We worked through the second half of chapter 4. In this section we saw an Eden like kingdom described. The people are described as happy and prosperous. Solomon rules most of the developed world at that time. The amount of food needed to supply the daily needs of the royal government indicates a massive and sophisticated means of preparation and distribution. The people lived in safety. God granted Solomon favor and peace with all the nations around him. He had a large army of chariots at his disposal. Solomon was sought after for his wisdom, which was massive in its scope. Greater then the wisdom of Egypt and the people of the east. It encompassed not just social and political things but Solomon had great wisdom about trees, plants, animals, birds and fish. Kings of the earth came to Solomon to hear his wisdom for themselves.

we talked about the implications of the resurrection. What we see in scripture is how there is a merging of heaven and earth on the new earth. In the descriptions we see of the new earth there is an indication of kings reigning and commerce being carried on. The nations bring their wealth to Jesus at the new Jerusalem. It sounds like an exciting place filled with purpose and activity all done in peace and joy to the glory of God.

we explored the way that God brought blessing and order to the people of Israel. God blessed Solomon and Israel with good leaders who honored God. There was a clear division of labor and there were officers in charge of each area. There were men placed over the different divisions of the tribes. Each division provided supplies for the kings household one month out of the year. We see a sense of peace and order permeating the land of Israel. The promise of God making the descendants of Abraham as many as the sand on the sea shore is cited here. And the people are described as eating and drinking and happy.

we explored what is probably one of the most well known stories of King Solomon’s reign. We worked our way through the story of the two prostitutes and their fight over a living baby boy which had been born to one of them but which both of them claimed as their own. Most people are familiar with this story because it demonstrates the wisdom of Solomon in getting to truth. One of the problems with familiar stories is we can become so used to the story we miss how the story foreshadows the greatness of Christ. In this story we often miss the fact that these were first of all women. Not only that they were prostitutes. As far as standing in this culture and society they would not have been typically been given the credit for being reliable or in most cases probably not even heard. But Solomon shows them mercy and hears their case. Not only does he hear them but he gives them wise justice. This action would have communicated to all of Israel that if they came to Solomon he would hear them. Of course this perfectly foreshadows Jesus who shows mercy to anyone who comes to Him. He hears us and He justifies us through His own death on our behalf. It is a beautiful picture which draws us to the greatness of the glory of Jesus.

we explored the passage where Solomon begins his first steps as ruler over the kingdom of Israel. There were several cautionary points made at the beginning of the section. Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt. This was in essence a way of looking to someone other then God as an ally and support. Solomon did not need to do this and it was ultimately a way in which his relationship with God was undermined, and we will see this as the story progresses. It is also pointed out how the people were sacrificing at the high places, and while this is not ideal it appears God met them in this way until the temple was built. Solomon also made these kinds of sacrifices. But we also see it stated how Solomon loved the Lord. This attribution is only given in print to Solomon in the Bible. In pursuit of this love for God he made a thousand burnt offerings at the high places in Gibeon. After this offering God appeared to Solomon in a dream by night and asked what he would like for God to give him. Solomon states the greatness of God and His blessing on His people and His father David. He then pointed out his own insignificance for the great task before him. He asked God to give him understanding and discernment to govern the people well. God was pleased with this request and pleased he did not ask for wealth or a long life or victory over his enemies. Because of this told him He would give him wisdom and in addition God would grant him riches and honor. God also promised to give him a long life if he walked faithfully before God. When he awoke we see right away he has wisdom because he leaves the high place and returns to Jerusalem and offers sacrifices to God before the ark of the covenant which was there.

we worked through the kingdom of Israel being firmly established in the hand of Solomon. This was done through the elimination of opposition to the kingdom leadership. Solomon did not just have these people taken out as many other kings did but he responded to acts which indicated plotting and rebellion. Adonijah sought to have Solomon grant him king David’s former concubine Abishag. This was a way of Adonijah continuing to assert his desire for the throne and Solomon saw through the plot. Solomon had promised to spare his life even though he had attempted to claim the kingship if he showed himself to be a loyal or worthy man. This request for Abishag clearly revealed his ongoing disloyalty. This request revealed his heart and the desire to continue to cause unrest in the kingdom so Solomon had him executed. Joab must have been involved in this because he immediately went to the altar and sought refuge like Adonijah had earlier in 1 Kings. Once Joab’s guilt was revealed Solomon ordered his execution as well. Shimeai had opposed king David and Solomon brought him to Jerusalem and ordered him to remain there or face death. He agreed to the terms but after 3 years left Jerusalem to go after some run away slaves. Upon his return Solomon had him executed. This chapter marks the way Solomon’s kingdom begins and is established. It is a kingdom of peace but it is established with the elimination of opposition. This is important because this story becomes a foreshadowing of the kingdom of God and how it will be ultimately established with the elimination of the opposition to His kingdom.

we talked about what the Bible reveals about life currently for people in heaven. We explored the details which scripture reveals about what life in heaven right now is revealed to be like. We looked at how scripture paints a picture of people in heaven remembering what went on here on earth. Some people claim we will not remember anything in heaven from our earthly experience, but there are important passages which affirm we will remember what we experience here to the glory of God. The martyrs before the throne of God remember they were killed and ask God when their blood will be avenged. Jesus has scars in his hands and side which would be meaningless to us if we did not retain our memory. The names of the twelve tribes are inscribed on the gates of the new Jerusalem and the names of the twelve apostles are inscribed on the foundation. If we have no memory of earth then these inscriptions would be entirely meaningless. It would be like driving down a road named for someone you have no connection with. You would not know who they are and it has no personal meaning. But the names of the tribes and the apostles have meaning and it will be important to us because we will remember. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus Jesus indicated that they both remember their experience on earth and their connections to others. When there is judgement of actions and rewards for good done there is clearly a memory of doing those things. The martyrs cry out with a loud voice which means they have a way of expressing themselves and people can hear what they are saying. Not only can people communicate to each other but they apparently can see what God is doing on the earth because they rejoice over the judgement He brings on it. Heaven is currently a place where real people engage in real conversation and see in real time the work God is doing here on the earth.

We explored the second section of King David’s charge to Solomon. He urges Solomon to use wisdom in dealing with several men who were potentially threats to the security of the kingdom. He also urged him to grant special favor to the gentile descendants of Barzillai the Gileadite for the special favor he showed King David when he was exiled because of Solomon. On the surface some of this has been seen as David being vindictive but when we press on the story we find the men David is concerned about were men who acted in ways that were selfish and opportunistic. These types of men were not to be trusted. They may have been related by blood in the case of Joab, but he had shown himself to be a murderer and one driven by selfish interests. Even siding with Adonijah when he had attempted to make himself king. We also looked at the way that Israel’s kings were different from other kings. These kings were chosen by God to be rulers over His people. These were the first kings appointed by God directly since God had appointed Adam as king over creation. Since they were God’s kings any acts against them were indirectly acts against God’s man. These kings all foreshadow the greater and better king who was coming. The second Adam our Lord Jesus who now sits at God’s right hand.

we explored the opening verses of chapter 2. Here we see David recognizing he will die soon. This spurs David to cover some important items with Solomon before he dies. It is interesting what David covers first because this shows what is of primary importance. David wants Solomon to know that more than anything else following the Lord and being obedient to Him is the most important thing he can do as king. It is this commitment to God alone which will cause him to prosper. It is also only in following God that Solomon and his sons will continue to be included in the linage of the eternal throne God had promised David he would establish. Of course this ultimate establishing of David’s throne is found in Jesus who God has established as King of kings and Lord of lords. David uses the promises of God as the foundation for encouraging Solomon to be faithful in his personal pursuit of God. Encouraging him to take a long term perspective on the legacy of his royal throne. David does not stop with this foundation for leading the people of Israel. He turns his attention to things which could be divisive in the kingdom he is turning over to Solomon.

we worked through the way in which God brought a peaceful conclusion to the crowning of Solomon as king. The renegade king Adonijah and his entourage heard the noise of of the people celebrating the crowning of Solomon. This was soon followed by the appearance of Jonathan the son of Abiathar who brought news of the crowning of Solomon as king. The guests who had come to make Adonijah king quickly left the now failed ceremony. Adonijah now fearing for his life went to the bronze altar looking for the kind of freedom from death which could be found in a sanctuary city. Solomon offered him the freedom from death which he sought if he will act in a worthy manner, if not he would die. At this news Adonijah came and paid homage to king Solomon. This wrap up to chapter one really foreshadows Paul’s declaration of Jesus exultation. In Philippians Paul talks about how at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. This declaration is without qualification and one day even those in rebellion against God will declare that Jesus Christ is Lord. Adonijah paying homage to Solomon in this context foreshadows that great and coming day.