1. The passage provides details about King Solomon's reign over Israel, including his demonstration of wisdom in dealing with potential threats, building the Temple, gaining wisdom from God, and establishing peace and prosperity.
2. However, Solomon began to decline by taking many foreign wives who turned him to other gods, violating God's commands. As a result, God told Solomon the kingdom would be split after his death.
3. Solomon reigned for 40 years before dying, leaving behind a divided kingdom as God had foretold due to Solomon's disobedience late in life.
This document provides commentary and summaries from multiple scholars on 2 Chronicles 10. It discusses the rebellion of the Israelites against King Rehoboam after the death of Solomon. The scholars note that Rehoboam rejected the wise counsel of older advisers and instead listened to younger, foolish advisers, causing the northern 10 tribes to revolt under Jeroboam. As a result, Rehoboam's kingdom was weakened. The document also discusses King Shishak of Egypt invading and punishing Judah later during Rehoboam's reign due to the people forsaking the law of the Lord.
The document discusses different scholarly opinions on the identity and origin of the Queen of Sheba who visited King Solomon. Some key points debated include:
- Whether she was from Arabia or Ethiopia, as the two countries have competing traditions about her origins.
- Arguments are presented supporting both the Arabian and Ethiopian claims, with evidence cited from the Bible, historical sources, and traditions.
- Scholars disagree on interpreting details like what "the ends of the earth" meant in reference to her homeland and whether she sought to have children with Solomon.
The summary focuses on the central topic of debate around identifying the Queen of Sheba's country of origin based on analyzing the various scholarly opinions and evidence presented
King Solomon strayed from his own wisdom and proverbs by losing his fear of the Lord. As he grew old, his many foreign wives turned his heart to other gods instead of fully devoting himself to the Lord. This was surprising given Solomon's early wisdom and blessings from God. The lessons are that no one is immune from temptation, no position is safe from sin's allure, and we must resist sin at all times and not become lenient toward it.
This document provides commentary on Ezekiel 23, which uses the metaphor of two adulterous sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, to represent Israel and Judah. It describes how both engaged in idolatry and turned to other nations rather than God for protection. As a result, Israel was conquered by Assyria and the northern kingdom was destroyed as a warning to others.
The document provides commentary on various biblical passages from Hebrews. It discusses key themes like the contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion, the permanence of God's kingdom, duties of faith like showing hospitality and caring for prisoners, the sanctity of marriage, and being content with what you have through trust in God. It encourages remembering godly leaders and following the example of their faith and lives.
Gabriel appears to Daniel to help him understand a vision and the future of Daniel's people. Gabriel tells Daniel that he had been fighting with the spiritual forces influencing the king of Persia for three weeks to allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem according to God's word. Michael, another chief prince who is actually Jesus, had come to help Gabriel in this battle. Gabriel then explains to Daniel that he has come to help Daniel understand what will happen to his people in the latter days, as foretold in the visions, and that God wants His people to understand the prophecies in Scripture.
This document provides commentary on Jeremiah 10 from multiple scholars and experts. It discusses the context and meaning of Jeremiah warning the Israelites not to adopt the idolatrous practices of surrounding pagan nations. The commentators analyze the passage's themes of contrasting the powerless idols with the sovereignty of God, as well as its style and potential authorship, with some suggesting it was added by later editors rather than written entirely by Jeremiah. The document examines various interpretations of the passage and debates whether it truly interrupts the flow of thought from previous chapters.
The document provides a detailed summary and analysis of Daniel chapters 10-12. It summarizes that Gabriel explains future historical events to Daniel, starting with kings of Persia after Cyrus and leading up to Alexander the Great. It notes that God was directly involved in influencing these kings, like Cyrus, to accomplish the work of returning Jews to Israel, and that believers can have confidence like Daniel during future times of crisis.
This document provides commentary and summaries from multiple scholars on 2 Chronicles 10. It discusses the rebellion of the Israelites against King Rehoboam after the death of Solomon. The scholars note that Rehoboam rejected the wise counsel of older advisers and instead listened to younger, foolish advisers, causing the northern 10 tribes to revolt under Jeroboam. As a result, Rehoboam's kingdom was weakened. The document also discusses King Shishak of Egypt invading and punishing Judah later during Rehoboam's reign due to the people forsaking the law of the Lord.
The document discusses different scholarly opinions on the identity and origin of the Queen of Sheba who visited King Solomon. Some key points debated include:
- Whether she was from Arabia or Ethiopia, as the two countries have competing traditions about her origins.
- Arguments are presented supporting both the Arabian and Ethiopian claims, with evidence cited from the Bible, historical sources, and traditions.
- Scholars disagree on interpreting details like what "the ends of the earth" meant in reference to her homeland and whether she sought to have children with Solomon.
The summary focuses on the central topic of debate around identifying the Queen of Sheba's country of origin based on analyzing the various scholarly opinions and evidence presented
King Solomon strayed from his own wisdom and proverbs by losing his fear of the Lord. As he grew old, his many foreign wives turned his heart to other gods instead of fully devoting himself to the Lord. This was surprising given Solomon's early wisdom and blessings from God. The lessons are that no one is immune from temptation, no position is safe from sin's allure, and we must resist sin at all times and not become lenient toward it.
This document provides commentary on Ezekiel 23, which uses the metaphor of two adulterous sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, to represent Israel and Judah. It describes how both engaged in idolatry and turned to other nations rather than God for protection. As a result, Israel was conquered by Assyria and the northern kingdom was destroyed as a warning to others.
The document provides commentary on various biblical passages from Hebrews. It discusses key themes like the contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion, the permanence of God's kingdom, duties of faith like showing hospitality and caring for prisoners, the sanctity of marriage, and being content with what you have through trust in God. It encourages remembering godly leaders and following the example of their faith and lives.
Gabriel appears to Daniel to help him understand a vision and the future of Daniel's people. Gabriel tells Daniel that he had been fighting with the spiritual forces influencing the king of Persia for three weeks to allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem according to God's word. Michael, another chief prince who is actually Jesus, had come to help Gabriel in this battle. Gabriel then explains to Daniel that he has come to help Daniel understand what will happen to his people in the latter days, as foretold in the visions, and that God wants His people to understand the prophecies in Scripture.
This document provides commentary on Jeremiah 10 from multiple scholars and experts. It discusses the context and meaning of Jeremiah warning the Israelites not to adopt the idolatrous practices of surrounding pagan nations. The commentators analyze the passage's themes of contrasting the powerless idols with the sovereignty of God, as well as its style and potential authorship, with some suggesting it was added by later editors rather than written entirely by Jeremiah. The document examines various interpretations of the passage and debates whether it truly interrupts the flow of thought from previous chapters.
The document provides a detailed summary and analysis of Daniel chapters 10-12. It summarizes that Gabriel explains future historical events to Daniel, starting with kings of Persia after Cyrus and leading up to Alexander the Great. It notes that God was directly involved in influencing these kings, like Cyrus, to accomplish the work of returning Jews to Israel, and that believers can have confidence like Daniel during future times of crisis.
This document discusses how sin has corrupted mankind since entering the world. It describes how sin can spread like a chain reaction from person to person and nation to nation. It says God will bring temporary judgment to turn people to repentance, but if they continue in sin and neglect God's judgment, they will face eternal punishment. The document then examines how the prophet Amos delivered warnings about God's coming judgment on several nations - Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, and Ammon - for their sins of cruelty, slave trading, and neglecting their covenants. It suggests these warnings also apply prophetically to judge such sins today.
This document discusses the sins and judgments of various nations according to the book of Amos in the Bible. It describes how each nation sinned and faced judgment from God. The nations discussed are Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah, and Israel. For each nation, it provides details on their sin, the judgment God brought, and historical fulfillment of the judgment. Throughout, it draws parallels between the messages to the ancient nations and ways God may deal with similar sins today.
The document provides an analysis and summary of Revelation chapter 13, which describes two beasts. It argues that the Sea Beast of Revelation is the same as the beasts described by Daniel, and represents the kingdoms of Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome. Key points made include:
- The Sea Beast comes from the sea like Daniel's beasts and has 10 horns and 7 heads, linking it to Daniel's visions.
- It incorporates aspects of Daniel's lions, bears and leopards, and makes war against God's people for the same time period.
- The heads represent kings and the number is linked to those ruling Rome at the time of writing.
- The Sea Beast
The document contains Amos' visions of judgment from God against Israel for their sins. It begins with visions of locusts and fire destroying the land. Another vision uses a plumb line to show how Israel has not kept straight with God. A priest opposes Amos' message, but Amos insists he is only prophesying what God has called him to say. Further visions depict a basket of ripe fruit indicating the time for judgment, and doorposts shaking to signify God's verdict. The document ends with promises of restoration if Israel turns from sin.
The document contains Amos' visions of judgment from God against Israel for their sins. It begins with visions of locusts and fire destroying the land. Another vision uses a plumb line to show how Israel has not kept straight with God. A priest opposes Amos' message, but Amos insists he is only prophesying what God has called him to say. Further visions depict a basket of ripe fruit indicating the time for judgment, and doorposts shaking to signify God's verdict. The document ends with promises of restoration if Israel turns from sin.
Our little Church is using a Chronological Bible Reading Schedule by Skip Andrews. It can be found here: http://www.churchofchristduluthga.org/
Each Sunday a lesson is given from some of that week's reading. This lesson covers May 25-31.
1. King Solomon, the wisest man who once feared the Lord, strayed from his wisdom and God's commands by developing insatiable appetites for wealth and women later in life.
2. His heart became turned away from fully devoted to God, and he engaged in idolatry by worshipping the false gods of his many foreign wives.
3. The lessons are that no one is immune from temptation, no position or privileges can protect from sin, and sin can gradually creep in if one is not vigilant and committed to resisting it at all times.
The document provides an analysis and interpretation of Revelation 6:1-17, which describes the opening of the first four seals and the horsemen that ride out. It discusses three common approaches to understanding these riders: as Christ and agents of Satan, all as agents of Satan, and as aspects of God's power to judge nations. The analysis suggests the riders represent how God works through nations to bring judgment, with the first rider symbolizing Rome's future conquest through invasion.
This document provides a summary and analysis of Revelation 7:1-17 from a study on the book of Revelation. It discusses the sealing of 144,000 people (12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel) to symbolize God protecting and knowing all of his people. It then summarizes the vision of a great multitude from every nation standing before God's throne, representing all Christians (both Jew and Gentile) who are saved. Key points are that the numbers are symbolic and not meant to be taken literally, representing all of God's people being protected as he carries out judgments.
1. The Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's wisdom and came to Jerusalem to test him with difficult questions, bringing gifts of gold, precious stones, and spices.
2. She was greatly impressed by Solomon's wisdom in answering all her questions, as well as the grandeur of his palace and the orderliness of his household and worship.
3. The Queen praised God for giving such wisdom to Solomon and blessing Israel, and she exchanged generous gifts with Solomon before returning home.
A godly man loves the written and preached word of God for several reasons. He loves the written word by diligently reading, meditating on, delighting in, hiding in his heart, defending, preferring above all things, talking about, and conforming to it. He loves the preached word because of the efficacy and salvation it brings, as it comments on and applies the written word. A godly man's love for the word is shown by how he receives its counsels, threats, and consolations, and how he responds to its reproofs of sin in his own life.
This slide deck study on the Old Testament Book of Daniel is one of a series to help leaders of a Bible study or Sunday School class who are too busy to research and prepare as well as they would like for the task. The entire series is engaging, colorful and challenging and is ready to go even at the last moment. More are in the works. Search using the keyword "lessonstogo",
Amos prophesied judgment against several nations for their sins, including Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah, and Israel. Their sins involved social injustice, violence, idolatry, and corruption. God would bring fire and destruction against their cities and send them into exile. Amos delivered a warning to Israel about their rejection of God's laws, oppression of the poor, immorality, and corruption of the priesthood. God would judge them by crushing them like an overloaded cart. The nations were accountable to God, and their fate demonstrated both his justice and love.
Amos prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel and the surrounding nations. He delivered messages of judgment from God for their sins. Their sins included social injustice, immorality, idolatry, and corruption of prophets. God would not relent in his judgment for these transgressions. The nations would face destruction and exile. Israel did not heed God's warnings through the prophets and would face divine judgment in the form of military defeat and exile from their land. The document outlines Amos' prophecies against various nations and their fulfillment, with lessons about God holding nations accountable and treating injustice and apostasy equally.
The document discusses King Solomon and the books of Kings in the Bible. It summarizes Solomon's reign, including his building of the Temple in Jerusalem, his request for wisdom from God, and his establishment of districts and elite groups. However, Solomon's reign was also marked by extravagance, oppression of the people, and the king's turn to idolatry. The document examines issues like exploitation during Solomon's time and questions the extent of his actual wisdom and authorship of biblical texts.
This document discusses how sin has corrupted mankind since entering the world. It describes how sin can spread like a chain reaction from person to person and nation to nation. It says God will bring temporary judgment to turn people to repentance, but if they continue in sin and neglect God's judgment, they will face eternal punishment. The document then examines how the prophet Amos delivered warnings about God's coming judgment on several nations - Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, and Ammon - for their sins of cruelty, slave trading, and neglecting their covenants. It suggests these warnings also apply prophetically to judge such sins today.
This document discusses the sins and judgments of various nations according to the book of Amos in the Bible. It describes how each nation sinned and faced judgment from God. The nations discussed are Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah, and Israel. For each nation, it provides details on their sin, the judgment God brought, and historical fulfillment of the judgment. Throughout, it draws parallels between the messages to the ancient nations and ways God may deal with similar sins today.
The document provides an analysis and summary of Revelation chapter 13, which describes two beasts. It argues that the Sea Beast of Revelation is the same as the beasts described by Daniel, and represents the kingdoms of Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome. Key points made include:
- The Sea Beast comes from the sea like Daniel's beasts and has 10 horns and 7 heads, linking it to Daniel's visions.
- It incorporates aspects of Daniel's lions, bears and leopards, and makes war against God's people for the same time period.
- The heads represent kings and the number is linked to those ruling Rome at the time of writing.
- The Sea Beast
The document contains Amos' visions of judgment from God against Israel for their sins. It begins with visions of locusts and fire destroying the land. Another vision uses a plumb line to show how Israel has not kept straight with God. A priest opposes Amos' message, but Amos insists he is only prophesying what God has called him to say. Further visions depict a basket of ripe fruit indicating the time for judgment, and doorposts shaking to signify God's verdict. The document ends with promises of restoration if Israel turns from sin.
The document contains Amos' visions of judgment from God against Israel for their sins. It begins with visions of locusts and fire destroying the land. Another vision uses a plumb line to show how Israel has not kept straight with God. A priest opposes Amos' message, but Amos insists he is only prophesying what God has called him to say. Further visions depict a basket of ripe fruit indicating the time for judgment, and doorposts shaking to signify God's verdict. The document ends with promises of restoration if Israel turns from sin.
Our little Church is using a Chronological Bible Reading Schedule by Skip Andrews. It can be found here: http://www.churchofchristduluthga.org/
Each Sunday a lesson is given from some of that week's reading. This lesson covers May 25-31.
1. King Solomon, the wisest man who once feared the Lord, strayed from his wisdom and God's commands by developing insatiable appetites for wealth and women later in life.
2. His heart became turned away from fully devoted to God, and he engaged in idolatry by worshipping the false gods of his many foreign wives.
3. The lessons are that no one is immune from temptation, no position or privileges can protect from sin, and sin can gradually creep in if one is not vigilant and committed to resisting it at all times.
The document provides an analysis and interpretation of Revelation 6:1-17, which describes the opening of the first four seals and the horsemen that ride out. It discusses three common approaches to understanding these riders: as Christ and agents of Satan, all as agents of Satan, and as aspects of God's power to judge nations. The analysis suggests the riders represent how God works through nations to bring judgment, with the first rider symbolizing Rome's future conquest through invasion.
This document provides a summary and analysis of Revelation 7:1-17 from a study on the book of Revelation. It discusses the sealing of 144,000 people (12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel) to symbolize God protecting and knowing all of his people. It then summarizes the vision of a great multitude from every nation standing before God's throne, representing all Christians (both Jew and Gentile) who are saved. Key points are that the numbers are symbolic and not meant to be taken literally, representing all of God's people being protected as he carries out judgments.
1. The Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's wisdom and came to Jerusalem to test him with difficult questions, bringing gifts of gold, precious stones, and spices.
2. She was greatly impressed by Solomon's wisdom in answering all her questions, as well as the grandeur of his palace and the orderliness of his household and worship.
3. The Queen praised God for giving such wisdom to Solomon and blessing Israel, and she exchanged generous gifts with Solomon before returning home.
A godly man loves the written and preached word of God for several reasons. He loves the written word by diligently reading, meditating on, delighting in, hiding in his heart, defending, preferring above all things, talking about, and conforming to it. He loves the preached word because of the efficacy and salvation it brings, as it comments on and applies the written word. A godly man's love for the word is shown by how he receives its counsels, threats, and consolations, and how he responds to its reproofs of sin in his own life.
This slide deck study on the Old Testament Book of Daniel is one of a series to help leaders of a Bible study or Sunday School class who are too busy to research and prepare as well as they would like for the task. The entire series is engaging, colorful and challenging and is ready to go even at the last moment. More are in the works. Search using the keyword "lessonstogo",
Amos prophesied judgment against several nations for their sins, including Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah, and Israel. Their sins involved social injustice, violence, idolatry, and corruption. God would bring fire and destruction against their cities and send them into exile. Amos delivered a warning to Israel about their rejection of God's laws, oppression of the poor, immorality, and corruption of the priesthood. God would judge them by crushing them like an overloaded cart. The nations were accountable to God, and their fate demonstrated both his justice and love.
Amos prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel and the surrounding nations. He delivered messages of judgment from God for their sins. Their sins included social injustice, immorality, idolatry, and corruption of prophets. God would not relent in his judgment for these transgressions. The nations would face destruction and exile. Israel did not heed God's warnings through the prophets and would face divine judgment in the form of military defeat and exile from their land. The document outlines Amos' prophecies against various nations and their fulfillment, with lessons about God holding nations accountable and treating injustice and apostasy equally.
The document discusses King Solomon and the books of Kings in the Bible. It summarizes Solomon's reign, including his building of the Temple in Jerusalem, his request for wisdom from God, and his establishment of districts and elite groups. However, Solomon's reign was also marked by extravagance, oppression of the people, and the king's turn to idolatry. The document examines issues like exploitation during Solomon's time and questions the extent of his actual wisdom and authorship of biblical texts.
The document provides an overview of the Book of Proverbs in the Bible. It notes that King Solomon is the principal author of many of the proverbs, though others were compiled and added later. The proverbs contain wisdom on many topics of daily living and emphasize that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Ultimately, the wisdom found in Proverbs finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Those who seek wisdom through obeying God will be blessed with long life, prosperity, and joy.
King Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem but began worshipping other gods, breaking the covenant with God. This led God to promise that Solomon's line would lose the throne. When Solomon died, the kingdom split into Israel in the north ruled by Jeroboam, and Judah in the south ruled by Solomon's son. Solomon had oppressed the people with forced labor and high taxes, causing resentment. His reign marked the decline of Israel from a loyal confederation of tribes under David to a weakened people vulnerable to exile.
King Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem but his reign became oppressive as he instituted forced labor and high taxes. He began worshipping other gods, breaking the covenant with God. This led God to promise that the kingdom would be divided after Solomon's death. His enemy Jeroboam was told he would rule Israel in the north, and Solomon ordered his death but he fled to Egypt. The kingdom then split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah after Solomon's death.
Solomon became king after his father David and initially ruled wisely, building the first Jewish temple. However, over time he gained riches and his devotion to God decreased. He established oppressive systems of forced labor and taxation. God told Solomon he would lose most of the kingdom for turning away from their covenant. After Solomon's death, the kingdom split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The document discusses key events in Solomon's reign from the Books of Kings and how his actions led to the division of the kingdom.
Hiram, king of Tyre, sent envoys to Solomon to congratulate him on becoming king after his father David. Hiram had always been friendly with David. Solomon decided to build a temple for God, as David had wanted to. Solomon arranged with Hiram to provide timber from Lebanon in exchange for wheat and olive oil. Hiram agreed and sent skilled workers to help prepare the materials for building the temple. Commentators note the contrast between God originally wanting a spiritual house of people rather than a physical temple, but that God accommodated the temple project.
Solomon was the third king of a united Israelite kingdom. He was renowned for his wisdom and wealth, building the first Temple in Jerusalem. However, he took many foreign wives who turned him away from worshipping only God. As a result, upon his death the kingdom split into northern and southern kingdoms.
The document provides biographical and contextual information about the prophets Amos and Hosea. Amos was a shepherd and dresser of sycamore trees from Tekoa who prophesied during the reign of Amaziah around 760-750 BC. His message involved condemnation of Israel and its neighbors for their sins. Hosea prophesied in Israel around 750-725 BC during a time of rampant sin and corruption. God instructed him to marry the unfaithful Gomer as an analogy for Israel's unfaithfulness to God despite His love. Both prophets warned of coming punishment by Assyria in hopes it would bring the people back to fidelity to God.
Spurgeon: “The first Psalm was a contrast between the righteous man and the sinner; the second Psalm is a contrast between the tumultuous disobedience of the
ungodly world and the sure exaltation of the righteous Son of God. In the first Psalm, we saw the wicked driven away like chaff; in the second Psalm we see them broken in pieces like a potter’s vessel. In the first Psalm, we beheld the righteous like a tree planted by the rivers of water; and here, we contemplate Christ, the Covenant Head of the righteous, made better than a tree planted by the rivers of
water, for he is made king of all the islands, and all the heathen bow before him and kiss the dust.”
The document provides a summary of the biblical story of King Solomon. It describes how Solomon came to power after his father David, asked God for wisdom, demonstrated his wisdom in judging two prostitutes' case, built the first Jewish temple, but over time turned away from God and tolerated idolatry. This led Israel away from its founding identity of being faithful to God alone and set the stage for the kingdom to split after Solomon's death.
The document provides an overview of the division and downfall of Israel according to the Old Testament. It discusses how King Solomon did not follow God's commandments, resulting in God dividing the kingdom between Solomon's son Rehoboam and Jeroboam. Rehoboam rejected wise counsel and increased the people's burdens, leading 10 tribes to separate and form the northern kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam while the remaining 2 tribes comprised the southern kingdom of Judah. The document then outlines the rapid decline of both kingdoms due to unfaithful kings abandoning God.
Amos was a prophet from Judah who preached in Israel around 767-753 BC. He warned that God would punish nations, including Israel, for acts of cruelty and injustice. God had blessed Israel greatly but they failed in their responsibility, so he sent disasters to turn them back but they did not repent. God then promised their destruction for their sins against him and mistreatment of others. The book encourages believers today to appreciate their spiritual privileges and live responsibly according to God's will.
XVII. A New Emergency . . . . .165
Chapter xiv. 1-16.
XVIII. The Test of Victory . . , .171
Chapter xiv. 17-24.
XIX. Thb Great Encouragement . . .178
Chapter xv. 1-6.
XX. The Confirmation of Faith . . .185
Chapter xv. 7-21.
XXI. A False Step ...... 102
Chapter xvi.
XXII. The Covenant Renewed . . 200
Chapter xvii.
XXIII. Fellowship with God . . 200
Chapter xviii. 1-21.
A verse by verse commentary on DEUTERONOMY 11 dealing with God urging His people to love and obey Him, and forsake all other gods as they enter the Promised land where He will bless them. If they do not love and obey Him they and the land will suffer judgment.
The document summarizes Daniel's vision in chapter 7 of the Bible. It describes four beasts representing kingdoms, with the fourth beast being Rome that later splits into the Roman Empire and Papacy. Daniel is shown a judgment scene where God sits on His throne and judges the beasts. The document then analyzes how aspects of the previous kingdoms like Babylon's mystery religion influenced the Papacy. It notes the Papacy's 1260 year rule from 538 to 1798 AD as foretold in Daniel's prophecy of a "time, times and half a time."
We study the Books of 1st and 2nd Kings by focusing on the relationship between key kings of Israel and Judah with the Prophets that God called along side them. We explore how these leaders determined the direction and outcomes of the people.
We study the Books of 1st and 2nd Kings by focusing on the relationship between key kings of Israel and Judah with the Prophets that God called along side them. We explore how these leaders determined the direction and outcomes of the people.
The document contains several teachings from different rabbis:
1) A rabbi tells a man he has no key to open him, and the man cries for the rabbi to pry him open with a nail, after which the rabbi praises the man.
2) Another rabbi teaches that to help someone stuck in "mud and filth," one must go down into the mud yourself and pull both yourself and the other person into the light.
3) A third rabbi says making robots is unimportant, but making a "hasid" (pious, kind, devoted person) is what truly matters.
This document provides a summary of a Hasidic study session that includes:
1) A review of the previous session and key takeaways.
2) Five Hasidic sayings from various rabbis, each presenting a lesson or insight.
3) Questions to consider for each saying regarding surface meaning, deeper possibilities, main lessons, and personal application.
4) A conclusion closing the session.
The document discusses the Hasidic movement, which began in the 18th century in Eastern Europe. It focuses on the founder, Baal Shem Tov, and explores some of his teachings conveyed through stories. The tales highlight themes of finding God's presence everywhere, the importance of sincere prayer and deeds, and avoiding pride. The document aims to understand these lessons and discuss their relevance to faith, society, and life.
The document discusses Israel's failure to uphold its covenant with God and turning instead to idolatry and foreign ways. Some key points:
1) Israel was given all it needed to thrive but produced "bad fruit" due to breaking its promise to God. Imagery of ruined vineyards and wild animals represents Israel straying from its purpose.
2) Leaders like priests and prophets abandoned their duties and corrupted the people. Teachers no longer knew God, endangering the transmission of values between generations.
3) Ritual acts were appropriated for idolatry, dishonoring the traditions of ancestors. Outward customs replaced inner principles.
4) The people sought fulfillment in "foreign children
This document summarizes lessons from the biblical prophets Isaiah. It discusses several of Isaiah's prophecies about righteousness, oppression, society, and God's desire to help the oppressed. The document examines what these prophecies teach about pleasing God and living according to cherished values. It explores imagery of people flocking to God, righteousness inheriting the land, and harmony between animals. The document concludes by considering steps to respond to the prophets' critiques and improve modern society.
This lesson plan discusses the failure of King Hezekiah's reforms in Israel and examines reasons why reforms may not be successful, including the loss of a shared narrative, being too narrow, proud, self-confident, spoiled, caught up in luxury and games, and going past the point of no return due to hardened hearts or being too far gone in corruption. It asks students to consider examples of advanced social decline and concludes by charging students for the next session.
Lesson Four- The Prophets- Painting the Broader Canvas of a Troubled SocietySandy Kress
This document summarizes a lesson about prophets painting a broader picture of a troubled society. It discusses several biblical passages describing societal problems like corruption, lack of wisdom, pride, and moral failings. The discussion analyzes how these issues spread throughout a society, with no one escaping responsibility or punishment. Specific examples of societal breakdown included people consuming their own flesh out of desperation, and a metaphor comparing a society to a fragile potter's bottle that cannot be repaired once broken. The lesson aimed to demonstrate how prophets conveyed warnings about comprehensive societal problems beyond just leadership.
The document summarizes several passages from the book of Jeremiah in the Hebrew Bible. It discusses:
1) Jeremiah's message to the people of Judah that they had not listened to God's prophets for a long time, despite repeated warnings to repent.
2) The priests and prophets threatening Jeremiah with death for prophesying that the Temple would be destroyed, like Shiloh, if the people did not change their ways.
3) Babylon conquering Judah but facing its own downfall, showing that empires rise and fall and should not take their power for granted.
The document provides commentary on various passages from the book of Jeremiah. It discusses how Jeremiah found himself threatened with death for speaking out against the corrupt practices of his society. The commentary reflects on why prophets who condemn wrongdoing are often met with hostility. It also examines the escalating sinfulness between generations that led to Judah's demise, and the injustice, oppression, and shedding of innocent blood that characterized Jeremiah's time. Restoring righteousness, justice and fair treatment of the vulnerable could have saved Judah according to God's message through Jeremiah.
This document provides an analysis of Jeremiah 8-10 from the Bible. It discusses how the people had strayed from God and were wicked, but God offered repentance. However, the people refused to repent despite warnings. Their ways were characterized by stubbornness, ignorance of God's judgments, and claiming to know God's teachings but not following them. Their society lacked faith, kindness, justice and righteousness. It focused too much on wealth, strength and wisdom instead of God. It treated idols as things of veneration like God, but idols have no enduring value or life in them.
1. The document discusses several verses from the book of Jeremiah that criticize society in Judah for declining from justice and righteousness. It is suggested that children roaming the streets instead of being in school and a loss of responsibility among both men and women contributed to the decline.
2. Verse 6:15 is discussed, noting that without shame, a society has a greater inclination to remain in wrongdoing rather than acknowledge and correct issues.
3. Verses 7:5-7 indict the society for a lack of commitment to justice for all people and following rituals without upholding justice, which was particularly offensive to God.
4. The document discusses how certain physical activities of ancestors were being used in
The document discusses several passages from the book of Jeremiah in the Bible. It analyzes metaphors used to describe how the people of Israel had turned away from God and betrayed their core spiritual principles. This led to societal problems as leaders, priests, and prophets misguided the people and pursued their own gains rather than justice and righteousness. While some good people remained, they were ineffective at enacting change. The document examines themes of how societies decline when people forget moral truths, are not accountable, take advantage of the vulnerable, and follow misguided leaders claiming false assurances of peace.
The document summarizes Jeremiah 1:16-2:37, discussing God's judgment against Judah for forsaking Him. It analyzes themes like the people's ingratitude towards God despite Him bringing them out of Egypt, their pursuit of futile idols, and corrupt leadership from priests and prophets. Animal images are used to depict the wayward people recklessly breaking bonds like a young camel or wild donkey. Discussions of forgotten jewelry and bloodstained clothing suggest the progression of the people straying far from God through their sins despite denying having sinned.
This document provides commentary on Amos, a prophet from Judah who preached in Israel in the 8th century BCE. The commentary analyzes various passages from the Book of Amos, highlighting issues of corruption and social injustice that Amos condemned, including graft, oppression of the poor, and empty religious rituals. While Amos preached during a time of prosperity, he warned that Israel had brought judgment on itself through its unethical acts and complacency. The commentary draws parallels between the injustices of ancient Israel and problems still seen in modern societies.
This document summarizes and discusses several chapters from the biblical Book of Isaiah. It focuses on themes of insincere worship, the consequences of losing touch with wisdom, and the corruption of societies that act in darkness and reject accountability. Specific issues highlighted include outward piety without inward devotion, the loss of guidance from wise leaders, people running eagerly to evil and spreading calamity, and a state of spiritual blindness and despair when righteousness departs. The document uses metaphors like poisonous snake eggs and spider webs to illustrate how misconduct breeds further harm. It analyzes the text through discussion questions aimed at understanding historical contexts and drawing modern parallels.
This summary provides a high-level overview of key points from the document in 3 sentences:
The document discusses several chapters from the Book of Isaiah that criticize the people of Israel for rebelling against God through sin and failing to uphold justice and righteousness, despite performing religious rituals. It notes how leadership had become corrupt and the wealthy indulged in excess, while oppressing the poor. The prophet Isaiah warns that if changes are not made, the situation will continue to deteriorate with unqualified leaders ruling over the people.
This document provides an overview of several important rabbis and scholars from the Galilean period after the suppression of the Bar Kochba revolt in 135 CE. It discusses their teachings and contributions to the development of halakha and the Mishnah. Some of the key figures mentioned include Rabbi Yehuda bar Ilai, Rabbi Yose ben Halafta, Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai, Rabbi Meir, and Judah HaNasi, the editor of the Mishnah.
From Yavneh to the Bar Kokhba Revolt and Its AftermathSandy Kress
1. This document summarizes teachings from several early Jewish sages from the period after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, known as the Tannaim. It discusses the students of Yohanan ben Zakkai and the development of the rabbinic authority at Yavneh under Rabban Gamliel II.
2. It then examines sayings and teachings from sages such as Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus, Rabbi Yehoshua, Rabbi Tarfon, and Rabbi Akiva on topics like character, ethics, and diligent study of wisdom and law. Specific teachings around anger, desire, and helping others are analyzed.
3. The document
The Second Temple Period - From Prophecy to HalakhahSandy Kress
This document discusses several figures and teachings from the Second Temple period in Israel. It begins with a discussion of Avot 1:1 and the principles of being deliberate in judgment, raising many students, and making a protective fence for the Torah. It then profiles several sages and teachers from this era including Simeon the Just, Antigonus of Sokho, Honi the Circle Maker, and Hanina ben Dosa. It analyzes their teachings and how they navigated the transition from prophecy to the development of halakha during this time of both Greek influence and the rise of different Jewish sects like the Sadducees, Essenes and Pharisees.
Psalms - lesson Plan for the Third SessionSandy Kress
This lesson plan summarizes four Psalms - 90, 104, 133, and 102. For each Psalm, it provides background context and poses discussion questions about the meaning and themes. The overall themes are God's eternal presence and sovereignty, the importance of living righteously and in harmony, and maintaining faith through remembering God's works across generations.
The forces involved in this witchcraft spell will re-establish the loving bond between you and help to build a strong, loving relationship from which to start anew. Despite any previous hardships or problems, the spell work will re-establish the strong bonds of friendship and love upon which the marriage and relationship originated. Have faith, these stop divorce and stop separation spells are extremely powerful and will reconnect you and your partner in a strong and harmonious relationship.
My ritual will not only stop separation and divorce, but rebuild a strong bond between you and your partner that is based on truth, honesty, and unconditional love. For an even stronger effect, you may want to consider using the Eternal Love Bond spell to ensure your relationship and love will last through all tests of time. If you have not yet determined if your partner is considering separation or divorce, but are aware of rifts in the relationship, try the Love Spells to remove problems in a relationship or marriage. Keep in mind that all my love spells are 100% customized and that you'll only need 1 spell to address all problems/wishes.
Save your marriage from divorce & make your relationship stronger using anti divorce spells to make him or her fall back in love with you. End your marriage if you are no longer in love with your husband or wife. Permanently end your marriage using divorce spells that work fast. Protect your marriage from divorce using love spells to boost commitment, love & bind your hearts together for a stronger marriage that will last. Get your ex lover who has remarried using divorce spells to break up a couple & make your ex lost lover come back to you permanently.
Visit https://www.profbalaj.com/love-spells-loves-spells-that-work/
Call/WhatsApp +27836633417 for more info.
Trusting God's Providence | Verse: Romans 8: 28-31JL de Belen
Trusting God's Providence.
Providence - God’s active preservation and care over His creation. God is both the Creator and the Sustainer of all things Heb. 1:2-3; Col. 1:17
-God keep His promises.
-God’s general providence is toward all creation
- All things were made through Him
God’s special providence is toward His children.
We may suffer now, but joy can and will come
God can see what we cannot see
Protector & Destroyer: Agni Dev (The Hindu God of Fire)Exotic India
So let us turn the pages of ancient Indian literature and get to know more about Agni, the mighty purifier of all things, worshipped in Indian culture as a God since the Vedic time.
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - MessageCole Hartman
Jude gives us hope at the end of a dark letter. In a dark world like today, we need the light of Christ to shine brighter and brighter. Jude shows us where to fix our focus so we can be filled with God's goodness and glory. Join us to explore this incredible passage.
Heartfulness Magazine - June 2024 (Volume 9, Issue 6)heartfulness
Dear readers,
This month we continue with more inspiring talks from the Global Spirituality Mahotsav that was held from March 14 to 17, 2024, at Kanha Shanti Vanam.
We hear from Daaji on lifestyle and yoga in honor of International Day of Yoga, June 21, 2024. We also hear from Professor Bhavani Rao, Dean at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, on spirituality in action, the Venerable BhikkuSanghasena on how to be an ambassador for compassion, Dr. Tony Nader on the Maharishi Effect, Swami Mukundananda on the crossroads of modernization, Tejinder Kaur Basra on the purpose of work, the Venerable GesheDorjiDamdul on the psychology of peace, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on how we are all related, and world-renowned violinist KumareshRajagopalan on the uplifting mysteries of music.
Dr. Prasad Veluthanar shares an Ayurvedic perspective on treating autism, Dr. IchakAdizes helps us navigate disagreements at work, Sravan Banda celebrates World Environment Day by sharing some tips on land restoration, and Sara Bubber tells our children another inspiring story and challenges them with some fun facts and riddles.
Happy reading,
The editors
A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons to Learn ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...OH TEIK BIN
A free eBook comprising 5 sets of PowerPoint presentations of meaningful stories /Inspirational pieces that teach important Dhamma/Life lessons. For reflection and practice to develop the mind to grow in love, compassion and wisdom. The texts are in English and Chinese.
My other free eBooks can be obtained from the following Links:
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/presentations
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/documents
Sanatan Vastu | Experience Great Living | Vastu ExpertSanatan Vastu
Santan Vastu Provides Vedic astrology courses & Vastu remedies, If you are searching Vastu for home, Vastu for kitchen, Vastu for house, Vastu for Office & Factory. Best Vastu in Bahadurgarh. Best Vastu in Delhi NCR
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...franktsao4
It seems that current missionary work requires spending a lot of money, preparing a lot of materials, and traveling to far away places, so that it feels like missionary work. But what was the result they brought back? It's just a lot of photos of activities, fun eating, drinking and some playing games. And then we have to do the same thing next year, never ending. The church once mentioned that a certain missionary would go to the field where she used to work before the end of his life. It seemed that if she had not gone, no one would be willing to go. The reason why these missionary work is so difficult is that no one obeys God’s words, and the Bible is not the main content during missionary work, because in the eyes of those who do not obey God’s words, the Bible is just words and cannot be connected with life, so Reading out God's words is boring because it doesn't have any life experience, so it cannot be connected with human life. I will give a few examples in the hope that this situation can be changed. A375
The Book of Ruth is included in the third division, or the Writings, of the Hebrew Bible. In most Christian canons it is treated as one of the historical books and placed between Judges and 1 Samuel.
The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...Phoenix O
This manual will guide you through basic skills and tasks to help you get started with various aspects of Magic. Each section is designed to be easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions.
The Book of Samuel is a book in the Hebrew Bible, found as two books in the Old Testament. The book is part of the Deuteronomistic history, a series of books that constitute a theological history of the Israelites and that aim to explain God's law for Israel under the guidance of the prophets.
1. I Kings
I. Solomon- 2:12-11
1. The first thing we read of him as king shows his wisdom - in the form of
seeing through Adonijah’s motives in seeking Bathsheba’s support to
promote his ambitions through a marriage that might inadvertently give
him claim to the throne. Solomonhonors his mother as she
approaches. Yet, Solomoninstantly sees what is happening as a
continuing threat from a man he had once put “on probation,” sees it is
at odds with God’s choice of him as king, and acts on it immediately (by
having him killed).
2. Solomonbanishes (but does not kill) Abiathar, who, though complicit,
had performed riskyand loyal duty to his father.
3. Joab apparently had supported Adonijah. David had advised Solomonin
some way to punish Joab (out of their very complexrelationship). Benaiah,
who would be his successor as head of the army, was sent to kill him, he
says for the deaths of Abner and Amasa. He does so,as Joab insists, while
on the Altar. (This whole saga with Joab, who did so much for David and
the Israelites yet was involved in questionable activity, is very odd and
deep.)
2. 4. Solomoncontinues to deal with oppositionand likely rebellion by going
after the scholarly but disloyal Shimei, to isolate him. Shimei violates the
terms of his isolation, his oath, and is killed as a result.
5. “The kingdom was thus established in the hand of Solomon.” As with
David, even though the king is selected and anointed, it is not settled until
oppositionis removed and authority settled.
6. Solomonsets out to solidifyhis reign in three respects: 1) marrying
women from surrounding nations to help establish peace and positive
relationships (some say through which he spread holiness into bearers of
idolatry), 2) a grant from God of wisdom to govern, and c) judgment, as he
showed in the case of the two women and the baby.
A. It begins with Pharaoh’s daughter. (Lots of debate throughout the ages
over the appropriateness of this, but it helps the text says Solomon
loved HaShem and the people brought offerings fora great high place
to be offered to God.At this time, he went to Gibeonand offered up
1000 elevation offerings onthe Altar. Sages say one who does olah
also elevates himself to higher degrees of service.
B. God appears to Solomonand asks him to ask for what he needs. This
seems so much easier for him than it was for David, whose whole lifetime
was devoted to perfecting himself in service of God. Solomonrecognizes
this is partly an extension of love of David, who “walked before You with
truth and justice and with uprightness of heart with You.” 3:6.
C. Solomonprays for an understanding heart, to judge the people, to
distinguish between good and evil. God responds with favor, delighted that
Solomonrequested this, understanding judgment, instead of many years or
3. riches or the lives of enemies, God grants him a wise and understanding
heart.
This includes accumulation of knowledge and ability to apply knowledge
and reason and deduce facts in service to God and to judge based on right
and wrong. Wisdom is achieved through effort, study, and concentration,
and I think, too, this gift/blessing of God.More than bookknowledge,
including understanding of others’ character and needs.
God distinguishes Solomonas unique in these respects, grants him riches
and honor, too, and pledges that so long as he walks in His ways, his days
will be prolonged.
This happened in a prophetic vision. Solomonthen came to Jerusalem with
both elevation offerings and peace offerings, and a feastfor servants.
Tradition sees celebrationupon receiving gift of wisdom, as in learning and
getting some mastery in Torah, which may explain Solomon’s coming back
to the Ark in Jerusalem to make these offerings.
D. The famous story of the two women, in which Solomonproves his
wisdom. 16-28.The two women tell their tale, the first in greater detail. As a
judge should, Solomonrepeats their contending arguments. He plays out
his strategy, and on the basis of one woman’s demonstrated compassion
and his wisdom in seeing it through to justice, the right result obtained. The
people see this, which contributes to better behavior on the people’s part
and a deterrence to sin.
7. Solomon’s chief ministers: scribes, appointments secretary, census
keeping of the army, overseer of regional commissioners, chamberlain,
4. head of taxes, commissioners who had a variety of assignments including
collectionof monies and goods. 4. Judah and israel were numerous and
profitable and prosperous.
8. Extent of kingdom. 5. Most powerful monarch of time, with wide-ranging
kingdom and needs. (One does wonder about how one is to square
obvious violations of Torah intent as to women and horses, for example,
with God’s blessing of Solomon(?). Some sages argue they were
necessaryfor national security, thus, ok. We’ll see how this plays out.
9. A. God gave Solomongreat WISDOM(hochma) and CONSIDERABLE
UNDERSTANDING (tevunah), the formerto choose between conflicting
character traits, and the latter to assimilate and utilize knowledge and
general understanding (binah) to compare and draw right conclusions.
B. He also gave SolomonBREADTHOF HEART, which means expertise
as immense as the number of grains of sand on the seashore (Radak).
Bamidbar Rabbah 19:3 says that just as the sand prevents the ocean from
flooding the land, Solomon’s wisdom restrained him (and others?) from
indulging wishes opposedby God. Haamek She’eilah says sands restrain
the sea from excess as a wise person does not flaunt what he knows and
only shows it as needed.
C. Solomonwas exceedinglywise, the wisest of all. Or is that Solomon, as
the Maggid of Mezritch said, acquired wisdom from all men and took from
all the nations the “sparks” their knowledge might have contained.
5. D. In 12, we get the source for the idea that Solomonwas the author of
much of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. He communicated
in a way all could understand, bridging all gaps in a way all could
understand.
E. He spoke of the trees and the animals. He had vast knowledge of living
things and their differences, and how they fit into God’s world in nature and
in Torah, and ultimately further evidence that wisdom, too, comes from
God.
F. All came to hear his wisdom, which has the feel of “being a light to the
nations.”
10. Solomonbegins to build the Temple as a fulfillment of God’s
expectations and David’s desire, now that there is peace and the people
are settled and secure, and with involvement of Hiram, king of Tyre, and
source of the cedars of Lebanon. This is a Temple forGod, not a palace for
himself!
It’s a house for the Name of God.19. Purpose is not for God to be confined
in a residence, but rather its purpose is to be a place where God might be
served. Metzudos to II Chronicles. 2:5
The details of the arrangement betweenHiram and Solomon, as well as
their peace, and the manner of organizing of resources and work, to
6. achieve the aim, in last verses of 5, are worthy of study. (Were the stones
hewn by metal implements, forexample?)
11. 6. The Temple is built in 832 BCE, over 7 years, based on plans David
provided him, based as well generally on descriptionsin Torah for the
Tabernacle.
12. 11-13.In the midst of all the riches and detail, God’s word comes to
Solomon: “This Temple that you build - if you follow My decrees, perform
My statutes, and observe all My commandments, to follow them, I shall
uphold My word with you that I spoke with David, your father. I shall dwell
among the Children of Israel, and I shall not forsake My people Israel.”
Artscroll: God wanted Solomonto realize the physical temple must be a
reflectionof the nation’s spiritual being. Only if people are in accord with
God’s way does God’s spirit reside with them; otherwise, this is just a
palace for a human king.
Talmud: to be a builder of God’s Temple, one must be zealous of living true
to the mitzvot, because only if one is loyal to Torah will the Temple be
“built” in a permanent sense.
13. Solomonbuilds a grand palace that is described in rich detail. 7.
7. 14. a. Solomonand the nation dedicate the Temple and bring the Ark to the
Temple.This apparently occurred around Succot. They brought the
Tabernacle from the wilderness journey as well, and it was stored in the
Temple precincts. Procession. Many offerings. Notion that staves would still
be attached, thought the Ark would not be moved.The traditional view was
that once God’s glory filled the Temple in the cloud offeringscould only be
made here forever.
b. Solomonmakes a statement of gratitude to God, mentioning his role and
that of David. Solomonthen gives a long and moving prayer, including a
plea for God’s continued support of the royal line and the people and the
king’s and the people’s continuing to preserve their way.
i. Solomoncites words of the various aspects of prayer in his plea, as to
say that all will be forthcoming from the people in the Temple and the hope
that God will hear and respond to them: the tefilah, the supplication, and
the cry. He appears as well to be talking about prayers that will be offered
“toward this place,” as if to plea that prayers from anywhere directed here
(or to God?)would be heard, and the person, if appropriate, forgiven. 27
ii. Solomonprays that God condemnthe wicked and vindicate the
righteous. If the people sin and are punished but seek to return in prayer,
repentance, and supplication that God hear, forgive, and allow return,
sending rain. 32-35
iii. Solomonpleads that God be opento the prayer of a non-Jew, so, for
among other purposes, all the peoples of the world may know Your
Name…. 41
8. iv. Solomonpleads for God’s responsiveness to help in time of war. 44.
v. Solomonpleads that God will accept repentance of those (individuals
and the nation) who sin (“for there is no man who never sins”), with special
emphasis on those who have been punished and taken captive but still
seek to return, with all their heart and soul, though far away. This
anticipates such great sin that there will be an exile from which a person
can’t come to the Temple to pray in forgiveness. As in our confession
today, Solomonmentions unintentional sin, deliberate iniquity, and
wickedness (rebellious, defiant) - the three forms of sinfulness in increasing
severity. 46
vi. Solomonstressesthat this mercy should be shown because “You made
them Yours.”
c. Solomonpraises God and blessesthe people. “May HASHEM, our God,
be with us as He was with our forefathers, may He not forsake us nor cast
us off,to turn our hearts to Him, to walk in all His ways and to observe His
commandments…”And to the people: “May your hearts remain perfect with
HASHEM our God, to follow his decreesand to observe His
commandments as on this very day.” 57-61
d. Offerings were made. Celebration for 14 days.
9. 15. God responds to Solomonaffirming covenant commitment to him and
the people so long as people remain loyal in Torah. 9. God specifically calls
upon Solomonto live as David did with wholeheartedness and uprightness
in following God’s commands.
Much discussionof the funds and laborers it took to build the Temple.
Solomonmaintains the system of offerings at both special and ordinary
times and the orders of the priests and Levites.
16. Solomonbuilds a navy.
17. Visit of Queen of Sheba to meet this wise man (and perhaps to find the
sort of answers all nations will one day seek when they come to Zion. 10.
She brings riddles. She sees all the wisdom of Solomon- in his solutions to
her problems, in ways and designs of the palace, the food and seating of
his servants, the place of attendants, drinks, passageways to the Temple.
(This suggests that wisdom can be seenin what we do as much as in what
we say, and in what we build. Solomonhad both theoretical and practical
wisdom, philosophical as well as pragmatic.)
This calls to mind the mitzvot of tzara’at of garments and houses. Our
surroundings reveal a great deal about us, all the way from sin to wisdom.
It also brings to mind the idea that holiness can be found in the ways we
approach food,as with the mitzvot regarding kashrut.
10. The ordering of the servants hints of the ordering of the priests and the
Levites.
The Queen acknowledges his excellence and wishes that God be praised
for putting him on the throne, in love for Israel, to establish him as king to
do justice and righteousness. Artscroll: “A nation rises or falls according to
the quality of its leaders.” She gives Solomonmany fine gifts. He gives her
gifts. She returns.
The stories of Solomonwith Hiram and Sheba demonstrate leadership,
especiallyby a head of state with other nations and peoples. He had no
enemies. Also, he had no inner enemy in that he conquered his own evil
inclinations (so say most sages). Wealth, yes, (and it is richly described in
this chapter), but it’s to be all in service of God.We should be lavish, but
true to God’s ways in it, thus rich in celebrating Torah and our fealty to
God.
But, perhaps, even more important, it foreshadows the way the world will
come together on that day when God’s sovereignty is to spread across the
world. “And the whole world wanted to see Solomonto hear his wisdom,
which God had put in his heart. And each of them would bring his
gift…eachyear’s due in its year.” 10:25
11. Akiba says that Solomonwas holy. Only a holy person could have
composedSong of Songs, the holy of holies.
18. Solomondeclines. 11.
a) Solomonbegins to fall below his high standard. Is this because of
violating the 3 mitzvot - not having too many wives, too many horses, too
much gold and silver? Some sages think so.
Did he go astray? Was “too much” corrupting? Did he think he could stay
above the problems these limits sought to avoid and that being basically
righteous was sufficient? Did he think these were special or messianic
times, permitting exceptions? Did he think his expansive ambitions for God
required or permitted all this? Did it require a lot, yes, but did it also, in
excess, corrupt him? Where’s the balance? Hard to say, but he exceeded
it. “So it was that when Solomongrew old his wives swayed his heart after
the gods of others, and his heart was not as perfectwith HASHEM, his
God, as it had been with the heart of his father David. 4.
12. (As wise as he was and as noble as his intentions may have been, this
tradition says that no one, including the loftiest, can exceed the boundaries
specified by God.Isn’t this the theme of Ecclesiastes, the last book
purported to be written by Solomon, in which the author laments that
wisdom is not the be-all-and-end-all. It’s God’s will.)
b) Solomonbuilds a high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab.
God becomesangry with him and tells him of the consequences, the
tearing away of the kingship. The kingdom would be split, but (in deference
to David) not in Solomon’s lifetime,or entirely. God builds up an antagonist
to Solomon, in Hadad, the Edomite,as well as Rezon.
c) Then Jeroboam, a mighty man of valor, rises up in protestas well,
specificallyaround the Millo. An Ephraimite, with a complaint. He ends up
leading the 10 tribes north and will later secede from Solomon’s son.
Rebellious. Seditious, though supposedlya scholar and strong leader.
Some sages see his action as justified in that they effected God’s
punishment of the wayward Solomon. But others see it as extreme.
d) Ahijah’s prophecyof the split to Jeroboam. This strengthened his hand
to act. Solomonseeks to kill him, but he escapes.
19. After 40 years of reign, Solomondies. Abarbanel: three sources of
Solomon’s power: wisdom, power, and wealth. Tragedy at the end was that
all diminished. These had been God’s blessings, but, when he fell from the
13. pinnacle of righteousness, he remained king, but God diminished the
blessings.
Another view: the diminution began at the beginning when he sowed the
seeds of excess in all he did. He was set on a path of excess and crossing
the line and ultimately did.
The Two Kingdoms - Rehoboam in Judah and Jeroboam in Israel. 12.
1. This division was one of our greatest tragedies.
2. Rehoboam is anointed in Shechem amidst complaints about burdens left
over from Solomon’s reign. He seeks but ignores the counsel of his elders
and instead listened to peers who were largely flatterers. They advised him
to be even tougher with the people. This was both disrespectful to the
approach of his father and inflammatory to the people. He dispatches a
despised official, who, of course, is pelted with stones and is killed. The
situation is ripe for rebellion, as Jeroboam returns.
14. There is a sense in which this split had been ordained by God, as indicated
at the end of Solomon’s life.
3. The word of God comes through a man of God,Shemaiah, that there
should be no war but instead the split. Benjamin and Judah remained. The
other 10 tribes becomethe Northern Kingdom.
4. Jeroboam established idolworship, mainly to keep the people from
deciding to return to God and unitary rule under the designated king from
the House of David. He makes it easier for them by creating two sites,one
in the north and one in the south of his kingdom. The priests and Levites
were stripped of their authority in the north. He invents a new holiday a
month after Sukkot and changes the dates of all festivals even that of
Shabbat. He proclaims himself a priest.
5. How could the people turn to idolatry just a generation after dedicating
the Temple? Oh how fast things can shift! Recall how quick it was after Mt.
Sinai or in the garden? Was it the opulence and less study, spirituality, a
body without a soul? The poorleadership? A popular king here and an
unpopular king in Jerusalem? The appeal of novelty? Coercion? Satan?
The result of God’s banishment, if you will?
6. God sends a man of God, Jeddo, to warn Jeroboam, just as he is
violating the altar, saying a Josiah of the House of David will overthrow him
15. and his ways. (Yet, this king doesn’tarise for another three centuries.)
Jeroboam is punished immediately by a miracle from God as he seeks to
have Jeddo grabbed, but his arm is restored at the appeal of Jeddo. He
ignores the prophecyand is on a course from which he will not vary,
however.
7. A false prophet tries to discredit the true prophet and succeeds to a
tragic end. Even perhaps given the chance, Jeroboam does not repent his
evil way and appoints commoners as priests, etc.
Double Tragedies - Chapter 14
1. Jeroboam’s family is doomed. Son becomes ill.Ahijah’s prophesies on
end, based on new lows of sinfulness, pride, overarching desire for
power beyond what was due. Jeroboam’s sondies. Jeroboam dies.
Baasa usurp the kingship in the North, killing Jeroboam’scrown prince.
2. Israel will continue to suffer, too.
16. 3. Rehoboam reigns in Judah. The people did evil, which the king either
tolerated or supported. God becomes angry. Egypt loots the kingdom,
including treasures of the Temple. First case since Saul of a successful
invasion. Rehoboam dies.Abijam becomesking in Judah. 15. He goes in
way of sin, too, according to Kings (though not in Chronicles), and dies.
4. Asa, a righteous king, rules in Judah for the duration of all Jeroboam’s
successors inIsrael. Removes prostitutes and idols. Whole with God,
though he did not act with faith in failing to take down the high places or
going after the North against Baasa, as he could have (w/o foreignally).
Asa dies, w/ Jehoshaphat becoming king. Nadab, son of Jeroboam,
becomes king of Israel and does evil. Baasa strikes down house of
Jeroboam.
5. Baasa ends up a failure. He is wicked, as were those who preceded him.
He gets rid of Jeroboam’s evil, but he will go, too. Elah becomes king over
Israel, but he is quickly cut down by Zimri, who assassinates the house of
Baasa, but is taken down by Omri.
6. Omri wasn’t righteous but survived as king of Israel, only to pass on the
throne to his son, the notorious Ahab, the mostevil of all. He married
Jezebel and worshipped Baal.
17. The Prophet Elijah - Chapter 17 (Note literary quality of Elijah showing up
in the text after these many chapters of gross, selfish, materialistic, power-
driven, anti-God kings. The reader feels saved! Then to go to the oasis of
the story of lovingkindness with the widow - this is mercy!)
1. Elijah arrives to chastise Ahab and Jezebel. Rambam said he was a
disciple of Ahijah. Assemblesthousands to Mount Carmel where he
decries false prophets and priests, “HASHEM, He is the God.” “As
HASHEM, God of Israel lives….” Ascends to heaven alive, leaving
Elisha to bringing word of God to recalcitrant kings of Israel. Elijah
prays for God’s mercy, helps God’s people, teaches His most righteous
servants, and will proclaim the arrival of the Messiah.
2. Elijah propheciesno rain and then goes into hiding to be safe, with God’s
help. Lack of water - appropriate metaphor for this spiritually arid world.
(10) A simply gorgeous story about a very poorwidow (with a child) there
who gives him drink and food,though it seems as if she might die without it.
Yet, because of Elijah and what she does for him, God performs amiracle
for her in the form of a continuing supply of food.This little chamber story is
such a contrast with the weight and ugliness of all the power, greed,self-
seeking of the preceding chapters. This little world is God’s world, what an
oasis in the text, full of sweetness, our living as God wants, and God’s
18. salvation. As the story ends, Elijah calls upon God to save her son, and the
son is saved.
3.Elijah appears before Ahab to declare God is ending drought, as restorer
of waters. 18. Ahab accuses him as “troubler of Israel.”
But a main purpose is that Elijah challenges all to come to Mount Carmel,
as a test for false prophets, and a sanctification of God’s name. Both sides
put forward bulls. Which would be lit? Those for Baal must choose. They
cut themselves, go into ecstasy (proving they were frauds). Elijah makes an
altar there for God, put the bull on, and asks for God’s response. After
delay and anxiety for Elijah, it seems, God sends the fire that takes up the
offering. They seize the prophets of Baal. Elijah appeals to God that the
drought end. Rain comes.
4. Jezebel forcesElijah to flee,and he goes to Judah, in Beer-sheba, and
then, lonely, into the wilderness. It seems like he was for quite awhile
without direction from God.He is afraid of Jezebel. He falls asleep under a
tree. An angel of God touches him and tells him to eat and then again and
then to move on. For 40 days and nights, he goes to Mt. Sinai, where he
stays in the cleft(the cave) where Moses was. This is a remarkable piece
of literature, putting Elijah back in the place of Moses, where Moses
learned of the Divine Attributes. It’s as if there’s a new dimensionto the
vision of God.Now at the site of the smoke and the thunder for Moses and
the people way back in the past, we’re to learn a more profound notion of
God’s presence and nearness through Elijah’s experience. This is a major
moment in sacred text. 19.
19. 5. God asks him why he’s there. He says he’s fought for God and against
the people’s evil ways and his life is in danger. Lots of interpretations of the
gem that follows in 11-12,which really takes our understanding of the
Divine to a new and more advanced place.
a) I think it’s designed to comfort and instruct Elijah and all of us as to the
principal place where we can go to get God’s support. It’s not in the
wind or the fire, though God does bring them about, and there are
earlier conceptions of Him in them, both in other and our traditions.
God’s presence is in the still, small voice (kol demahmah dahkah) after
the fire. God’s presence is in those places where He is served through
Torah, prayer, offerings, and performance of the mitzvot.
b) What does this mean to Elijah? Does it guide him on how to be with the
people, too, as to what works and what doesn’t? Do we bestteach by love
and calmness and nearness, not anger and force, and that God did not
principally seek the punishment of the people?Was this a lessonto Elijah
who may have had that emotion associated with striking the rock? And/or is
it simply a blessing for him, them, and us as to the way we can find God’s
nearness and where?
c) Yet, Elijah stays; God asks the same question; and Elijah answers the
same! This tells me the Q&A was all re-staged with Elijah being re-oriented
to listen to the still, small voice. Now he could receive God’s direction
properly. (In other words, I largely disagree with the sages who think this
has to do mostly with whether to punish the people. But there may have
been a weakness in Elijah’s response.) God gives Elijah the mission of
whom to appoint as kings and Elisha, his successor prophet, though, as
we’ll see,he serves in some ways for many more years.
20. Battles Between Ahab and Ben-hadad of Aram. 20. Some evidence that as
evil as Ahab was, he and the people refused to handle the Torah scroll
over, even under great duress. Some see this as cause of a saving (though
temporary) miracle for him from God,victory in the battle, though against
overwhelming odds. Ahab, mistakenly, lets Ben-hadad off. Artscroll:
“misplacedmercy is cruelty in disguise.” God will punish him for not
following through. Ahab was either too weak or unwilling to follow through
as directed, so the miracles cease for him. Michtav MeEliyahu” “God helps
people realize their potential only as long as they do not close the doors to
possibilityof growth.”
Ahab and Jezebel Remain Wicked.21.
1. Dispute over Nahoth’s vineyard. Jezebel schemesto get it,
surreptitiously has Nahoth killed, and gets the property for Ahab.
2. Elijah appears to rebuke Ahab on behalf of God for murdering and
inheriting. 17-28.The stated punishment for both Ahab and Jezebel is
severe, ugly deaths and annihilation of their descendants. Ahab appears to
repent and submit to God, so God postpones the punishment.
21. Jehoshaphat and Ahab ally. 22.
1. Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, was righteous but allies with Ahab, for
which Jehu condemns him for consorting with evildoers. They agree to
fight again with Aram, though Jehoshaphat wants God’s assent first
and insists upon help of a true prophet, Micaiahu. Prophet tells of
Ahab’s demise.Ahab has him jailed.
2. Both kings go forward with war, with Jehoshaphat apparently thinking the
prophecydidn’t apply to him. Ahab tricks him, trying to directhis fate to the
the other king. He cries out (in prayer?), saving himself. Ahab was killed.
3. Ahaziah will reign in Israel, emulating Ahab and Jezebel (and
Jeroboam), evil in the eyes of HASHEM. Jehoshaphat rules in Judah,
generally righteously, acting in ways properin the eyes of HASHEM, as did
his father, Asa, but he did make peace with Ahab and still does not remove
the high places. He dies, and his son, Jehoram takes the reign in Judah,
only to go in wicked direction.