Chronological Reading Plan for May 31, 2 Chron 1, Psalms 72
1 & 2 Chronicles is a continuous narrative. 1 Chron ends with David's plans to build the temple. 2 Chron beings with Solomon's efforts to turn the plans into reality.
2 Chron continues the story of Israel's kings, most of whom are bad kings. Hezekiah and Josiah we good and godly kings. But, even they have their struggles.
The Babylon exile occurred in 538 BC. 2 Chron was written sometime after that. It is actually the last book in the way the Hebrew Bible is ordered. It's purpose it to trace the progress of temple worship as Israel goes through a dizzying array of kings and leaders. One of its recurring themes is God's greatness and faithfulness in spite of ungodly behavior among His people.
In 2 Chron 1, Solomon has the Ark moved from Kiriath Jearim, about 20 miles due west of Jerusalem, to Gibeon, about about 15 miles northwest of Jerusalem. Gibeon is where the Tabernacle and altar are. Solomon is beginning to bring all the elements of worship together prior to building the Temple
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| Kiriath-Jearim today, a suburb of Jerusalem |
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| Site of ancient Gibeon |
Solomon has a vision and asks God for wisdom above all other things. His request in not self-centered, though. He asks for wisdom so he can lead God's people wisely. In spite of his faults, Solomon's heart is right.
God grants him wisdom but also promises to bless him with riches, possessions and honor. We see this promise fulfilled by the end of the chapter.
Solomon's request seems to be at odds with many facets of our culture today. In a time when many celebrities are fond of voicing their opinions on anything from politics to moral issues, the general public seems to afford them a type of wisdom whose only qualification seems to be fame. Actors, musicians and people who are "famous for being famous" gain credibility and influence based in nothing more than their fame. People think they're wise becasue they're famous.
God gives Solomon true, godly wisdom first, then grants fame. Solomon is famous becasue he is wise. A godly attribute we would do well to remember before we allow anyone to influence out lives merely because they are popular.
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I particularly like yesterday's reading which stated that Solomon loved God and that the people perceived the wisdom he had was "of God". Loved hearing the high points along with the questionable decisions. We too ask for wisdom and God grants it yet we too blow it shortly thereafter with some questionable thought or action. How gracious God is yet how faithful to His word and character as well. We do well to love Him but to also have a healthy reverential fear too.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Kelly. We do blow it, but by his grace and mercy of God ... Ah, sanctification. With hearts that are right toward the Lord, yet living in tents of flesh, we war against the world and sometimes lose the battles. But praise God for his Holy Spirit that continually works in believers, calling us back to the truth and offering forgiveness and direction, and ultimately allowing us to win the war. God's word is our guide, and as we read in Psalm 119 on Saturday in our chronological reading plan, "The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple." Psalm 119:130
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