of the shrines, altars, temples, poles… are removed. They celebrate the Passover. And Josiah dies in a battle with Pharaoh Neco.

Jehoahaz’s short reign in followed by Jehoachin. Fulfilling God’s word to Josiah… King Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon’s army arrives. In addition, raiding parties from many local tribes damage Judah. After three months, Jehoachin surrenders. All of the temple and palace treasures are hauled off, the temple items are cut up, and most of the people are taken into exile. A handful plus the poor are left behind to manage the crops. Newly renamed Zedekiah is left to rule. After 11 years, he rebels against Babylon. A new siege leads to a severe famine in Jerusalem. Zedekiah tries to escape but is caught. He watched his sons die and then is blinded, chained, and hauled off to exile in Babylon.

Guard commander Nebuzaradan oversees the burning of the temple, palace, and homes of Jerusalem. He oversees the Chaldeans tearing down the entire wall. The poor are left to farm the land. In 25:21 we read, “So Judah was exiled from its land.” All is in ruins. God’s anger has been fully poured out.

2nd Kings closes with a small happy note. After 37 years in prison in exile, Jehoachin is paroled by new king Awil-merodach. He allows Jehoachin to eat at his table.

Prayer: Lord God, perhaps the high point in Judah since the days of David and Solomon are followed by the great fall of Judah and the ruin of Jerusalem. This brings with it feelings associated with Holy Saturday. Today is a solemn day of final introspection and reflection as we close the season of Lent. It is much like the time in exile will be. Lead and guide us, O Lord, meld and mold us, remake us even, so that we can walk faithfully in ways. Amen.


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Good, Bad, Bad…

Readings: 2nd Kings 18, 2nd Kings 19, 2nd Kings 20, 2nd Kings 21

2nd Kings 19:16 – “LORD, turn your ear this way and hear!…  Listen to Sennacherib’s words. He sent them to insult the living God!”

After the evil king Ahaz, Hezekiah is a bright light. He removes all idol worship and follows God’s ways. The Assyrian king Sennacherib invades, conquering outlying towns in Judah. Hezekiah buys some time by paying a huge tribute. Soon, though, representatives of Sennacherib are back, threatening Judah, insulting God. Hezekiah goes to the Lord, seeking rescue. He prays, “LORD, turn your ear this way and hear!…  Listen to Sennacherib’s words. He sent them to insult the living God!” God’s response comes through Isaiah – don’t fear. God’s got this. During the night 185,000 Assyrian soldiers are struck down by God’s messenger. Sennacherib goes back to Assyria.

Hezekiah then falls deathly ill. Isaiah confirms that he will die. Hezekiah prays and cries out to the Lord. God has mercy. The king will live. As a sign from God, a shadow moves backwards. The Babylonian king sent a get-well message. Hezekiah shows the Babylonian officials everything. Isaiah tells Hezekiah that the day is nearly there when Babylon comes to conquer Judah. Hezekiah is relieved that it won’t be during his lifetime.

Manasseh is the next king of Judah. His reign is 55 years of extreme evil. He restores all idol worship, rebuilding what his father tore down. He sacrifices his son and he builds idol altars in the temple. He sheds much innocent blood. God promises to bring disaster on Judah. Judah will be wiped clean as a plate is wiped clean.

His son Amnon rules for two years. He took is evil. Amnon is assassinated by his own officials, who are assassinated by the people. As bad as things are, there is a good king just around the corner.

Prayer: Lord God, the roller coaster ride continues. When your people walk faithfully your presence leads and guides and protects. When they turn their back on you, violence and evil grows. Lord, help us to recognize the outcomes apply to us as well. Fill us with your Holy Spirit’s power, encouraging us to walk in your ways. Amen.


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Mirror, Mirror

Readings: 2nd Kings 14, 2nd Kings 15, 2nd Kings 16, 2nd Kings 17

2nd Kings 14:3-4 – “He did what was right in the LORD’s eyes, but… the shrines weren’t removed.”

Chapters 14-16 cover the kings of Israel and Judah. In just over 100 years there are 11 kings in total. Some reign a long time – 52 years – and some are barely on the throne – 6 months and 1 month for two kings. Within these readings we see a general pattern. For the first three kings of Judah, each one has this description: He did what was right in the LORD’s eyes, but… the shrines weren’t removed.” For all of the seven kings of Israel, they did evil in God’s eyes. Some are worse than others but together they lead Israel into exile.

In Judah, to the south, Amaziah defeats Edom and reestablishes that border. Azariah reigns next and for the longest, but his is isolated due to a skin disease. His son Jotham runs things. He rules next and rebuilds a temple gate. Ahaz rules next and he begins the slide. He does evil in God’s eyes. Worshipping a foreign god, he burns his sons and daughters alive. Aram attacks and Ahaz cries out to Assyria. They rescue Judah, but at a cost. Ahaz worships like the Assyrians, further removing God from Judah.

In Israel of Samaria, there is much evil and frequent assassinations. Zechariah is the last of Jehu’s line. Menahem attacks Tiphsah and guts all the pregnant women. Assyria comes and he buys peace with tribute. During Reka’s reign Assyria captures some outlying towns and takes the people into exile. Hoshea reaches out to Egypt for help, which brings a full scale Assyrian assault. All of Israel falls and is hauled off into exile.

In chapter 17 there is a summary of Israel and Judah’s failure to be faithful. The chapter ends with the new settlers of Israel being punished by God. The Assyrian king sends a priest back to teach the new inhabitants to worship “the local god.” They learn to worship God. And they continue to worship their false gods too. They mirror what Israel had become.

Prayer: Lord God, how this downward decline must’ve broken your heart. I’d apologize for my ancient ancestors, but I recognize that I too sin, that I too create hurt in your heart. Yet I also recognize that you’re still here. You haven’t given up on humanity. Thank you for your love, for your grace, for your plan. Help me to love you more fully. Amen.