David’s reign ended with an ugly scramble for a successor, but God already had someone in mind. Once again, he passed over the older sons to settle on a younger one–a boy who may have been overlooked in the mad scramble of palace intrigue, but who, we are told, was loved from birth (II Sam. 12:24). Solomon was known for wealth, wit, and wisdom–and later for women. But his place in redemption history was secured by what he built.
After 500 years, the Lord would have his temple. The Ark of the Covenant, after residing in tents and barns and (one one memorable occasion) side by side with a pagan idol, would come to its place of rest within walls lined with gold. Finally there would be a focus for Israel’s worship: a central place for sacrifice, for service, for prayers and for preaching. The festival of the Temple’s dedication, with a long prayer by Solomon himself, would be like nothing ever seen before or since.
But the people should know that even a building as magnificent at their new temple can’t contain the majesty of God–Solomon himself reminds them of that. But the’re going to forget, and so will he. And so do we, when we fool ourselves into thinking that our man-made constructions are sufficient to explain God.
For the printable download including scripture readings, discussion questions, and activities, click here:
Bible Reading Challenge Week 24: The Kingdom – Solomon’s Temple
(This is a continuation of a series of posts about the “whole story” of the Bible. I plan to run one every week, on Tuesdays, with a printable PDF. The printable includes a brief 2-3 paragraph introduction, Bible passages to read, a key verse, 5-7 thought/discussion questions, and 2-3 activities for the kids. Here’s the Overview of the entire Bible series.)
Previous: Week 23: The Kingdom – David’s Fall
What’s your idea of a hero? Is there anyone today, in the military or the sports world, who looks like a hero to you? To a nation that had been longing for the ideal king to lead them and a “Mighty man” to look up to, David fit that description: the teenage boy holding up the head of a giant, the captain who had “slain his ten thousands,” the loyal subject who became a generous monarch, the chief shepherd of his people who made them feel like somebody.
“The nation” is now a kingdom. King Saul, as it happened, was a prelude. Now the true king appears, the one God had in mind all along. Every Sunday-school child knows about the boy who killed the nine-foot giant with a single stone, and the shepherd who killed predators with nothing but a stick and his bare hands. David is also one of the few people in the Bible who receives a physical description. From the minute he appears, it’s as if the Word is saying, “Watch this one: he’s special.” But for all that, David’s purpose and place in salvation history outweighs his person.
Samuel’s speech to the people in I Sam. 8:10-18. You want a king? Here’s what kings do.