1 & 2 Kings – Page 18

1 Kings 7:1-51 – A Snapshot of History

Snapshots of children smiling - the old Poloroid black and white type

I remember when the Titanic movie came out. It was during a real pivotal time in my life as a single mom. But I remember enjoying the rendering of a magnificent ship, despite knowing the future and fate in store. Such grandeur to be lost at the bottom of the sea.

So, too, the splendor of Solomon’s temple, palace, and other buildings. How beautiful to capture the elegance, the detail, and the intense labor needed to build such a lavish place for God and the king to reside.

1 Kings 6:14-38 – Majestically Golden

Read 1 Kings 6:14-38

What a majestic temple Solomon built! I was picturing the beautiful wood panels and carvings, just imagining how rich it would smell. Then along came the gold overlays. Was anything not covered in gold? Overlay is not the same as “pure” gold. I understand it is more of a sheet of gold. But it’s still gold.

Why did Solomon cover everything? I suppose partly to impress with the workmanship but also to reflect royalty with the gold. This was God’s temple after all. Nothing but the best! Solomon wanted to give God a home that was not only built well but that was beautifully decorated.

1 Kings 6:1-13 – The Structure

Read 1 Kings 6:1-13

construction site picture showing person in hard hat cutting wood

Do you feel like you just started a guided tour? Can’t you just hear the tour guide talking over his mobile microphone, giving you all the measurements, dates, and such so you can know the historical elements of the building? We are just beginning with the picture of God’s new dwelling place.

Am I the only one that got out a piece of paper and sketched what this might have looked like? I’m very visual, and often I try to create something tangible to look at using the description I am given. In this case, I have a nice narrow rectangle with a smaller rectangle jutting out from the front.

1 Kings 5:1-18 – Strong Alliance

Read 1 Kings 5:1-18

It’s good to see that Solomon continued the alliance his father had started with King Hiram. Too many times when new leadership moves in old alliances are forgotten. From this account, it would seem like the bond is even stronger now between these two men and their respective kingdoms.

It starts with King Hiram extending his well wishes. Solomon seizes the opportunity and does something we see happening all the time in the business world. He had a need, and he knew the solution he was looking for. Then it simply came down to the “who do you know?” question. Solomon was networking when his perfect partner showed up to continue the relationship!

1 Kings 4:20-34 – Prosperity

Read 1 Kings 4:20-34

cartoon-bag of money with a bunch of gold coins in front

Prosperity often eludes us, but not so for Solomon and his court. I love how this section starts off with an answered promise. You may recall God promised Abraham in Genesis 22:17, “I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore.” I love when the Bible points to itself. These people are those promised descendants!

A breath of fresh air! Solomon’s rule is peaceful, and there is harmony. I can’t help but remember how much fighting we read about during David’s reign. But then his gift was to be a warrior. His son is taking a different route. Could you even fathom the daily allowance of food and supplies for Solomon’s household?