Chronological Reading Plan for June 11, 1 King 7, 2 Chron 4

Today's readings are 1 Kings 7 , 2 Chronicles 4. Tomorrow's are 1 Kings 8 , 2 Chronicles 5. 

The king's house and the Temple are built as is the "House of the Forest of Lebanon", which is apparently a part of the palace along with the Hall of Pillars. the Hall of the Throne and another house for Pharoah's daughter, whom Solomon had married. Solomon's house is almost twice as large as the Temple and takes almost twice the time to build. It adjoins the Temple and is intended to demonstrate the close relationship the king is to have with God. 

Not much is known about these structures. They would have been built largely out of necessity, to a certain extent. Still, it is a questionable decision to make them so large and so ornate. It demonstrates that Solomon, while remaining a godly and wise man, so far, continues to make decisions that are iffy, at best. 

We are witnessing to Solomon's gradual slide away from his Father in heaven. This should encourage us to examine ourselves carefully, allowing the Holy Spirit to keep us on the straight and narrow.

2 Chronicles 4 looks back on the amenities of the Temple with much of the same detail. The Chronicler has little to say about the palace but much to say about the Temple, Hiram and the prayers that were uttered. Once again, we see that the historical perspective determines what was important in the overall narrative as opposed to what originally seemed significant. When 1 Kings 7 was written, Solomon's palace seemed quite the spectacle. However, by the time 2 Chron 4 is written, we see that the Temple was the truly important structure. It would have a long and enduring impact on Israel while Solomon's palace would fade from memory. 

This should cause us to consider what influences us the most. There are times when our circumstances, at the moment they occur, seem to have tremendous significance. Only time will tell whether they are truly significant or not. One thing we can count on, though, is that those things that truly place God at the forefront, like the Temple, will endure.