Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and the heads of the tribes to bring up the ark to Jerusalem. In the seventh month, they brought up the ark, the tabernacle of meeting, and the furnishings. The priests and the Levites brought them up, and Solomon, along with the congregation of Israel, offered sacrifices of sheep … Continue reading The Ark Comes to the Temple (1 Kings 8:1 – 13; 2 Chronicles 5:2 – 6:11)
More Furnishings of the Temple (1 Kings 7:27 – 51; 2 Chronicles 4:6 – 5:1)
Solomon had ten carts made, each carved and decorated with lions, oxen, palm trees, and cherubim. There were wreaths on the sides of the panels. Everything was made of bronze. He also had ten lavers of bronze made, which held forty baths (. Gallons). Hiram made all these items from bronze, the weight of which … Continue reading More Furnishings of the Temple (1 Kings 7:27 – 51; 2 Chronicles 4:6 – 5:1)
The Pillars, the Sea, and the Oxen (1 Kings 7:15 – 26; 2 Chronicles 4:1 – 5)
Hiram began to craft numerous items for the temple. He began by casting two pillars, each 27 feet high, and 18 feet around. Two capitals, 7 and 1/2 feet tall, stood on top of the pillars. They were in the shape of lilies, and there were pomegranates all around. There was a network of lattices, … Continue reading The Pillars, the Sea, and the Oxen (1 Kings 7:15 – 26; 2 Chronicles 4:1 – 5)
Hiram’s Role (1 Kings 7:13 -14; 2 Chronicles 3:15 – 17)
Hiram (also Huram) was brought from Tyre. He was full of wisdom and understanding and skill in bronze. He came to Solomon and did all his work. Besides using the greatest materials to build the house of the Lord, Solomon also got the best craftsman to do the work of the temple. Hiram is simply … Continue reading Hiram’s Role (1 Kings 7:13 -14; 2 Chronicles 3:15 – 17)
Solomon’s Temple and Other Buildings (1 Kings 6:1 – 7:12; 2 Chronicles 3:3 – 14)
Nearly 500 years after Israel left Egypt, and in Solomon's 4th year as king, the temple began construction. The temple was 90 feet by 30 feet, and 45 feet high. The vestibule was 30 by 15. There were chambers on the outside, to house the priests and Levites. The stones for the temple were cut … Continue reading Solomon’s Temple and Other Buildings (1 Kings 6:1 – 7:12; 2 Chronicles 3:3 – 14)
Solomon’s Success and the Temple (1 Kings 4:20 – 5:18; 2 Chronicles 2:1 – 18, 3:1 – 2)
Solomon's success was powerful and far-reaching, with Israel and Judah stretching from the Euphrates River in the Northeast to Egypt's border in the Southwest. Nations brought Solomon tribute and they served him, and he had peace on every side. He had thousands of horses and chariots and horsemen. God gave Solomon wisdom that excelled that … Continue reading Solomon’s Success and the Temple (1 Kings 4:20 – 5:18; 2 Chronicles 2:1 – 18, 3:1 – 2)
Teamwork (I Kings 4:1-19)
Solomon is now established as a wise man, with great ability to rule Israel. He chose his cabinet, including the priest, scribes, recorder, commander of the army, more priests, chief of staff, palace supervisor, and secretary of labor. This was an organized team, with many areas of administration well-provided. Then Solomon went on to choose … Continue reading Teamwork (I Kings 4:1-19)
Wisdom: You Asked for it, You Got it (1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 1:2 – 13)
Solomon went about his business as king of Israel, made a treaty with Egypt, married Pharoah's daughter, built a house. However, since there was no house for God, Solomon offered sacrifices to God at high places. On one such occassion, Solomon offered sacrifices to God at Gibeon, where the Lord appeared to Solomon in a … Continue reading Wisdom: You Asked for it, You Got it (1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 1:2 – 13)
More Housecleaning (1 Kings 2:26 – 46)
Abiathar the priest, according to the judgement against his father Eli, was removed from the priesthood and exiled to Anathoth. Joab had defected to Adonijah, so he was marked for death. When he heard that Solomon intended to execute him, he went into the tabernacle and took hold of the horns of the altar. Benaiah … Continue reading More Housecleaning (1 Kings 2:26 – 46)
David Dies; Solomon Takes Over (1 Kings 2:10-25; 1 Chronicles 29:23 – 25)
David died after forty years of reigning over Israel. Solomon took the throne and his kingdom was firmly established. Adonijah came to Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, and recognized that Solomon was the rightful heir, even though he thought he had the kingdom in his grasp. He asked one favor: to have Abishag the Shunammite as a … Continue reading David Dies; Solomon Takes Over (1 Kings 2:10-25; 1 Chronicles 29:23 – 25)
Devoted To You 