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1 Kings 8 - 9

Solomon dedicates the temple he has built, and the people dedicate themselves to worshiping God. The prayer of dedication that Solomon prays demonstrates great understanding and wisdom - and I commend it to you to read for yourself. Perhaps one of the greatest statements in his prayer is this "Blessed be the Lord ... Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant." God keeps His promises!

God visits Solomon after the temple dedication and promises him that his sons after him will continue to sit on the throne of Israel, provided that Solomon and his children will obey God's commands and directions. Solomon continues to build cities and fleets of ships. His fame and wealth grow in large quantities.

1 Kings 6 - 7

King Solomon begins construction of the temple in the 4th year of his reign. The task of building this center of worship will take 7 years - and as one reads the descriptions of the ornateness and intricacy and opulence, it is a wonder that 7 years was sufficient time. One of the remarkable accomplishments in the construction was the use of 'pre-fabricated' materials. The mason work took place off site; the materials were fit into place at the site of the temple. Due to this, there were no sounds of hammers, axes or other construction noise heard. This building, as it were, sprung from the ground without the usual sounds of progress. Hiram, a master craftsman in the area of metals was brought in to construct the opulent and humongous furnishings for this national worship center. Finally, the construction and furnishing was complete, and Solomon brought the items dedicated for temple use by his father, David, into the temple storehouse. Only one piece of furniture - the most important piece - was missing.

1 Kings 3 - 5

King Solomon begins his reign by setting the tone for his demeanor. He walks in the ways of his father David - looking to God for strength and direction. God asks Solomon to ask for anything he might desire and it will be given to him. Solomon acknowledges his youth and inexperience and asks for wisdom to rule well. This request pleases God; and God gives him wisdom AND riches. This wisdom is soon put to the test; and Solomon establishes a reputation for doing exactly what is right, just and fair.

Eventually, King Hiram approaches Solomon to ask if supplies should be brought in for the construction of the temple. The supplies begin arriving; and laborers are contracted for the construction of a permanent edifice for the house of God.

1 Kings 1 - 2

King David's life is coming to an end; and many details need to be established. For example, his successor needs to be chosen. Adonijah, one of his sons, desires the throne; but is has already been promised to Solomon, Bathsheba's son. The plot to establish Adonijah is thwarted; and Solomon is presented to the nation as their king. David dies and is buried. Solomon puts his enemies to death and establishes himself as the unequivocal king over Israel.

2 Samuel 23 - 24

David's final words are recorded. In them are powerful statements of God's provision and strength for all that David ever needed. Following the final words of this mighty king is a list of the men that contributed to David's might and rule. These mighty men are heroic, almost epic in their description, and yet there is enough given to allow us the realization that these were real people with real problems and struggles.

David takes a census of the people, perhaps to gauge the strength of his rule in its waning days. God is not pleased with David's actions and begins to take action against the nation. David is given a choice in his punishment: 3 years of famine; 3 months of battle or 3 days of pestilence. David chooses to allow God to choose the punishment - and 3 days of pestilence begin. 70,000 die in the 3 days that follow. God stays His hand; and David builds an altar to assuage God and bring the pestilence to an end. The ground that David buys on which he will place this altar will - history tells us - become the location of the temple that will be built by David's progeny.

2 Samuel 21 - 22

A famine threatens the land, due to King Saul's attempt to put the Gibeonites to death. The Gibeonites, you remember, had made a peace treaty with Joshua in the early days of Israel's entrance to the land. The Gibeonites ask for 7 of Saul's descendants to give their lives in exchange for the king's actions. This is granted. Afterwards, the bones of Saul, Jonathan and those recently executed are buried in the family plot; and the famine lifts.

War with Philistia breaks out again; and David leads the nation to battle. The fear of the troops, however, is that David will be lost; so this marks the last battle in which David is on the field. The Philistines are defeated. Among them are 4 descendants of "the giants" perhaps alluding to relatives of Goliath. David rejoices in this victory with a song of praise and deliverance.

2 Samuel 19 - 20

David continues to mourn for his slain son, Absalom. Eventually he returns to the royal city of Jerusalem and extends a pardon to his enemies in the short-lived rebellion. Many, most even, accept the good wishes of the king and return as loyal subjects under his reign. Sheba, however, does not. Fearing a greater insurrection, David sends Joab to pursue this renegade. The chase leads to the city of Abel, where a woman pleads for the safety of her city. To spare the city from destruction, she convinces the populace to behead Sheba and end the rebellion. With civil war avoided, the soldiers return to their home cities.

2 Samuel 16 - 18

Absalom enters the city of Jerusalem which his father, David, had just vacated. All seems to be in Absalom's favor. David's most trusted adviser, Ahithophel, instructs Absalom to demonstrate his power over David by making the king's concubines his own. A tent is placed on the roof of the palace for Absalom to carry out this heinous act of treachery and adultery.

Soon, Absalom begins to doubt the advice of Ahithophel; and when the advice he gives is not followed (and is successful), Ahithophel returns to his own home and commits suicide. He had committed treason against one king and was impotent to serve another. His life, in his estimation, was not worth continuing.

David, meanwhile, is sustained wherever he travels by those who are loyal to him. What an encouragement to the king; although his family is at odds with him, the citizens he rules are still favorable to his reign.

A battle soon ensues between the forces of David and those of Absalom. David gives implicit instructions that Absalom is NOT to be harmed. Finding Absalom caught in a tree by his hair, Joab (David's commanding general) quickly disobeys the king's order and kills the prince. David, upon hearing news of his son's death, weeps uncontrollably. No matter what the contention between them, this was still his son.

2 Samuel 14 - 15

The rift between David and his son, Absalom, deepens. Finally, the head of the army, Joab, brokers a peace between the two men and Absalom is allowed to return to Jerusalem. After an additional 2 years, the king and Absalom meet and are restored.

Absalom, however, has intentions for the kingdom. He begins to set himself up as an intermediary to the king; and eventually a large conspiracy develops that seeks to establish him as the king. While Abasalom rallies his forces in Hebron, King David and his family retreat from Jerusalem for safer environs. Several key individuals are left in the city to report on Absalom's doings and plans.

2 Samuel 12 - 13

David is confronted with his sin by the prophet Nathan. David makes the statement that the sin should be repaid 4-fold. God accepts his repentant heart and David is restored in his relationship with God. His family, however, feels the effects of their father's sin.

The baby conceived in this adulterous relationship dies. Yet, out of this tragedy, God raises up another son - Solomon - whom we shall hear more about later.

Another son of David (Amnon) commits incest with his half-sister. This gross immorality is not addressed by the king; but is carefully noted by the sister's brother, Absolom.

Absolom exacts revenge on his half-brother Amnon some 3 years later by having him murdered. Absolom flees from his father's presence and spends the rest of his life as a prince in exile - although his father longs to see him and be restored.

The consequences of sin are dire indeed. The one who believes his sin only affects himself is sorely mistaken.

2 Samuel 9 - 11

David distinguishes himself as a man of compassion by showing continued mercy to the household of Saul. An heir of Jonathan's, Mephibosheth by name, was still living in the kingdom. David installs him in the palace and places the lands that belong to him by birthright under the care of a faithful manager.

Israel continues to battle against the enemies at her borders. God favors David with victory; and provides great encouragement to the nation in the process. However, David finds himself away from the place God would have him and as a result, he enters an adulterous relationship with the wife of a man employed in David's elite forces. When a pregnancy results, David attempts to cover his sin by bringing the soldier home and thus removing a question of paternity. The faithful soldier will not enjoy such a leave while his fellow soldiers are still in the battle field. David feels he has no choice in the matter but to have the soldier placed in a dangerous spot in the battlefield and his support withdrawn. It is no wonder that the soldier is soon reported to have died in battle. After an appropriate period of mourning, the widow soon joins David in the palace as his wife. Throughout all this, God is taking notice. David's actions do NOT please God.

2 Samuel 6 - 8

David continues establishing his kingdom and rule over Israel. One important factor was the ark of the covenant - once lost to the Philistines, now back in Israel's borders. It needed to be in a central place so that worship could be enjoyed by the entire nation. David begins returning the symbol of God's presence to the capital city. However, when those transporting it use inappropriate means and methods, God strikes them dead. Eventually, David brings the ark inside the walls of Jerusalem.

David's next concern is for a permanent place of worship - a house for God. God delivers a message to the king that He will establish a house for the king; and that the king's son will build the house for God. David begins amassing the materials for this edifice.

The neighboring nations are subdued by David. The borders of the nation are increasing, the enemies are being defeated. God's name is being upheld and His way is being followed. As a result, great blessing is enjoyed by the nation.

2 Samuel 3 - 5

The battle between the rival kings David and Ish-bosheth continues, but David gains victories on the battle field and in the hears and minds of the people. Many plots are advanced to remove David from the throne, but God allows David to prevail. Ish-bosheth is murdered and David punishes those who killed him. In David's mind a king over God's people is a sacred trust; one he will not disturb.

After the death of Ish-bosheth, David is installed as king over all the nation. He mounts a battle against the Jebusites and wins the city of Zion - hereafter known as Jerusalem or the city of David. The nation's capital is established in this city on a hill as David restores and fortifies its walls.

The Philistines continue to be a problem to the nation. David engages them in battle and, following God's direction, defeats them.

2 Samuel 1 - 2

Three days after returning to his base of operations, David learns of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. Rather than the expected relief that his pursuer was gone and the path made clear for his accession to the throne, David laments greatly for the fallen king and his dear friend.

David then makes plans to return to Israel, and he is anointed king over Judah in the city of Hebron. His first official act is to reward those who procured the body of the fallen king for proper burial. However, another king is anointed over Israel - Ish-bosheth, son of the late king Saul. A period of battles begin as a power struggle ensues for the crown of Israel. David's forces prevail, but not without loss of life.

1 Samuel 30 - 31

As David returns home after being dismissed from the battle field, he finds his hometown burned and all the families taken captive. These mighty warriors weep until the tears can no longer flow. After inquiring of God what to do, David and 600 men set out to retrieve their families. Finding the Amalekites responsible for the raid, David quickly defeats them and all is restored - nothing is missing, nothing lost in the raid.

Meanwhile the Philistines fought against Israel and won handily. Saul, as foretold, was killed in battle as was his son Jonathan. The Philistines tried to make a statement by displaying Saul's body, but brave warriors from Israel fought through the lines to retrieve the bodies of their slain king and his sons.

1 Samuel 27 - 29

David determines that he is safer among his enemies than in the same country as Saul. He removes himself and his troops to the city of Gath (Goliath's hometown). From this city he conducts raids against the Philistines, but leaves no one alive to inform the Philistine king that someone from within their own borders is attacking them.

The Philistines amass an army against Israel. Saul, troubled at what this might signal, consults a medium to communicate with the dead judge Samuel. God is no longer listening or responding to Saul's prayers or inquiries. Samuel informs Saul that the battle will be lost and he and his sons - the royal family will be killed the following day.

Meanwhile, the Philistine leaders discourage their king from allowing David to fight in their ranks in the upcoming battle. David is dismissed; and is even thanked for his faithful service to the nation of Philistia. How curious are God's ways!

1 Samuel 25 - 26

This passage opens with the simple account of the death of Samuel. The last judge of Israel had now passed off the scene. David continues his journey throughout the land of Israel, attempting to stay out of the reach of Saul. He happened to find himself in the territory of Nabal, a Calebite with great riches but no sense. When asking for simple supplies in return for the protection he provided Nabal's servants, David was laughed at and ridiculed. This prompted David to plan an attack against this foolish man; but Nabal's wife wisely intervened. Soon, Nabal was dead of a stroke; and Abigail (Nabal's widow) was David's wife.

Another attempt on Saul's life was possible for David; but he refused to take action against the man God had established as king. Saul marvels at the restraint David shows and emptily promises to cease pursuing his son-in-law and heir to the throne.

1 Samuel 22 - 24

David continues his flight from Saul, while Saul continues to put David to death. Those who aid David are put to death in swift retribution for assisting this "enemy of the king." David eventually has the opportunity to take Saul's life, but refuses to interfere with the man God anointed as king over Israel.

1 Samuel 19 - 21

Saul is earnestly out for David's life. Multiple attempts are made to kill the one who will eventually be king over Israel. God miraculously protects David's life from every attempt, and uses Saul's own family to assist David against their father's attacks. David flees for safety but Saul is always close behind him.

1 Samuel 17 - 18

The armies of the Philistines amassed against Israel. Instead of long battles, they proposed a single representative battle - one warrior from each side would battle and determine the ultimate winner. Philistia felt they could not lose; their warrior was literally 9 feet tall and wore a coat of mail weighing approximately 125 pounds (if my math is correct)! Not a man in Israel was willing to fight this impressive specimen of war. Except one. David, displaying simple faith and brilliant logic, volunteered to fight because "he has defied the armies of the living God."

You know the story, I am sure. David defeats Goliath of Gath with a single blow of one stone slung from his shepherd's sling. The forces of Philistia flee in fear; and David is the hero. Much to Saul's dismay.

The jealousy Saul has and nurses against David becomes an obsession. Twice Saul tries to kill David within the palace walls. Failing at these attempts, he puts David into active military duty, only to see him win battles and public recognition and favor. When Saul's son, Jonathan, befriends David the stakes increase. When David wins the heart and hand of Saul's daughter, Michal, Saul becomes so embittered toward David that "Saul was David's enemy continually." A major reason for Saul's hatred was the realization that God's favor no longer rested upon him but upon David.

1 Samuel 15 - 16

Saul is still king in Israel. As such, he is sent to destroy the Amalekites for their opposition to Israel when they departed from Egypt. Saul is sent to totally destroy this nation. He kills all the citizens, but spares the king, the best of the flocks and other items he deemed "good." This breach of instruction finalizes the rejection of Saul as king. He would not obey God's voice; God therefore rejected him. Samuel is sent to deliver this terrible news - and to dispatch of the Amalekite king.

Saul has been rejected as king, but who would serve in his stead? Samuel is sent to the area of Bethlehem - the household of Jesse (Ruth's grandson) - and told he would find the new king there. Although Jesse's sons were impressive, the youngest was God's choice for leading the nation. David, a sheep herder, is anointed to be the next king. David soon finds himself in the palace, not as king, but as court musician to the troubled king Saul.

1 Samuel 13 - 14

It doesn't take Saul long to fall into the temptation of testing his "supreme authority" before the people. After a battle with the Philistines, he does not wait for God's representative, Samuel, to come offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving. In taking this task for his own, he oversteps his boundaries and does evil. Samuel reminds him that because of this infraction, his family will not perpetually inherit the throne of Israel. Instead, God will find a man whose heart will follow Him.

The evil Saul does is soon repeated by the people. They begin neglecting the clear teachings of God's law, and further correction is needed for their restoration to obedience and fellowship. Saul, still trying to exert control and power, makes a foolish law (no one can eat on the day of battle) that his son unknowingly violates. Instead of being put to death, the people save the life of Prince Jonathan who has rescued the nation in battle. Such a strong king, but so weak in character!

1 Samuel 10 - 12

Saul is installed as king of Israel, much to the delight of the people, the consternation of Saul, and the horror of Samuel. Samuel remembers what God has said about having no leader but Him and he reminds the people of what to expect from a king that may turn from following God. The people repent of asking for a king; but Samuel encourages them to follow their king and their God in order to receive blessing. Samuel makes a gracious exit from the scene as a leader among the nation.

1 Samuel 7 - 9

Samuel continued to serve as a judge and prophet for Israel. The ark was back in the land; and events seemed to be going smoothly. As Samuel advanced in years, his sons began judging the nation as well; but they were far from Samuel's caliber. In fact, they were selfish men interested only in financial gain that their office could bring them.

The people began clamoring for a king to rule them. Although Samuel told them the dangers of having an earthly king, the people still desired one. God allowed the people their wish and put in motion the events that would lead to Saul, a man from the tribe of Benjamin (remember, the one almost wiped out?) being installed as king over the nation.

1 Samuel 4 - 6

As Samuel continued to grow, the sins of Eli's sons grew greater, too. Eventually, the children of Israel went out to battle against the Philistines. They foolishly took the ark of the covenant into the battle as a good luck charm. However, God allowed the Philistines to win the battle and capture the ark. Upon hearing the news of the lost battle, his sons' deaths and the loss of the ark, Eli fell and broke his neck. Eli's grandson was born on that fateful day, and was given the name Ichabod (meaning "the glory is gone").

However, the ark did not provide anything but trouble for the Philistines. They were afflicted with tumors and failure until they returned the ark to the nation of Israel. God will receive glory; and will not share it with any other so-called god.

1 Samuel 1 - 3

The early life account of one of the greatest prophets in Israel's history is given in these chapters. Hannah, a wife to Elkanah, was kept from having children - much to her dismay. She prayed fervently to God for a son that she could return to God's service. God heard and provided the son, a young boy named Samuel. Samuel grew up in the environs of the tabernacle, helping Eli the high priest minister on behalf of the people. Eli's two sons were corrupt and leading the nation in perverted worship practices. God appears to Samuel with a message of destruction for Eli's household due to the sin of these rebellious boys. However, we are told that Samuel's word was highly revered and that he served the Lord obediently.

Ruth 1 - 4

The book of Ruth takes place during the same time period as that of the book of Judges. Many point to the theme of loyalty in this short account; but today I would like to highlight the rest and provision that is found in these four chapters.

Naomi and her family leave Israel for Moab in order to find relief from a famine. Naomi urges her widowed daughters-in-law to remain in Moab so that they might find rest. Boaz is blessed for the provision he makes for Naomi and her family. Ruth is urged to pursue Boaz as her redeemer so that she might enjoy rest. When Boaz is approached, Naomi states that he will not rest until the matter is settled. After Boaz and Ruth marry and have a child, the citizens praise God for giving rest to Naomi in her old age.

A curious thing, this concept of "rest." In the midst of famine, turmoil, uncertainty and intrigue rest is possible. It is possible because of its source. Throughout the book of Ruth, the source of rest is seen to be God Almighty - the One Who provides the needed grain, the sought for comfort, the anticipated redemption, the desired progeny. This weekend, whatever activity you have planned, may God Almighty bless you with His presence and may you know His rest.

Judges 19 - 21

Civil war - the last two words you ever would have imagined hearing in a description of Israel's history. Yet, here is the nation divided against itself. Well, eleven tribes against one. What happened?

It all began with a love story that seemed to have a happy ending. A man wooed his long-estranged wife back to himself and they were traveling home. Along the way, they stopped in the city of Gibeah - a city known for its rough reputation - and were housed by a kind citizen who could not bear to have them sleep in the city square.

At night, a group of men came to perform aggressive sexual acts on the man. The host, unwilling to allow this to occur to his guest, tried to appease the mob. Eventually, the woman traveler was released to the angry crowd and was abused to death.

The man issued a call to action against the city. The tribe of Benjamin refused to punish their own blood; so the nation rose up and wiped out the city and most of the tribe of Benjamin. Their losses were 25,000 men.

At the conclusion of the battles, the nation turned in love toward their brother Benjamin's tribe and helped them rebuild not only their towns, but their families as well. A period of independence was dawning on Israel. They had no king; but they were not following God either. All were doing whatever they pleased.

Judges 16 - 18

These are among the sadder chapters in Israel's history. They tell the downward spiral of sin among the leadership of the nation. Samson, the one who was so strong, was subdued by his passion for self-satisfaction. Moments of weakness compounded until he was a blind slave to the very people from which God had called him to deliver the people.

The account of Micah is also narrated for you. This man stole money from his mother, bragged about lying concerning its location, then returned it and made an idol out of it. He then hired a Levite to be his personal spiritual guide - a poor decision if there ever was one - and was then betrayed by that man.

The overarching theme of this period of history is repeated several times: "Men were doing what seemed right to them." Pragmatism was the order of the day. Ethical situations were decided based upon principles of expediency rather than principles of established law and ordinance. Sad chapters in history, indeed.

Judges 13 - 15

The nation of Philistines oppressed Israel for 40 years. God raised up a man named Samson to deliver His people. Samson was dedicated to God; his lifestyle was to indicate his separation to that purpose. Samson, however, often failed to differentiate between the lifestyle to which he was called, and the lifestyle he lead.

Unknown to his parents and fellow countrymen, God used even this rebellious leader to demonstrate His power over circumstances and situations. He began to deliver His people from the power and control of the Philistines.