The Tabernacle, Temple, and Sanctuary: Kings

By Dennis Herman

This book looks into the life of each king in Jerusalem, and those in Samaria in the most logical manner. In the way they were recorded in scripture. Each king fulled one little part in God's prophetic timing. A timing and pattern this world is repeating today. The lives of those kings and the symbols involved either established or called attention to that pattern. Unlike other books of this nature, this book sticks to scripture for the answers. This book shows the world how God recorded answers in other books of the Bible generations before the questions were asked. In short, this book shows how God was in control every step of the way, and knew the outcome of every event long before details began to unfold. If only those kings knew how to go back to scripture for the answers they needed. Think of how the course of this world could have been changed. But human nature has always depended too much on itself, and not enough on the God who created this world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Oct 26, 2017
• ISBN: 9781387323067

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The Tabernacle, Temple, and Sanctuary: Kings

The Tabernacle, Temple, and Sanctuary: Kings

Written by Dennis Herman

Copyright © 2017 Dennis Herman

All rights reserved

ISBN- 978-1-387-32306-7

The Tabernacle, Temple, and Sanctuary: Kings

by Dennis Herman

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Bibles:

NLTse New Living. Translation®. SECOND EDITION Tyndale House Publishers, Inc

KJV King James Version

MKJV Modern King James Version Sovereign Grace Publishers

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) (NLTse) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Kings Introduction

If you've ever read the books of Kings and Chronicles, you know there were good kings and bad kings who had their ups and downs. What made some kings good and others bad? Jerusalem was ruled by David's decedents throughout most of the history recorded in Kings. One son after another took the throne. Why did good kings spawn bad sons, and how did one king coming from a line of bad kings turn out to be a good king? What changed the mold? How did God influence certain kings to change the nation while other kings refused to listen to God?

When we look at the personality of each king, we see how influences inside and outside the palace effected each of them. We see how God was able to preserve enough of the law, and original plan of salvation to influence certain kings when Jerusalem needed a strong, loyal leader. We also see how and why those kings fell short of the ultimate goal, to turn the nation and world to God.

Within each of those lives and stories, there are deep, spiritually related stories showing us why Jerusalem had to fall, and why this world, the way we know it will one day cease to exist. The lives and reign of each of those kings added details to Jerusalem's eventual destruction, which of course parallel the closing days of this world. When the personalities of Jerusalem's kings are understood, the path this world is following can be clearly seen.

Egypt and Babylon have long been symbols used to explain the end of this world. Why would God have Egypt and Babylon converge on Jerusalem one after another? What role did the temple play in those stories? Why were the items in the temple carried off to Egypt? What did the king replace them with, and what did Nebuchadnezzar's army eventually carry off to Babylon? Why was that specific order followed? Why was one of Jerusalem's kings imprisoned in Egypt at the same time another served as a prisoner in Babylon? Why did Egypt then Babylon appoint kings in Jerusalem and give them new names? Those questions and more are examined and explained in this book.

This book looks into the life of each king in Jerusalem, and those in Samaria in the most logical manner. In the way they were recorded in scripture. Each king fulled one little part in God's prophetic timing. A timing and pattern this world is repeating today. The lives of those kings and the symbols involved either established or called attention to that pattern. Unlike other books of this nature, this book sticks to scripture for the answers. This book shows the world how God recorded answers in other books of the Bible generations before the questions were asked. In short, this book shows how God was in control every step of the way, and knew the outcome of every event long before details began to unfold. If only those kings knew how to go back to scripture for the answers they needed. Think of how the course of this world could have been changed. But human nature has always depended too much on itself, and not enough on the God who created this world.

Chapter 1 The End of David's Reign 1 Kings 1

1 Kings 1:1-5 NLTse  King David was now very old, and no matter how many blankets covered him, he could not keep warm.  (2)  So his advisers told him, Let us find a young virgin to wait on you and look after you, my lord. She will lie in your arms and keep you warm.  (3)  So they searched throughout the land of Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag from Shunem and brought her to the king.  (4)  The girl was very beautiful, and she looked after the king and took care of him. But the king had no sexual relations with her.  (5)  About that time David's son Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, began boasting, I will make myself king. So he provided himself with chariots and charioteers and recruited fifty men to run in front of him.

Let's not fly off the handle trying to figure out symbols for a virgin, and keeping an old body warm. That may be in the introduction to this chapter, but are not repeated words, or terms. The author is of course pointing out David's age and condition.

In the previous chapter of this book, we skimmed over David's life as Israel's king. Not a very pleasant sight when you line up all the details. While David was occupied with Bathsheba, one of his sons decided to take matters into his own hands, and rape one of his sisters. David may have been too busy with Bathsheba to teach his sons morals, and other important lessons, but a father is never too busy to set an example for his sons. Like it or not, our life style sets a continuous example for good or bad. A look behind the scenes, and applying a little human nature may show us a brief glimpse into what went wrong in David's family.

It is true, a small number of women may suffer from a jealous streak, and a number of woman may talk behind their husband's back. A small number of women may try to make an absent father look bad, even when he is a king. David had so many wives, there is a small chance, a few of those wives may have mentioned, and maybe exaggerated David's encounter with Bathsheba. Maybe one or two of them were able to put two and two together to come up with their own version of why David was seen with Bathsheba, and her husband, Uriah suddenly disappeared.

We can't be certain about the rumors and stories about David that floated around, but we can see by stories recorded in scripture, some of David's sons had poor influences. Some of them had excuses to do some rather wicked things. One of those sons may have been motivated by revenge, or a sense of neglect.

With all of David's wives, leaders had to go out to find a new woman willing to spend enough time in bed with him to share a little body heat. In a sense, David's friends wanted to keep him warm, but wanted to avoid the wrong kind of friction. They had to search the whole kingdom to find the right woman. Then another problem showed its ugly head.

Adonijah Divided the Kingdom

1 Kings 1:6-10 NLTse  Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time, even by asking, Why are you doing that? Adonijah had been born next after Absalom, and he was very handsome.  (7)  Adonijah took Joab son of Zeruiah and Abiathar the priest into his confidence, and they agreed to help him become king.  (8)  But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David's personal bodyguard refused to support Adonijah.  (9)  Adonijah went to the Stone of Zoheleth near the spring of En-rogel, where he sacrificed sheep, cattle, and fattened calves. He invited all his brothers--the other sons of King David--and all the royal officials of Judah.  (10)  But he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the king's bodyguard or his brother Solomon.

It sounds like Adonijah was collecting votes. It seems Adonijah didn't hear how God chose his father as king, and the king before him. You would think that was a story David would have personally told all his sons. The author told us, Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time, even by asking, Why are you doing that?" But this seems rather ridiculous.

Adonijah was a rather smart man. He recruited David's top general, and high priest. A rather tough combination to stand up against. It seemed Adonijah had all the cards stacked in his favor. But Adonijah forgot the other priest, and Nathan the prophet. This looked like a game of chess, with one opponent on his death bed.

Adonijah decided to throw a party. What better way to drum up support than to feed your guests. Another minor example of how royalty does a favor for a favor. If Adonijah could sway the family, and a few officials to his side, he just may win.

Nathan and Bathsheba Formulate a Plan

1 Kings 1:11-27 NLTse  Then Nathan went to Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, and asked her, Haven't you heard that Haggith's son, Adonijah, has made himself king, and our lord David doesn't even know about it?  (12)  If you want to save your own life and the life of your son Solomon, follow my advice.  (13)  Go at once to King David and say to him, 'My lord the king, didn't you make a vow and say to me, Your son Solomon will surely be the next king and will sit on my throne? Why then has Adonijah become king?'  (14)  And while you are still talking with him, I will come and confirm everything you have said.  (15)  So Bathsheba went into the king's bedroom. (He was very old now, and Abishag was taking care of him.)  (16)  Bathsheba bowed down before the king. What can I do for you? he asked her.  (17)  She replied, My lord, you made a vow before the LORD your God when you said to me, 'Your son Solomon will surely be the next king and will sit on my throne.'  (18)  But instead, Adonijah has made himself king, and my lord the king does not even know about it.  (19)  He has sacrificed many cattle, fattened calves, and sheep, and he has invited all the king's sons to attend the celebration. He also invited Abiathar the priest and Joab, the commander of the army. But he did not invite your servant Solomon.  (20)  And now, my lord the king, all Israel is waiting for you to announce who will become king after you.  (21)  If you do not act, my son Solomon and I will be treated as criminals as soon as my lord the king has died.  (22)  While she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet arrived.  (23)  The king's officials told him, Nathan the prophet is here to see you. Nathan went in and bowed before the king with his face to the ground.  (24)  Nathan asked, My lord the king, have you decided that Adonijah will be the next king and that he will sit on your throne?  (25)  Today he has sacrificed many cattle, fattened calves, and sheep, and he has invited all the king's sons to attend the celebration. He also invited the commanders of the army and Abiathar the priest. They are feasting and drinking with him and shouting, 'Long live King Adonijah!'  (26)  But he did not invite me or Zadok the priest or Benaiah or your servant Solomon.  (27)  Has my lord the king really done this without letting any of his officials know who should be the next king?

There wasn't much of a family to influence and depend on, so Nathan went to Bathsheba. Nathan told Bathsheba, her life was on the line. Nathan didn't give Bathsheba much of a choice. Nathan played the, do this to protect your son, card. Then Nathan insinuated, David made her a promise. At this point, we don't know if that is true or not, or if David made that promise to all his wives. The fact of the matter is, we see a king, two priests, a prophet, and queen involved in this story, not one of them decided to ask God who should be the next king. The way Bathsheba worded it, David was telling God who the next king would be. That is the traditional way most people pray, but shouldn't it be the other way around?

We see a web of manipulation here. Bathsheba convinced David, it was his decision who would be the next king to sit on the throne. Then Nathan came in to tell David, someone made the decision for you. Bathsheba made David think the decision was his, and he made the decision long ago. Nathan made it appear like David may have changed his mind, or something. David of course looked at the events as someone making decisions to steal the kingdom while he was still breathing. Based on the context, what else was David supposed to think?

Adonijah was collecting forces on the outside of the palace walls, while Nathan and Bathsheba were combining forces on the inside. Both left David with the feeling, he had to make a decision quick. I doubt if any of those sides wanted David to ask God what He thought of the issue.

David Appointed Solomon King

1 Kings 1:28-35 NLTse  King David responded, Call Bathsheba! So she came back in and stood before the king.  (29)  And the king repeated his vow: As surely as the LORD lives, who has rescued me from every danger,  (30)  your son Solomon will be the next king and will sit on my throne this very day, just as I vowed to you before the LORD, the God of Israel.  (31)  Then Bathsheba bowed down with her face to the ground before the king and exclaimed, May my lord King David live forever!  (32)  Then King David ordered, Call Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada. When they came into the king's presence,  (33)  the king said to them, Take Solomon and my officials down to Gihon Spring. Solomon is to ride on my own mule.  (34)  There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. Blow the ram's horn and shout, 'Long live King Solomon!'  (35)  Then escort him back here, and he will sit on my throne. He will succeed me as king, for I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and Judah.

This is one of the few places in scripture telling us, God chose Solomon as the next king. But look at the circumstances. Did God really talk to David? We saw Bathsheba and Nathan telling David what he said at an earlier date. Now it is turned around a little bit to make it appear, God made the decision. Did God confirm His decision with Bathsheba, Zadok the priest, or Nathan the prophet? If there was any misunderstanding, wouldn't God have verified His message? Wouldn't we see something recorded about that verification?

We also see a lack of information. If God talked to David, he would have shared more information like how God sent the message, exactly what the message was, and most likely when he received the message.

We also see David establish a new tradition. Neither Saul, nor David rode a mule when they were anointed, but David planned the entire procession. The process was nothing like the process God used to name the previous two kings. A new tradition was born.

Some people confuse the mule Solomon rode on with the donkey Jesus rode into Jerusalem. I wonder if those pastors who teach that Jesus was following tradition know how dangerous traditions can be. Jesus came to put an end to tradition and doctrine. Jesus died to put an end to that type of teaching. Why would anyone teach, Jesus followed man made traditions?

Jesus didn't ride a mule. Jesus road on a very small, donkey, maybe a year old. Jesus had his reasons for riding such a small animal. Some of those lessons were pointed at His disciples. Those reasons would take an entire chapter to explain. To see them yourself in scripture, look up the story, and look at the events leading up to that ride into Jerusalem.

David also established another dangerous tradition, that normal people would chose the next king. That is a tradition people gobbled up, and took control of. God was out of the picture when it came to choosing the next king, and people felt more than qualified to make the choice for God.

We follow that same tradition in a so called democracy. I hear pastors saying something about God choosing leaders, like God chose the candidates, or somehow fixes every election. Did God choose Pharaoh, Ahab, or some of the other leaders in the Bible? If we looked in scripture, we can find stories like Jeroboam. God appointed him king of Israel when Israel split from Judah. Jeroboam became one of the most evil kings in the Bible. Just because God has a king anointed, doesn't mean it turns out for the best.

David finished his statement by pointing out, Solomon was his decision. David appointed Solomon king. This chapter didn't include the type of communication with God we would expect to find. When we see a lack of details like that, we have to ask why.

Solomon Crowned King

1 Kings 1:36-40 NLTse  Amen! Benaiah son of Jehoiada replied. May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, decree that it happen.  (37)  And may the LORD be with Solomon as he has been with you, my lord the king, and may he make Solomon's reign even greater than yours!  (38)  So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and the king's bodyguard took Solomon down to Gihon Spring, with Solomon riding on King David's own mule.  (39)  There Zadok the priest took the flask of olive oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon with the oil. Then they sounded the ram's horn and all the people shouted, Long live King Solomon!  (40)  And all the people followed Solomon into Jerusalem, playing flutes and shouting for joy. The celebration was so joyous and noisy that the earth shook with the sound.

Not many people reading this would be surprised to see the king introduced a new tradition, and other leaders simply followed inline. Zadok the priest didn't question the new tradition. Nathan the priest had a hand in establishing the new tradition. Not details concerning the ceremony, but the people involved.

Traditions are rather strange. Adonijah tried to get people involved in a new tradition he was trying to establish. Yes, Adonijah was establishing more than himself as king. He was trying to establish a new tradition. Whoever is smart enough to get the most support is the next king. Look how many people he had following him for a time.

That is how most traditions are born. Get enough people involved in the process, and a new tradition becomes a custom. But who remembers the old custom? In this case, let God decide who the next king will be, and the people follow? It appears, the people couldn't wait to get rid of God's custom.

I see people say, that is tradition, all the time. It is like saying, you can't do that, that's not the way we did it before. But do they know where current traditions came from? Most are not very old. Usually a generation or two. But how was it before someone came along with another idea, and a few trinkets to dangle before the eyes, and enough wisdom to ask people what they want, to make them feel they are part of the decision making process in their new tradition?

Adonijah's Hope is Lost

1 Kings 1:41-48 NLTse  Adonijah and his guests heard the celebrating and shouting just as they were finishing their banquet. When Joab heard the sound of the ram's horn, he asked, What's going on? Why is the city in such an uproar?  (42)  And while he was still speaking, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest arrived. Come in, Adonijah said to him, for you are a good man. You must have good news.  (43)  Not at all! Jonathan replied. Our lord King David has just declared Solomon king!  (44)  The king sent him down to Gihon Spring with Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, protected by the king's bodyguard. They had him ride on the king's own mule,  (45)  and Zadok and Nathan have anointed him at Gihon Spring as the new king. They have just returned, and the whole city is celebrating and rejoicing. That's what all the noise is about.  (46)  What's more, Solomon is now sitting on the royal throne as king.  (47)  And all the royal officials have gone to King David and congratulated him, saying, 'May your God make Solomon's fame even greater than your own, and may Solomon's reign be even greater than yours!' Then the king bowed his head in worship as he lay in his bed,  (48)  and he said, 'Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who today has chosen a successor to sit on my throne while I am still alive to see it.'

The announcement that Solomon was crowned king must have been a big surprise for Adonijah and Joab. People with the military behind them usually win. Not to mention, important religious factions.

It didn't take much for the majority of officials to leave one party and join another. That shift in support was enough to topple Adonijah's bid for the highest job in Israel. His dreams defeated, Adonijah had nothing much to look forward to.

News came from Jonathan, Abiathar, the priests son. We can't tell which side Jonathan was on. Why was he in the palace when his father was supporting Adonijah outside? We can't go reading too much into who delivered what messages. We know two half brothers were fighting for power. Adonijah, the oldest, took a major role in his bid for king. Solomon, one of the youngest of David's sons, took a rather minor role in a bid for the the leadership position. In a way, this story began to show Solomon's humble nature. But it was a nature people thought they could take advantage of. Were a few inside factions trying to establish a puppet king?

After everything that happened, someone actually said, the God of Israel, who today has chosen a successor. Someone gave credit to God for choosing the next king. But who said that? And who was the message delivered to? Jonathan, the priest's son delivered a report of what he saw to Abiathar his father, and Adonijah. It wasn't recorded as a direct revelation from God. Jonathan's report was an eye witness account, but still an opinion.

Adonijah Feared Solomon

1 Kings 1:49-53 NLTse  Then all of Adonijah's guests jumped up in panic from the banquet table and quickly scattered.  (50)  Adonijah was afraid of Solomon, so he rushed to the sacred tent and grabbed onto the horns of the altar.  (51)  Word soon reached Solomon that Adonijah had seized the horns of the altar in fear, and that he was pleading, Let King Solomon swear today that he will not kill me!  (52)  Solomon replied, If he proves himself to be loyal, not a hair on his head will be touched. But if he makes trouble, he will die.  (53)  So King Solomon summoned Adonijah, and they brought him down from the altar. He came and bowed respectfully before King Solomon, who dismissed him, saying, Go on home.

It didn't take much for Adonijah's supporters to abandon him. Adonijah was the first one in this story to turn to God. He did it looking for some kind of help. Adonijah waited until he felt his life was threatened before he thought of turning to God in any way, shape, or manner.

I'm not sure what grabbing onto the horns of the alter is supposed to represent. And I doubt Adonijah had any idea if that was the proper way to get attention or not. It seems as if Adonijah wanted to grab Solomon's attention more than he wanted to get God's attention. We don't see any type of communication between Adonijah and God recorded. The act did save Adonijah's life for the time being.

The main theme in this chapter is the competition between two sons. In this example, two sons wee competing for the highest office in Israel. Of course there is a spiritual lesson behind this story. But what is it? Does it relate to current events, or something in the past? What will we see if we take a closer look at the physical aspects of the story based on what was recorded in previous chapters?

The previous book ended with Israel loosing 70,000 men to a plague because David decided to number Israel. Then we saw how Adonijah made a bid for the throne by numbering his support like it was some type of election. In the back ground, Nathan the prophet, and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother came up with a plan to out maneuver Adonijah's bid for the crown. Is there a connection? Numbering people to see how much worldly power you have is the same, it all goes against God's will. Numbering people to estimate power and influence is taking attention away from God and placing faith on what the world has to offer.

Strange how numbering people is recorded in the same chapter with manipulating traditions. Are they tied together in some unholy way? When we look at the facts, and outcome, we can't deny their relationship. Satan tries hard to take attention away from God and place trust in resources he claims to control. Satan also tries just as hard to take attention off the lessons God teaches, and commands He gives. Satan will replace God's messages with any lie people are willing to accept. I doubt if anyone is able to count the deceptions Satan has led this world into accepting. That's Satan's life, past time, hobby, and goal.

Chapter 2 Solomon Married 1 Kings 2

1 Kings 3:1-4 NLTse  Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and married one of his daughters. He brought her to live in the City of David until he could finish building his palace and the Temple of the LORD and the wall around the city.  (2)  At that time the people of Israel sacrificed their offerings at local places of worship, for a temple honoring the name of the LORD had not yet been built.  (3)  Solomon loved the LORD and followed all the decrees of his father, David, except that Solomon, too, offered sacrifices and burned incense at the local places of worship.  (4)  The most important of these places of worship was at Gibeon, so the king went there and sacrificed 1,000 burnt offerings.

Many people look at Solomon's first marriage as the beginning of a long list of marriages to form alliances with neighboring kingdoms. A lot of people look at that as a smart move on Solomon's part. But when we look at this chapter in scripture, we see one obvious flaw in that type of thinking. Solomon didn't receive wisdom until after he married Pharaoh's daughter.

I saw another unusual connection between the introduction and summation in this chapter. This chapter ends with Solomon hearing a court case between two prostitutes.

A Display of Solomon's Wisdom

1 Kings 3:16-28 NLTse  Some time later two prostitutes came to the king to have an argument settled.  (17)  Please, my lord, one of them began, "this woman and I live in the same house. I gave birth to a baby while she was with me in the house.  (18)  Three days later this woman also had a baby. We were alone; there were only two of us in the house.  (19)  But her baby died during the night when she rolled over on it.  (20)  Then she got up in the night and took my son from beside me while I was asleep. She laid her dead child in my arms and took mine to sleep beside her.  (21)  And in the morning when I tried to nurse my son, he was dead! But when I looked more closely in the morning light, I saw that it wasn't my son at all.  (22)  Then the other woman interrupted, It certainly was your son, and the living child is mine. No, the first woman said, the living child is mine, and the dead one is yours. And so they argued back and forth before the king.  (23)  Then the king said, Let's get the facts straight. Both of you claim the living child is yours, and each says that the dead one belongs to the other.  (24)  All right, bring me a sword. So a sword was brought to the king.  (25)  Then he said, "Cut the living child in two, and give half to one woman and half to the other!"  (26)  Then the woman who was the real mother of the living child, and who loved him very much, cried out, Oh no, my lord! Give her the child--please do not kill him! But the other woman said, All right, he will be neither yours nor mine; divide him between us!  (27)  Then the king said, "Do not kill the child, but give him to the woman who wants him to live, for she is his mother!"  (28)  When all Israel heard the king's decision, the people were in awe of the king, for they saw the wisdom God had given him for rendering justice.

This is one of the most popular stories in the Bible. I've heard it preached many times, read, and seen it used in children stories. It is usually used to show how God is able to give wisdom, and not a whole lot more.

Image, a story about God and wisdom, and people tend to give it a quick glance, say the first thing that pops into their head, then move on. Is that why God placed this story in scripture, for people to show off a little about what they seem to know about scripture? Let's take a closer look.

Both women were prostitutes. Is that symbolic? Not in the prophetic state, but does that have something to do with the immediate lesson? One woman lost her child. She most likely rolled over on her baby while sleeping? Another important clue to the spiritual lesson. Solomon thought about the complaint, claims, and counter claims, called for a sword, and offered the baby divided. Of course that would have killed the baby, denying both women of the pleasures of raising a child, and the security a child brings in old age. The real mother of course offered to give up the baby to the other woman, the liar who killed her son. Is there more to this story than a quick display of wisdom?

There is a rule of context called the rule of introductions and summations telling us, the first few verses in a chapter establish the main theme. The last few verses summarize the main theme. In other words, the introduction and summation in a chapter cover the same theme, and teach the same lessons. They are related.

How is a story about Solomon's first wife related to that court trial? The only thing they seem to have in common is, they both refer to women. One of Pharaoh's daughter, the other prostitutes. On the surface, they don't seem to be related. But where did Solomon's first wife come from? Egypt. What did Egypt represent if it didn't point to religious prostitution?

Now the question is, where do we look for proof? In this book series, we usually looked back in scripture. We could look back at a list of related stories to prove the conception that Pharaoh's daughter, Solomon's first wife, represented spiritual prostitution. But wouldn't that be a type of proof text study I've been avoiding? There is no excuse to use man made, traditional Bible Study methods no matter how honorable the cause may seem.

So how do we know where to look? Do we highlight key words looking for clues? That would be one method to use. Or we could examine the context of the chapter and let scripture tell us where to look? Solomon is starting a new kingdom. The marriage is another beginning. The two children also point to a beginning. So where is that pointing us? Forward in scripture.

The introduction and summation in this chapter are a type of acted parallel, which often is a type of prophecy. In this case, Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter, and the two prostitutes point to details about Solomon's reign that happened at a later date. Details could of course exceed Solomon's reign, and cover more of Israel's history.

We also have a large portion of the chapter in the middle that has to fit into the theme in the introduction and summation. But we should cover a few details in the introduction. At that time the people of Israel sacrificed their offerings at local places of worship, for a temple honoring the name of the LORD had not yet been built. Solomon loved the LORD and followed all the decrees of his father, David, except that Solomon, too, offered sacrifices and burned incense at the local places of worship.  The most important of these places of worship was at Gibeon, so the king went there and sacrificed 1,000 burnt offerings.

We see a repeated term. Traditional sacrifices were repeated to draw attention to that detail. Where did God's terms of sacrifice change from the priests, to people, and the king? Is that another example of man made traditions crowding out God's simple and precise instructions? Many people just assume, God made changes to convenience the people, and work with them where they were. Is that true, or is that an excuse people made so they can introduce their own set of traditions, and change a few more of God's instructions?

The Tabernacle was still pitched where God told them to pitch it. The alter was still there. Scripture told us, Adonijah, then Joab clung to its horns for protection. The Tabernacle was missing the Ark, but everything else remained.

When people decided to move the sacrificial system away from the Tabernacle, did their sacrifices point to the Messiah like the system God instructed them to follow? Did Solomon's 1,000 burnt offerings turn anyone to the hidden truth about the Tabernacle? Or was Satan's plan of drawing people away from the truth working? That is why we have to be very careful about traditions in today's churches. Satan has taken traditions a step further. Not only do they draw people away from God, traditions are designed to separate God's people from one another. What else in 1 Kings chapter 3 dwelt with division?

God Appeared to Solomon

1 Kings 3:5-15 NLTse  That night the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!  (6)  Solomon replied, You showed faithful love to your servant my father, David, because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued your faithful love to him today by giving him a son to sit on his throne.  (7)  Now, O LORD my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn't know his way around.  (8)  And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted!  (9)  Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?  (10)  The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom.  (11)  So God replied, Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies--  (12)  I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!  (13)  And I will also give you what you did not ask for--riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life!  (14)  And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life."  (15)  Then Solomon woke up and realized it had been a dream. He returned to Jerusalem and stood before the Ark of the LORD's Covenant, where he sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he invited all his officials to a great banquet.

Solomon mentioned a few major details when he addressed God. Solomon noted, it was God who appointed him king. Where was God's voice in the choice? No one asked God. Adonijah tried to make himself king, while Nathan and Bathsheba plotted to place Solomon on the throne. They thought Solomon would be easy to control. Solomon admitted that himself. It appears, God had little choice. He was willing to work with the choices people were giving Him. And God had a plan to make the best of it.

Solomon did the right thing. Facing God, Solomon admitted, he was not qualified for the role he found himself in. Solomon didn't even know how he got to be king. His mother and Nathan didn't tell Solomon the truth, they made up a story.  There was a lot Solomon didn't know, and he was scared. Solomon wanted to make the right choices. Solomon respected his father, and the kingdom he left in his care. Solomon also knew something about David's relationship with God. Since Solomon followed in his father's foot steps by recording his interactions with God, we can see that is one thing David shared with Solomon.

David had his Psalms and prayers to share with his children, kingdom, and the entire world. David was given the honor of having his words out live him for generations. David was admitted into a very exclusive group. Not many people were chosen to write books for God. Not many kings wrote sections of the Bible. But David and Solomon wrote some of the most moving books in scripture.

God gave Solomon much more than he asked for, because Solomon asked for so little, and asked for the right thing. Solomon was humble. That showed he could be trusted with all those other blessings. But that didn't erase the fact, Solomon married a woman from Egypt to secure the safety of his kingdom. First Solomon went to Egypt for help, then God appeared to him. What does that tell you about Solomon's need for wisdom?

What does all of that have to do with Solomon's wife in the introduction, and those two prostitutes in the summary? Since we have to look ahead to find the answer, it may be difficult to see the connection. But that story in the New Testament about being unequally yoked may shed a little light on the subject.

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship does righteousness have with lawlessness? And what partnership does light have with darkness? And what agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what part does a believer have with an unbeliever? And what agreement does a temple of God have with idols? For you are the temple of the living God, as God has said, I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore come out from among them and be separated, says the Lord, and do not touch the unclean thing. And I will receive you and I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18 MKJV).

We see that small portion of scripture answered a lot of questions about Solomon's marriage, and early reign. Solomon married a woman tied to all kinds of different forms of Pagan worship. That is the definition of being unequally yoked. Later in this book, we will see how Solomon's temple contained Egyptian influences, and other wives he married. We will see that unfold as we progress through our studies.

Chapter 3 Solomon Made Plans for His Temple 1 Kings 5

1 Kings 5:1-6 NLTse  King Hiram of Tyre had always been a loyal friend of David. When Hiram learned that David's son Solomon was the new king of Israel, he sent ambassadors to congratulate him.  (2)  Then Solomon sent this message back to Hiram:  (3)  You know that my father, David, was not able to build a Temple to honor the name of the LORD his God because of the many wars waged against him by surrounding nations. He could not build until the LORD gave him victory over all his enemies.  (4)  But now the LORD my God has given me peace on every side; I have no enemies, and all is well.  (5)  So I am planning to build a Temple to honor the name of the LORD my God, just as he had instructed my father, David. For the LORD told him, 'Your son, whom I will place on your throne, will build the Temple to honor my name.'  (6)  Therefore, please command that cedars from Lebanon be cut for me. Let my men work alongside yours, and I will pay your men whatever wages you ask. As you know, there is no one among us who can cut timber like you Sidonians!"

King Hiram of Tyre was a key player at the time, as well as a key figure in scripture. Solomon may have gotten the idea to marry women to secure the safety of his kingdom from Hiram. Hiram ran one of the busiest, and most prosperous shipping ports in the area. Just about every country traded through Tyre. There seemed to be no end to the opportunities to make money. Hiram was one of the first people to design more efficient ports, piers, docks and mechanisms to load and unload ships, transport and store materials, roads and highways to transport goods, and other essential features to keep an economy rolling.

That development attracted the most successful business men in the world. Hiram's wealth attracted the attention of every king in the known world. Armies could also use those highways, and Tyre was in the center of all those highways. Most of all Hiram needed security. We don't have any record of Hiram marrying women to secure his kingdom, but we know, Hiram built an elaborate city with some of the finest homes for leaders of trade and industry. Temples and shrines of all types were built to appease those dignitaries. That is where Hiram developed the reputation for designing and constructing the finest temples of that period. It only made sense for Solomon to go to the best temple designer and builder available.

Hiram's security came from his ability to provide the proper venue for every religious service known to man kind. In a sense, Isaiah pointed out Tyre's choice of security.

For seventy years, the length of a king's life, Tyre will be forgotten. But then the city will come back to life as in the song about the prostitute: Take a harp and walk the streets, you forgotten harlot. Make sweet melody and sing your songs so you will be remembered again. Yes, after seventy years the LORD will revive Tyre. But she will be no different than she was before. She will again be a prostitute to all kingdoms around the world. But in the end her profits will be given to the LORD. Her wealth will not be hoarded but will provide good food and fine clothing for the LORD's priests. (Isaiah 23:15-18 NLTse).

Things may have worked well for a time, but in the end, God said, enough is enough. The economic security supporting those religions had to go. God had to do it in a way to show, the cooperating factors between those religions couldn't save the richest, most advanced kingdom in the world at that time.

Many people believe an arrangement like that will exist near the end of this world. I don't get into prophecy very much, but that is one of the details I see people talking about. Is Tyre an example of what will happen? I don't want to begin getting into prophecy, so we will have to get back into details about the Tabernacle.

Since Hiram had so many religions in Tyre, he must have had an interest in them. A man interested in religions would not have missed Israel's success, the stories about leaving Egypt, the other stories about God, and how He saved them time after time. It would make sense for the richest and most powerful king in the world to have a curiosity about the most powerful God in the universe.

Hiram kept track of all the stories and claims he heard about all the gods he housed in his city. Hiram heard stories about storms, and how one or more god created the storm. Hiram heard stories about great military conquests, and claims some god handed an impregnable city over to an army. Hiram also heard stories about those events in Egypt when God freed Israel. No one ever heard of a series of events like those that happened so close together. A river turning red like blood, then frogs coming up out of a dead river. They didn't seem to make sense. Everyone heard those stories, but when asked to explain some of the simple details, no one had a logical answer.

Then there was that story about how Israel crossed the Red Sea. And it happened again at the Jordan River. No other god did anything like that. No other god knocked down the walls of a city. And there were never any reports of a god leading a nation around from one place to another in the from of a cloud. Hiram heard stories about God, and wanted to find out more.

King Hiram tried talking to David a number of times, but didn't get the answers he wanted. Talks always turned to business. Growing kingdoms always needed something built, and David was no different. That palace David built was no small feat. It took far longer than planned, and seemed to never run out of changes. Hiram visited the site many times, and wondered about that simple tent pitched in the courtyard. Some of the Hebrew workers told him, that was where their God lived. That made no sense to Hiram. If they had a God who could do half of what Hiram heard about, He should have the largest, and grandest temple for people to come and worship. Thoughts of how Hiram would show pictures, carvings, and casts of images to show God's accomplishments danced through Hiram's head. Now if Hiram could build a temple for a God like that, he would be remembered forever.

Hiram assumed, David and the Hebrews were satisfied with a God who chose to live in a tent. That intrigued Hiram to no end. Hiram worked with just about every king and ruler in the land, and built many of their palaces, and temples for their gods. Hiram knew how the human mind thrived on prestige. But why would a God known for doing more than all the other gods in the world combined, want to live in a tent? That haunted Hiram more than the thoughts of how he would design the world's most elaborate temple for that God.

Hiram sent a message to Solomon hoping David's son would fill in all the missing pieces about the God he knew little about. But Hiram received a rely just like the ones he received from David, and all the other kings. The subject went straight to business, and what can you do for me? That was a start. At least Solomon was interested in building a temple to his God and not a new palace for himself. That was encouraging.

It surprises me how Solomon can be referred to as the wisest man in the world, but his first initiative was not to tell people about the God who gave him all that wisdom. I can only speak from personal experience. I'm not near the level Solomon must have been, but when God shares little things with me, I can't wait to tell other people about it. I know, God teaches in little steps. Sometimes baby steps, and sometimes in huge leaps that really WOW me. Those are times I have to take a break and call the few people I know, who take Bible Study seriously, and tell them about it. Sometimes God shows me details that are so