Day 139: Ecclesiastes 1-6

Ecclesiastes begins with these uplifting words:

“Meaningless! Meaningless!”
   says the Teacher.
“Utterly meaningless!
   Everything is meaningless.” (1:2)

Then Solomon goes on to describe many of the things people look to for meaning...and pronounces them meaningless.

Every generation thinks that the former generation doesn't understand them and what's happening, but the truth is it's the younger generation that hasn't quite grasped what's going on. After living for a while you begin to understand that new gadgets and new technology doesn't really mean that life is different...there is really nothing new.

Is there anything of which one can say,
   “Look! This is something new”?
It was here already, long ago;
   it was here before our time.
No one remembers the former generations,
   and even those yet to come
will not be remembered
   by those who follow them. (1:10-11)

When Solomon became king God gave him the opportunity to receive anything he asked for. Solomon asked for wisdom and God granted that request. He gave him wisdom beyond anyone who had come before and this is what Solomon observed about that:

For with much wisdom comes much sorrow;
   the more knowledge, the more grief. (1:18)

He says this about all his indulgences and accomplishments:

I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;
   I refused my heart no pleasure.
My heart took delight in all my labor,
   and this was the reward for all my toil.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done
   and what I had toiled to achieve,
everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;
   nothing was gained under the sun. (2:10-11)

He does acknowledge that wisdom is better than folly but they really both end up the same way.

I saw that wisdom is better than folly,
   just as light is better than darkness.
The wise have eyes in their heads,
   while the fool walks in the darkness;
but I came to realize
   that the same fate overtakes them both.
Then I said to myself,
   “The fate of the fool will overtake me also.
   What then do I gain by being wise?”
I said to myself,
   “This too is meaningless.”
For the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered;
   the days have already come when both have been forgotten.
Like the fool, the wise too must die! (2:13-16)

But I think the whole point to this seemingly depressing book is found here:

A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? (2:24-25)

The phrase "without Him" stand out to me.

He is where you find meaning.

Day 138: Proverbs 27-29

The first verse that interested me today was this:

Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth;
   an outsider, and not your own lips. (27:2)

That's a tough one isn't it? You really don't want to be a braggart...or at least you don't want to be perceived as a braggart...but you do want to make sure you are recognized for your contributions. I suppose that's where it really begins...we need to just let that desire for recognition go. If we deserve to be recognized...well, if God thinks we deserve to be recognized...we will be.

Here's another tough one:

Better is open rebuke
   than hidden love.
Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
   but an enemy multiplies kisses. (27:5-6)

Deep down we know this is true but we generally don't like to receive rebuke or give rebuke. Giving loving rebuke is hard to do. Not too many people are good at it. We're good at criticizing, gossiping, backstabbing, retaliation and even false flattery...but not rebuke. We need to learn how to do this because...

Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor
   rather than one who has a flattering tongue. (28:23)

 I think this may be the most interesting verse in today's reading:

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
   but people are tested by their praise. (27:21)

We seldom, if ever, consider praise a test. Poverty, persecution, trials, sickness and even death are all consider tests or trials that we must learn to endure and even live through with joy...but praise? I love when people say all kinds of good things about me, don't you? Doesn't that mean we're doing something right? Doesn't that, in an indirect sort of way, show us that God approves of us and what we're doing? Well...maybe. But I believe the praise of people is one of the hardest tests to endure. How we handle praise reveals who we really are. It's easy to get to the point where we're motivated by the praise of people. We start saying and doing things that we know will cultivate that praise instead of being motivated by the desire to serve and honor our Lord. It's a subtle thing. We need very good and close friends who can "rebuke" us in love if they see that happening...and only a very close friend can see it.

We may not even see it ourselves.

Day 137: 1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 8, Proverbs 25-26

After 20 years Solomon was finished building both his palace and the Temple. He and God had an agreement. There were promises on God's part if Solomon (and all Israel) met certain conditions:

     “As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’
      “But if you or your descendants turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. This temple will become a heap of rubble. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ People will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the LORD their God, who brought their ancestors out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—that is why the LORD brought all this disaster on them.’” (1 Kings 9:4-9)

It's a little ominous reading this because I know that in time neither Solomon nor the people keep their end of the deal and the things God says will happen actually do come to pass.

I also find it interesting that Solomon used slave labor to build the great buildings he built. I never really noticed this before:

There were still people left from the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites (these peoples were not Israelites). Solomon conscripted the descendants of all these peoples remaining in the land—whom the Israelites could not exterminate—to serve as slave labor, as it is to this day. (1 Kings 9:20-21)

I wonder who would have built it if they had actually run all these people out and exterminated them the way God had commanded. Also, I'm wondering how this fits with what Solomon wrote in Proverbs...

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
   if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,

Saved

   and the LORD will reward you. (Proverbs 25:21-22)

Days 135&136: 2 Chronicles 4-7, Psalms 134, 136, 146-150

I can remember some worship services that I've been a part of, either as part of the gathering of worshipers or as part of the worship leading team, that have been especially moving to me. Sometimes it's sort of hard to pin point exactly what it was that made it so moving. Was it the selection of music? Was it the level of talent leading the service? Was it the place? Was it the circumstances of my life at the time? Was it the group I was with? One thing I know is that it was not the same thing every time.

This leads me to the observation that you can't always plan for a powerful, moving worship experience. It's not like you know these are the elements that make it up so just put those elements together every time and you're good to go. I've been in leadership meetings shortly after a particularly powerful worship experience where the people in the room say things like, "Why can't you do that EVERY week?" Maybe they don't use those exact words but that's the way I hear it.

I think all we can really do is make the conditions as conducive as possible...knowing that most of the conditions for a meaningful worship experience are totally out of our control...because those conditions lie in the hands of the individual worshiper...and God.

I say all that because today's Bible reading seems particularly musical.

First of all, in 2 Chronicles we find a description of the worship service at the dedication of the temple. I would imagine that this is one of those worship experiences where all the conditions were right.  The temple was completed, the people are ready and the talent leading the service was the very best the nation had to offer:

All the Levites who were musicians—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang:
   “He is good;
   his love endures forever.”
   Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God. (2 Chronicles 5:12-14)

I find this next verse particularly interesting. Even after all this, it wasn't guaranteed that God would accept this as the place He would be worshiped. Imagine if, after all the years of preparation and construction and all the craftsmanship involved, imagine if God rejected this as the place where His presence was recognized. It was still His choice. But...

When Solomon had finished the temple of the LORD and the royal palace, and had succeeded in carrying out all he had in mind to do in the temple of the LORD and in his own palace, the LORD appeared to him at night and said:
   “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices. (2 Chronicles 7:11-12)

Psalm 136 sounds like it's the psalm that was sung at the dedication of the temple. It's really the first psalm I've read that really sounds like it could be a song in the way I understand songs today. Maybe because of the repetition of the refrain, "His love endures forever" after each line. It's like a gospel call and response.

One of my all-time favorite psalms is Psalm 150. The last one in the book...and a fitting way to close today's reading:

Praise the LORD.
   Praise God in his sanctuary;
   praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
   praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
   praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with timbrel and dancing,
   praise him with the strings and pipe,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
   praise him with resounding cymbals.
 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
   Praise the LORD. (Psalm 150)

Day 134: 1 Kings 7-8, Psalm 11

Apparently Solomon built his own palace and one for his wife, Pharaoh's daughter, before he started the Temple project. This seems backward to me but, so far at least, he's not called on it.

It took Solomon thirteen years, however, to complete the construction of his palace. (1 Kings 7:1)

It took 13 years to build his palace, it doesn't really say how long it took to build the temple but I've got to believe it was a comparable period of time...so he's been king about 26 years so far. Solomon still seems to have the humility before God that his father had. He understands that the temple isn't really God's dwelling place. I love this prayer that Solomon prays upon the completion of the temple:

"But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive." (1 Kings 8:27-30)

He continues his prayer with this acknowledgement of their need for God's grace:

“When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to their enemies, who take them captive to their own lands, far away or near; and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captors and say, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly’; and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their enemies who took them captive, and pray to you toward the land you gave their ancestors, toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name; then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause. And forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses they have committed against you, and cause their captors to show them mercy; for they are your people and your inheritance, whom you brought out of Egypt, out of that iron-smelting furnace." (1 Kings 8:46-51)

After all the speeches, prayers and ribbon cutting (I would think), then the actual dedication of the temple to it's purpose of worship takes place. Bloody sacrifices have been central to the Israelites' worship for generations. Today is no exception:

Then the king and all Israel with him offered sacrifices before the LORD. Solomon offered a sacrifice of fellowship offerings to the LORD: twenty-two thousand cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the temple of the LORD. (1 Kings 8:62-63)

 It's a monumental day for all Israel. The land is at peace, the kingdom is united under Solomon's reign and the magnificent temple is completed...finally a permanent place of worship, not a tent.

Consider how far these people have come since being led out of slavery in Egypt. Amazing.

Days 132&133: Proverbs 21-24, 2 Chronicles 2-3, 1 Kings 5-6

Well, I'm finishing up Proverbs today. There are a couple of outstanding verses reminding us, first of all, that wealth or poverty matters little to God. We seem to have this idea that the rich are somehow better than the poor. God doesn't look at us that way and we need to learn to change that way of thinking.

Rich and poor have this in common:
   The LORD is the Maker of them all. (Proverbs 22:2)

There's also this reminder that wealth is truly an unworthy goal...it doesn't last...

Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
   do not trust your own cleverness.
Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
   for they will surely sprout wings
   and fly off to the sky like an eagle. (Proverbs 23:4-5)

On another subject: alcohol consumption. Over the course of my life I have been all over the map with my opinions on this. I was much more strict and even legalistic about it when I was younger. The thing is, I don't get the impression from scripture that there is anything inherently sinful about drinking alcoholic beverages. Plus, I know so many sincere and even devoted Christian people who enjoy the occasional drink without any sense that it is dragging them down or that it is even remotely an act of rebellion. On the other hand, I also can't think of any other addiction that has caused so much pain and misery...families, careers and lives destroyed because of a beverage. It's hard to comprehend. Consequently, for me, I have am no longer legalistic about it...but I don't really feel like I'm missing out on anything by not partaking.

Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
   Who has strife? Who has complaints?
   Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
Those who linger over wine,
   who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
   when it sparkles in the cup,
   when it goes down smoothly!
In the end it bites like a snake
   and poisons like a viper.
Your eyes will see strange sights,
   and your mind will imagine confusing things.
You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
   lying on top of the rigging.
“They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!
   They beat me, but I don’t feel it!
When will I wake up
   so I can find another drink?” (Proverbs 23:29-35)

In the Kings and Chronicles passages we return to the narrative. Solomon is getting started on the construction of the temple. When I read the descriptions of this building in scripture I have a hard time picturing it in my mind. I can't imagine how much gold and artistry was involved. It had to be beyond impressive. Here's why:

“The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods. But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him? Who then am I to build a temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before him?" (2 Chronicles 2:5-6)

Days 130&131: Proverbs 13-20

As I read through 8 chapters of Proverbs today I realized that this is not really the best way to do it. What I mean is, to really get the most from Proverbs you sort of need to read them one at a time. Maybe read one in the morning and let it roll around in your brain all day...looking for places to apply it.

While I was thinking about this I got this mental image of Solomon writing these down. The way they jump from subject to subject and the way the themes tend to recur, even to the point of almost word for word repetitions at times, I get the feeling that Solomon didn't just sit down to write a book of wise sayings and stayed at it til he was done. I bet if we had the original manuscript we would find that each verse was written individually, like with a different pen each time. Maybe he kept like a diary and after each appointment during the day he would write down an observation on life based on his interaction with whoever just left. I don't know...but it's possible.

Here are a few gems from today's reading...

Walk with the wise and become wise,
   for a companion of fools suffers harm. (13:20)

Whoever is patient has great understanding,
   but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. (14:29)

Mockers resent correction,
   so they avoid the wise. (15:12)

Better a little with the fear of the LORD
   than great wealth with turmoil.
Better a small serving of vegetables with love
   than a fattened calf with hatred. (15:16-17)

I really like this one:

Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
   it is attained in the way of righteousness. (16:31)

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,
   but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (17:9)

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
   so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. (17:14)

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
   and discerning if they hold their tongues. (17:28)

And this one seems like it's ripped from today's political climate...

Fools find no pleasure in understanding
   but delight in airing their own opinions. (18:2)

This one sort of slapped me...

To answer before listening—
   that is folly and shame.   (18:13)

Discipline your children, for in that there is hope;
   do not be a willing party to their death. (19:18)

Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;
   I am clean and without sin”? (20:9)

Days 128&129: Proverbs 5-12

Lots of good stuff in proverbs. Each verse requires a little time to stop and think. There are several themes that sort of cycle through the book. I'm just going to list the verses that made me stop and think this morning. They cover a variety of topics. I'm not going to comment on each one because I think they pretty much speak for themselves...

Drink water from your own cistern,
   running water from your own well.
Should your springs overflow in the streets,
   your streams of water in the public squares?
Let them be yours alone,
   never to be shared with strangers.
May your fountain be blessed,
   and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
A loving doe, a graceful deer—
   may her breasts satisfy you always,
   may you ever be intoxicated with her love.
Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife?
   Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?  
For your ways are in full view of the LORD,
   and he examines all your paths. (5:15-21)

A little sleep, a little slumber,
   a little folding of the hands to rest—
and poverty will come on you like a thief
   and scarcity like an armed man. (6:10-11)

Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
   whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;
   rebuke the wise and they will love you.
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
   teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. (9:7-9)

The wise in heart accept commands,
   but a chattering fool comes to ruin. (10:8)

When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
   but with humility comes wisdom. (11:2)

For lack of guidance a nation falls,
   but victory is won through many advisers. (11:14)

Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout
   is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. (11:22)

A generous person will prosper;
   whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (11:25)

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
   but whoever hates correction is stupid. (12:1)

Fools show their annoyance at once,
   but the prudent overlook an insult. (12:16)

The righteous choose their friends carefully,
   but the way of the wicked leads them astray. (12:26)

Days 126&127: Song of Solomon 5:2-8:14, Psalm 45, Proverbs 1-4

I continue to be baffled by Song of Solomon. It's like a gushy romance novel stuck in the middle of the Bible.

Your teeth are like a flock of sheep
   coming up from the washing.
Each has its twin,
   not one of them is missing. (Song of Solomon 6:6)

Really?

I confess that, of all the books of the Bible, I am probably least familiar with this one. I just haven't been motivated to look into it because reading it doesn't arouse my curiosity...I just sort of mentally gag and try to get through it.

The them of romance continues in today's reading because Psalm 45 says in it's heading that it's "A Wedding Song". It seems like it might be for Solomon's wedding (one of them, at least) because of lines like this:

Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention:
   Forget your people and your father’s house.
Let the king be enthralled by your beauty;
   honor him, for he is your lord. (Psalm 45:10-11)

And then there's Proverbs. It looks we'll be spending a little time getting to know Solomon through the things he wrote before returning to the history of his life and reign. Proverbs begins by clearly stating what it's for and why it was written. (Something that would have been helpful for Song of Solomon.)

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for gaining wisdom and instruction;
   for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
   doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple,
   knowledge and discretion to the young—
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
   and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,
   the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
   but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:1-7)

The first four chapters contain several verses that are pretty familiar, and for good reason, but there were a couple that stood out to me this morning that aren't quite so familiar. The first one is:

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
   when it is in your power to act.
Do not say to your neighbor,
   “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—
   when you already have it with you. (Proverbs 3:27-28)

I think it stood out to me because I so often do exactly what it says not to do.

The second one was more familiar to me but I hadn't read it in quite a while and it is pretty powerful stuff:

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
   or walk in the way of evildoers.
Avoid it, do not travel on it;
   turn from it and go on your way. (Proverbs 4: 14-15)

Days 124&125: Psalm 119:89-176, Song of Solomon 1:1-5:1

Alright, I have to tell the truth, I have no idea what's going on in Song of Solomon. I'm reading it, and I recognize that it's some sort of drama or play...but I truly am not sure what it has to do with the story of scripture or why it's in the Bible. I never have. I know some have said it's sort of an allegorical representation of Christ and the church...I'm not so sure. I kind of think it's just an example of Solomon's artistic nature...or maybe it's actually a story of him and one of his wives. I don't know. Maybe I'll look into it a little more...maybe I won't. I never have so maybe I should...we'll see.

Anyway...my favorite verse in today's reading was the very first verse I read:

Your word, LORD, is eternal;
   it stands firm in the heavens. (Psalm 119:89)

Day 123: 1 Kings 3-4, 2 Chronicles 1, Psalm 72

At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 Kings 3:5)

What would you ask for? If given the same opportunity...I don't really know what I would ask for. But then again, maybe I do. It seems to me that Jesus gives us the same opportunity:

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:21-22)

So, I suppose it's not really a hypothetical question. I know the answer. I have the same opportunity every day to ask God whatever I want. I'm pretty sure I don't make as much of the opportunity as Solomon did.

I think Solomon shows himself here to be truly concerned about wanting to be a good king. He's not just in it for the power and glory...he wants the good of his people. So here's his request:

"So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?" (1 Kings 3:9)

He begins his reign displaying some of the same humility David had. He doesn't feel worthy of the responsibility. I believe this is the attitude of all great leaders.

God is pleased with Solomon's request. So God grants the request...but he doesn't stop there...

"I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings." (1 Kings 3:12-13)

But there's one more thing...and this comes with a condition...

"And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life." (1 Kings 3:14)

IF you walk in obedience and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did. I believe we'll see that Solomon had a little trouble with this. But for now, this is Solomon's request:

Endow the king with your justice, O God,
   the royal son with your righteousness.
May he judge your people in righteousness,
   your afflicted ones with justice. (Psalm 72:1-2)

Day 122: Psalm 119:1-88

Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm and the longest chapter in the Bible. It's theme is the God's word, His law, His commands...and how important and precious they are. To be honest, I haven't been looking forward to reading this Psalm, It's not one of my favorites. It's interesting how it's written, that is that each of the stanzas begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and while that's kind of impressive it doesn't come through when you read it in English. The truth is, I think it's kind of repetitious.

However, I was struck with one phrase right away. It's one thing to sing the praises of God's righteous laws and decrees but it's another thing entirely to obey them.

Oh, that my ways were steadfast
   in obeying your decrees! (v. 5)

That's the problem isn't it?

I was also struck with the connection between suffering and God's word. What I mean is that sometimes, maybe most of the time, my appreciation for God's word is increased dramatically when I'm going through tough times. These verses ring true to me:

My comfort in my suffering is this:
   Your promise preserves my life. (v. 50)

It was good for me to be afflicted
   so that I might learn your decrees. (v. 71)

Day 121: 1 Kings 1-2, Psalms 37, 71, 94

1 Kings begins with more detail about David's last days. I suppose the death of a king is a time when those who crave power do their best to get it. Even though David had already named Solomon to be his successor his half brother Adonijah had designs on the throne. He put together quite a following. I think it's interesting that the writer adds a bit of comment on David's parenting...

Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So he got chariots and horses ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him. (His father had never rebuked him by asking, “Why do you behave as you do?”) (1 Kings 1:5-6)

Anyway, with Nathan's and Bathsheba's help David is made aware of the Adonijah's plot and it is headed off.

After taking care of some unfinished business with Adonijah and his followers and with Shimei, 1 Kings chapter 2 closes with these words:

The kingdom was now established in Solomon’s hands. (1 Kings 2:46)

David's last days, and Solomon's first days as king were occupied with dealing with enemies...with evil men. I think these 3 Psalms are very fitting addition to today's reading. They all contain thoughts and advice for coping in an evil world and with evil people. Basically the advice is "Don't worry about it."

Do not fret because of those who are evil
   or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither,
   like green plants they will soon die away. (Psalm 37:1-2)

Whatever success an evil person has is definitely temporary. Bad things do happen to good people but in the big picture (eternity) righteousness will prevail. God will see to it.

I was young and now I am old,
   yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
   or their children begging bread.
They are always generous and lend freely;
   their children will be a blessing. (Psalm 37:25-26)

We can celebrate our deliverance from sin and evil and suffering already because it is absolutely guaranteed...

I will praise you with the harp
   for your faithfulness, my God;
I will sing praise to you with the lyre,
   Holy One of Israel.
My lips will shout for joy
   when I sing praise to you—
   I whom you have delivered. (Psalm 71:22-23)

Day 120: Psalms 111-118

Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
   they will be remembered forever.
They will have no fear of bad news;
   their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
   in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,
   their righteousness endures forever;
   their horn will be lifted high in honor. (112:6-9)

It has been my experience that this passage is true. I've known people, in fact of thinking of a family right now, who seem to be able to roll with whatever life brings their way. They really "have no fear of bad news". I'm not saying they are martyrs or that they enjoy hardship because they don't. But "their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure."

As I read these verses it occurs to me that there's a connection between the security of their hearts mentioned in v.8 and the freely scattering of their gifts referred to in v.9. I don't know which comes first but I'm certain they go together. Isn't it true that the people who worry and fret over stuff the most are also the least generous? Isn't it also true that when our "hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord" we are more apt to give freely to those in need?

Not to us, LORD, not to us
   but to your name be the glory. (115:1)

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
   his love endures forever. (118:29)

Day 120: 1 Chronicles 27-29, Psalm 68

David may not have physically constructed the temple but every detail of the building was in his mind as he passed the responsibility for construction over to his son, Solomon...

“All this,” David said, “I have in writing as a result of the LORD’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan.” (1 Chronicles 28:19)

A free will offering was received to provide materials for the temple. It's important to note that the leaders were the first to give and set an example for the people to follow...

The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly. (1 Chronicles 29:9)

David displays the attitude in giving that we should all have when he says:

"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand." (1 Chronicles 29:14)

Solomon is now officially the new king...

The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal splendor such as no king over Israel ever had before. (1 Chronicles 29:25)

David dies rather unceremoniously at the end of chapter 29. I feel a little let down. He was such a remarkable man that I feel like there should be a little more reflection on his life. However, I suppose I have been reflecting on his life all through 1&2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, and most of the Psalms I have read so far. Complete confidence combined with total humility before God...that's what I see in David. Whenever he messes up it's because these things got out of balance. With Bathsheba his humility was overcome by his confidence. When he took the census his confidence seemed to be slipping. But when he is called to account he is quick to admit his fault, accept responsibility for his sin, repent, and move forward in God's grace.

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
   who daily bears our burdens.
Our God is a God who saves;
   from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death. (Psalm 68:19-20)

Days 118&119: 1 Chronicles 23-26, Psalms 131, 138-139, 143-145

The main thing that happens in 1 Chronicles 23-26 is that David is getting old and decides that it's time to retire and make his son Solomon the new king.

There are several lines in today's psalms that sort of jumped out at me. They aren't really connected topically so here are a variety of verses that said a variety of things to me this morning:

I do not concern myself with great matters
   or things too wonderful for me. (Psalm 131:1)

It occurs to me that this may be one of the keys to living at peace with yourself. It's not that you never think about grand things or wonder about questions that seemingly have no answers but you become comfortable with the fact that they often have no answers. We need to learn to give up the arrogance that assumes we can figure everything out so that it all makes sense.

Though the LORD is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly;
   though lofty, he sees them from afar. (Psalm 138:6)

This is one of the things that drives me to worship. It's not simply that God is awesome and majestic and holy and powerful and eternal and omniscient and deserving of all worship and praise regardless of how He feels about me... it's that He is all that PLUS He cares about me. "He looks kindly on the lowly."

LORD, what are human beings that you care for them,
   mere mortals that you think of them?
They are like a breath;
   their days are like a fleeting shadow. (Psalm 144:3-4)

Psalm 139 is one of my favorites. A few verses of it have become sort of theme verses for the Pro-Life movement (with good reason) but sometimes I feel like, because of that, people tend to overlook the rest of the Psalm. I don't really think it was written with abortion in mind. Here are a few samples:

Before a word is on my tongue
   you, LORD, know it completely. (Psalm 139:4)

Your eyes saw my unformed body;
   all the days ordained for me were written in your book
   before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:16)

Search me, God, and know my heart;
   test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
   and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)

Then there's this from Psalm 143:

I remember the days of long ago;
   I meditate on all your works
   and consider what your hands have done.
I spread out my hands to you;
   I thirst for you like a parched land. (Psalm 143:5-6)

I sometimes feel like that. I read about all the mighty deeds God has done in the past and spread out my hands and thirst for Him to show up like that today. Maybe He does and I'm just looking in the wrong places. Maybe instead of opening paths through the seas He's more concerned about opening paths into the hearts of people. I'm afraid we often lose sight of the fact that...

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
   and your dominion endures through all generations. (Psalm 145:13)

It's not just about here...or now...or America...or me...

Show me the way I should go,
   for to you I entrust my life. (Psalm 143:8)

Day 117: Psalms 108-109

After just reading about David's census taking yesterday I find this verse from his Psalm 108 interesting:

Give us aid against the enemy,
   for human help is worthless.
With God we will gain the victory,
   and he will trample down our enemies. (108:12-13)

I always feel a little weird about reading psalms like 109. I find myself wondering why they are included in the Bible's song book. It doesn't really sound like a song of praise to me. I can't imagine going to church on a Sunday morning and singing a song like...

May his children be wandering beggars;
   may they be driven from their ruined homes.
May a creditor seize all he has;
   may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor.
May no one extend kindness to him
   or take pity on his fatherless children. (109:10-12)

He spends the first 20 verses like that calling down curses on his enemies. I suppose there is something to be said for being honest with God about your feelings but it's very hard for me to read this with all of Jesus' teachings about loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us ringing in my ears.

But then there's this:

But you, Sovereign LORD,
   help me for your name’s sake;
   out of the goodness of your love, deliver me.
For I am poor and needy,
   and my heart is wounded within me. (109:21-22)

He asks it all "for Your name's sake". Is it possible for God to grant all the requests in vs 1-20 for His name's sake?

Is it possible for God to grant all our requests for His name's sake?

Days 115&116: 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21-22, Psalms 30, 97-99

These chapters in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles tell about David taking a census of all of Israel and Judah. He wanted to get a count of all the fighting men he had at his command. I would think this would be something a wise military man would want to know. If I was planning military strategies I would want to know how many men I had to work with. But for some reason this is viewed as something very evil. Joab advises David against it...

But Joab replied to the king, “May the LORD your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?” (2 Samuel 24:3)

The text even says that the idea comes from Satan:

Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. (1 Chronicles 21:1)

But David gets his way...he is the king, after all...and we have the number recorded for us. The only thing I can figure is that this act of counting the men demonstrates a lack of faith in God on David's part. Perhaps he is beginning to rely on himself and the power of his army rather than on the power of God.

Whatever the case, God evidently is very displeased with this counting of the men and once David comes too his senses and repents...

David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, LORD, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.”

...God gives him his choice of 3 possible punishments. He chooses the third and shortest (in terms of time) of the three but even so the 3-day plague results in the death of 70,000 people. This was a pretty serious offense. At the end of the 3 days God tells David to go offer a sacrifice and He will bring the plague to an end. Araunah offers him everything he needs to make the sacrifice to God but David says:

“No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24)

This is very convicting to me. I find myself wondering if I've ever really sacrificed to God. Does my giving really cost me anything?

This spot becomes the place that David decides is to be the location of God's temple...

Then David said, “The house of the LORD God is to be here, and also the altar of burnt offering for Israel.” (1 Chronicles 22:1)

David gets everything ready to build the temple but the actual construction will be left to his son, the next king, Solomon...

David said to Solomon: “My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God. But this word of the LORD came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’ (1 Chronicles 22:7-10)

I wonder if David had the census, and God's punishment for it, on his mind when he wrote:

For his anger lasts only a moment,
   but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
   but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

Or...

You turned my wailing into dancing;
   you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
   LORD my God, I will praise you forever. (Psalm 30:11-12)

 Psalm 98 is a beautiful description of the celebration and joy which I believe should fill our worship services:

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
   burst into jubilant song with music;
make music to the LORD with the harp,
   with the harp and the sound of singing,
with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—
   shout for joy before the LORD, the King.   (Psalm 98:4-6)

When people talk about God's judgment they usually try to make it as scary as possible but, even God's judgment is cause for rejoicing...

Let the rivers clap their hands,
   let the mountains sing together for joy;
let them sing before the LORD,
   for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
   and the peoples with equity. (Psalm 98:8-9)

Day 114: 2 Samuel 22-23, Psalm 57

David continues to recognize that all the glory for all the things that have been accomplished belong to God. Again, confidence + humility.

David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:
   “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
   my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
   from violent people you save me. (2 Samuel 22:1-3)

Naturally, David (warrior, king and artist) expresses his worship in his music.

Sometimes when I read the psalms or other poetry by David (such as this in 2 Samuel 22) I'm a little confused. He is clearly giving glory to God but he also seems to say things that make you think that he is saying that he deserved it. Things like:

The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness;
   according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.(2 Samuel 22:21)

It seems like modern theologians go to great pains to separate God's grace and our work...like they are mutually exclusive. It sort of becomes a mental exercise of reason rather than a practical living out of a relationship with God...like David did. We, it seems obvious, are utterly dependent on God's grace. I mean - to adapt a quote from that great theologian, Bill Cosby - "He brought us into this world, He can take us out." But what reasonable person thinks we don't have to exert some effort...a LOT of effort...doing our best to live a life that can be described with words like "righteous" and "clean"?

David seems to bring both aspects of this together...

“To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
   to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
to the pure you show yourself pure,
   but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.
You save the humble,
   but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low. (2 Samuel 22:26-28)

I want to sing with David...

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
   for in you I take refuge. (Psalm 57:1)

I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
   I will sing of you among the peoples.
For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
   your faithfulness reaches to the skies. (Psalm 57:9-10)

Day 113: 2 Samuel 19-21, Psalms 5,38,42

Joab was a remarkable man. I'm beginning to think that David could never have been the great king that he was without Joab. Joab was the only one who actually had the courage to David the truth. Oh, I recognize that David was great because God made him great but I have no doubt that God used Joab to make it happen.

David's son, Absalom had been leading a plot to overthrow his own father and take the throne from him...and this rebellion had been gaining a lot of traction...so much so that David and his men fled Jerusalem for a time. David had commanded his troops to stop the rebellion but to spare his son's life. Joab knew that that would never work so he made sure Absalom was killed. The rebellion was stopped and David and his men returned to Jerusalem in triumph. But instead of rejoicing and celebrating the great victory David was overcome with grief for his son Absalom. This is where, once again, Joab steps up. He confronts the king about his actions:

Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the LORD that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. (2 Samuel 19:5-7)

I can't help but wonder if David wasn't still dealing with some guilt and depression over the whole Bathsheba affair. I realize that I'm just speculating here but David just doesn't seem to have the clear focus that he once had. If these psalms really were written during this time they seem to reflect some of what may have been going on in David's heart:

My guilt has overwhelmed me
   like a burden too heavy to bear.
 My wounds fester and are loathsome
   because of my sinful folly.
I am bowed down and brought very low;
   all day long I go about mourning.
My back is filled with searing pain;
   there is no health in my body.
I am feeble and utterly crushed;
   I groan in anguish of heart. (Psalm 38:4-8)

But even in his depression David knew with his mind where his hope and strength and joy would be found:

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
   Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
   for I will yet praise him,
   my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:11)

Day 112: Psalms 26, 40, 41, 58, 61, 62, 64

Today's reading is an assortment of 7 Psalms. I decided to simply quote the specific verses which stood out to me for one reason or another...

Test me, LORD, and try me,
   examine my heart and my mind; (26:2)

When you really think a bout it, that's a pretty gutsy prayer. Especially when you realize exactly who it is you're praying to...

Many, LORD my God,
   are the wonders you have done,
   the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
   were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
   they would be too many to declare. (40:5)

After asking God to test me and examine me it only makes sense that the next thing I need to pray for is mercy...

Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD;
   may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
For troubles without number surround me;
   my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
   and my heart fails within me.
Be pleased to save me, LORD;
   come quickly, LORD, to help me. (40:11-13)

I believe this next is quoted in one of the gospels in reference to the betrayal of Judas:

Even my close friend,
   someone I trusted,
one who shared my bread,
   has turned against me. (41:9)

Some of today's psalms give the impression that the writer is claiming to deserve God's attention and care because of his own righteous living. However, that thought is offset by verses such as these:

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
   my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
   he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (62:1-2)

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
   my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
   he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
   he is my mighty rock, my refuge. (62:5-7)

Day 111: 2 Samuel 16-18

David continues his flight from Jerusalem and his own son Absalom who is planning to take over the throne. He has planted a spy within Absalom's inner circle and this idea seems to be paying off. Hushai (the spy) has given Absalom advice about how to find and overtake David and his men and has then gotten word to David about their plans. The trap is set. However, in spite of all that Absalom has done, David seems to have a soft spot for this rebellious son. Here are his orders:

The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, “Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders. (18:5)

I think Joab is a very interesting character in the life of David. He seems absolutely loyal but he also seems to know the right times to disregard David's orders. I think maybe he understands David's weaknesses and does what he can to cover for them. He knows leaving Absalom alive would be a big mistake. He also knows that David simply doesn't have it in him to destroy his own son. I think this is the real reason he talks David into staying behind when they go into battle (18:2-4).

The moment of truth has arrived...Absalom is hanging in a tree by his hair...defenseless. One of the men sees him and reports it to Joab:

Joab said to the man who had told him this, “What! You saw him? Why didn’t you strike him to the ground right there? Then I would have had to give you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt.” (18:11)

Of course he didn't kill him. He was there when David gave the order to spare Absalom. However...

Joab said, “I’m not going to wait like this for you.” So he took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom’s heart while Absalom was still alive in the oak tree. And ten of Joab’s armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him and killed him. (18:14-15)

The message was sent back to David that the victory was won. Great news! But then he asks about Absalom. His response is what you would expect...

The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!” (18:33)

 I think everyone needs a Joab. Someone who knows us well...who is absolutely loyal and is always looking out for our best interest...even if it's not what we want.

Days 109&110: 2 Samuel 13-15, Psalms 3,4,13,28,55

The Bible is certainly no children's book. A lot of time elapses in these 3 chapters of 2 Samuel and David's household is a soap opera. His son Amnon is "in love with Tamar"...actually it seems more like he's "in lust" with her. Now Tamar is a half-sister to Amnon. Apparently Tamar and Absalom have the same mother but Amnon is David's son with another mother. Now, Amnon and his "assistant" cook up a plan to get Amnon alone with Tamar and he makes his move. Tamar resists but she says something interesting. She says:

"Please speak to the king; he will not keep me from being married to you." (2 Samuel 13:13)

I wonder if she's right about this? The social ethics of the day are obviously way different than today but I find it hard to believe that David would in fact support the marriage of his son and his daughter even though they have different mothers. Perhaps she's just trying to get out of a bad situation by saying the first thing that enters her mind that would slow Amnon down. Either way, Amnon will not be slowed down. When she attempts to resist his advances he rapes her.

It becomes obvious that Amnon didn't really "love" Tamar after the deed is done:

Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her. (2 Samuel 13:15)

This event adds more emotional turmoil to David's household.

When King David heard all this, he was furious. And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad; he hated Amnon because he had disgraced his sister Tamar. (2 Samuel 13: 21-22)

But nobody really does anything about it. It's just left there to fester. Tamar goes to live with her brother Absalom "a  desolate woman".

2 years later

Absalom decides to get revenge on Amnon for what he did to his sister.

Absalom ordered his men, “Listen! When Amnon is in high spirits from drinking wine and I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon down,’ then kill him. Don’t be afraid. Haven’t I given you this order? Be strong and brave.” (2 Samuel 13:28)

Absalom's plan is successful and word gets back to David so Absalom flees for his life, figuring that his father will want to avenge his son's death.

3 years later

Joab is still one of David's insiders. He is one of his most trusted men. I guess he decides it's been long enough so he cooks up a plan to try to make peace in David's family. I don't quite understand the specifics of this plan but it involves a woman from Tekoa to do a little act for David in which she tells a story...it sort of reminds me of Nathan confronting David about his sin with Bathsheba...but this seems a little more underhanded. Anyway, this woman, in the course of her performance for David, says something that is quite profound. I don't know how much she really believes about what she says, she is certainly no prophet, but this statement shows a lot of insight into who God is and what He is really like:

"Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him." (2 Samuel 14:14)

Anyway, the plan works to a certain degree. Absalom moves back to Jerusalem but there is no actual contact with David.

2 years later

Absalom worms his way back into an uneasy relationship with his father.

Then the king summoned Absalom, and he came in and bowed down with his face to the ground before the king. And the king kissed Absalom. (2 Samuel; 14:33)

Absalom takes advantage of this situation and runs a PR campaign to win the favor of the people.

4 years later

Absalom's PR campaign turns into a conspiracy to overthrow David and become king. Eventually David has to flee Jerusalem but he is able to put one of his own men, Hushai, undercover in Absalom's  organization.

David is still expressing himself in his poetry. Psalm 3 is written sometime while he is fleeing from his son Absalom.

But you, LORD, are a shield around me,
   my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
I call out to the LORD,
   and he answers me from his holy mountain. (Psalm 3:3-4)

Psalm 13 reflects the honesty of a man's heart as he expresses his pain to God:

How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever?
   How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
   and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
   How long will my enemy triumph over me? (Psalm 13:1-2)

But in the very same psalm faith is expressed in the midst of trial:

But I trust in your unfailing love;
   my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the LORD’s praise,
   for he has been good to me. (Psalm 13:5-6)