Chronicles – Page 8 – Be Still…

2 Chronicles 2:11-18 – A King’s Reply

Read 2 Chronicles 2:11-18

King Solomon has now received King Hiram’s response to the letter we were privy to in the last reading. We learn a few things of note in Hiram’s letter of reply. What did you notice?

First and foremost, we learn that King Hiram has great respect for the God of Israel. Generally speaking, the people of Tyre were not Israelites and they did not worship God. They had many gods distracting them from the truth. Yet, King Hiram says very affirming things about our God. He actually shows a lot more reverence than most non-believers today.

2 Chronicles 2:1-10 – Let the Project Begin!

Read 2 Chronicles 2:1-10

Both King Solomon and his father had an ally in King Hiram of Tyre. In this reading, we’re given the privilege of seeing the royal correspondence sent to Tyre. That nation was known for having many gods, so Solomon’s message about his “awesome God” was quite a testimony of his faithful allegiance.

Solomon wastes no time in getting the temple building project underway. The details of the supplies needed as well as the number of workers to be employed seem daunting. Yet having these specifics helps us appreciate the magnitude and scale of this project.

2 Chronicles 1:1-17 – A Great Start!

Read 2 Chronicles 1:1-17

The book of 2^nd Chronicles opens with Solomon’s getting the feel for what it means to be king. This book will chronicle Solomon’s reign as well as all the kings until the time of exile. We’ll be taking a glimpse at all these kingdoms; each king descending from King David. We’ll find out which ones are good and which ones are bad. Solomon clearly starts his reign in a wise way.

What did he do? He sought God at the altar in Gideon. He didn’t go alone either. Solomon called together quite a group of leaders to the place of worship so they could consult the LORD. Solomon sacrificed 1,000 burnt offerings. Can you even imagine?

1 Chronicles 29:21-30 – A Smooth Transition

Read 1 Chronicles 29:21-30

What a smooth and seamless transition of power! David had many sons, so it was fitting that a big deal was made during his succession. It was good to see that honoring God was part of the festivities. We’re given a glimpse into the future, too. Verse 23 says, “So Solomon took the throne of the Lord in place of his father, David, and he succeeded in everything, and all Israel obeyed him.” Solomon’s reign sounds ideal.

It’s key to see that all of Solomon’s brothers, as well as the officials and leaders were on board. But probably the best blessing of all was from God. The text says, “And the LORD exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel, and he gave Solomon greater royal splendor than any king in Israel before him.” It will be good to see how God works in Solomon’s reign as we continue reading in 2 Chronicles.

1 Chronicles 29:10-20 – Prayer of Praise

Read 1 Chronicles 29:10-20

Everything belongs to God. “Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.” I love how David acknowledges God’s majesty in his prayer of praise. The richness of our own prayer life magnifies when we focus on God’s mighty power.

King David sets a great example for the assembly by praying to the LORD like this. David’s praise of God’s goodness flows right into his gratitude for all that God has done and will continue to do. David speaks of our lives as being here for only a moment. In God’s timing, that is most certainly true. Our lives are but a blip on God’s timeline, and yet he loves us so much.