Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
practical issues
1 Kings 12:16-33 As soon as the ten northern tribes separated themselves from Rehoboam, their new king Jeroboam instituted a new religious culture for them. He knew that their allegiance to the LORD would incline their hearts toward Jerusalem. It … Continue reading
the price of popularity
1 Kings 12:1-15 We are not told what Rehoboam’s motive was for refusing to follow the advice of the old men. We might assume that he wanted to be popular with the younger generation, and show strength. Bad call. But … Continue reading
adversaries
1 Kings 11 In spite of his great wisdom and riches, Solomon did not stay true to the Davidic covenant. He brought in foreign wives, and capitulated to their idolatry, building places of worship for such despicable deities as Chemosh … Continue reading
taking her breath away
1 Kings 9:10-10:29 What did it take to make the Queen of Sheba breathless? She had seen prosperity and fame before. But she saw in Solomon some things that impressed her. He had a wisdom that was more than just … Continue reading
no carte blanche
1 Kings 9:1-9 The LORD decided to honor Solomon’s prayer dedicating the newly built temple. It is always the sovereign LORD’s prerogative to do so. Yet Solomon did not have carte blanche to do as he pleased. He had to … Continue reading
the place of grace
1 Kings 8:22-66 Solomon’s prayer of dedication begins by simply asking God to hear the prayers of the righteous, and give them justice when they pray toward the temple in Jerusalem. But then he asks the LORD to go one … Continue reading
stolen artifacts
1 Kings 8:1-21 When Solomon had the ark brought to the temple in Jerusalem, only the two tablets of stone were in it. Aaron’s rod and the jar of manna were missing. Perhaps someone alone the way thought that these … Continue reading
quality that lasts
1 Kings 7 Solomon’s building projects were works of art. He took all the time he needed to get the work done right. He employed the best help there was to employ. He used the best materials, so that what … Continue reading
building the LORD’s temple
1 Kings 6 The process of discipleship is very much like that of Solomon building the LORD’s temple. It is costly. Much of the work is done away from the public eye. It is detailed work, with great care taken … Continue reading
a peace-time army
1 Kings 5 Solomon drafted an army of men from Israel, and hired thousands of others from elsewhere. There was no battle to fight. There was a house to build: a temple to the LORD. The entire project was an … Continue reading
