Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 157

Jun6

Day 157.  Reading Proverbs 10 – 12.

Read Today’s Scriptures.
Which proverbs made you “think”?

Proverbs 10.

The Proverbs of Solomon. The proverbs in chapters 10-15 usually offer contrasts or opposites. Look for them.  There are a few familiar phrases, such as “love covers all offenses,” reminding us of 1 Peter 4:8.

Although I have to remember that these proverbs are “general truths” and not theology or promises, I enjoyed all that this chapter says about the “righteous.” (those who fear the LORD)

  • 3. The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry…
  • 6. Blessings are on the head of the righteous…
  • 7. The memory of the righteous is a blessing…
  • 11. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life…
  • 20. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver…
  • 24. The desire of the righteous will be granted…
  • 28. The hope of the righteous brings joy…
  • 30. The righteous will never be removed…
  • 31. The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom
  • 32. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable..

All of these are contrasted to that of the foolish, wicked, and slothful.  It’s true that the righteous often prosper, but not always.  They are frequently mocked and persecuted horribly.

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Proverbs 11.

There are more contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, perverse, cruel, and foolish in this chapter: common truths that often play out today.  Solomon also writes about money and wealth, as well as greed and dishonesty, pride and humility in this chapter, ending with, “Whoever trusts in his riches will fall.” (29).  (Says the wealthiest man of his time!)

Humorously, right in the middle of the chapter, is this proverb (22): “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.”  He also writes about a gracious woman getting honor” in verse 16.  (Most of chapter 31 is honoring the “virtuous woman.”)

I love the truths about generosity in verses 24-25.

  • “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give and only suffers want.  Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and the one who waters will himself be watered.”

This truth is reinforced in Malachi 3:10 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-9.

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Proverbs 12.

This chapter holds more contrasts between good and evil, knowledge and stupidity, the righteous and the wicked, pride and humility, hard work and sloth, prudence and foolishness, and much about the power of the mouth and lips and what/how they speak.

Also, two other kinds of women!

  • 4.  An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.”

.On speech,

  • 17-19. Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”
  • 22. “Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD…
  • 25. “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”

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Many of these proverbs convict me, especially about women and my speech.  Father, remind me from Your Word how to be a gracious woman and an excellent wife.  And may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 156

Jun5

Day 156.  Reading Proverbs 7 – 9.

Read Today’s Scriptures.
Name some things you have learned about Wisdom.
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Proverbs 7.

Solomon continues with his warnings about the Adulteress. He knows his son (and perhaps he, himself) needs to be repeatedly told of her sly ways.

But first, he extols the virtues of the other woman, Wisdom. “Keep my WORDS, treasure up my COMMANDMENTS, keep my TEACHING as the “apple (pupil) of your eye,” and write them on your heart.”

Let your “sister” and “intimate friend,” Wisdom, “keep you from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words.

  • This reminds me of David’s Psalm 119:11, “Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

Then follows a scene that has happened many times. A young man is lured to the house, the arms, and the bed of either an adulterous wife or a prostitute. She is wily; she knows what he wants; she tells him what he wants to hear. She’s ritually “clean,” and her husband is far away.  Oh my!

And the fellow listens and follows “as an OX goes to the slaughter, or as a STAG is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver, as a BIRD rushes into a snare.  He does not know that it will cost him his life.”

  • James 1:14-15 says, “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
  • James 1:5 also says, “If any of you LACK wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

“O sons! Listen to me.  Let not your heart turn aside to her ways.”

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Proverbs 8.

Now Solomon praises the “other path,” that of Wisdom (sometimes personified as Christ).  Unlike the Adulteress, Wisdom’s call is faithful and righteous.

  • On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads, she takes her stand; besides the gates in front of the town, at the entrance or the portals, she cries aloud, “To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man.  O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense. HEAR, for I will speak noble things, and from MY lips will come what is right, for the words of MY mouth are righteous.”

And then Wisdom’s worth.

  • “Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.  My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield is better than choice silver.

Christ used His eternal Wisdom in creation.

  • “The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His work, the first of His acts of old. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. 
  • “When He established the heavens, I was there; when He drew a circle on the face of the deep… when He made firm the skies above… when He established the fountains of the deep… when He assigned to the sea its limit… when He marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside Him, like a master workman.
  • “I was daily His delight, rejoicing before Him always, rejoicing in His inhabited world and delighting in the children of man.”

Blessed are those who keep my ways.

Blessed is the one who listens to me

Whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD.

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Proverbs 9.

Solid truth: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”

The pleasant, abundant, long-lasting ways of Wisdom are contrasted now with the ways of “Folly.”

  • The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows NOTHING.
  • She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat in the highest places of the town and calls to those who pass by.  “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
  • But the listener does not know that the DEAD are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

And so, Solomon ends his warnings there.  Does his son(s) hear and respond?  Does he “get” Wisdom? Does he learn to fear the LORD above all?

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Do I heed the sweet words of Wisdom?  Do I shun the blatant, off-key untruths of Folly? 

O, LORD, the Holy One, please keep me on the narrow way. May I not be tricked and seduced by my own desires but seek You and Your face always!   

“Remind me constantly to keep Your Word in my heart as a guardrail against Folly.” 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 155

Jun4

Day 155.  Reading Proverbs 4 – 6.

Read Today’s Scriptures.
What truth about God’s instruction stays in your mind?

Remember:  The Book of Proverbs contains Biblical theology, helpful hints, funny illustrations, wise sayings … and a few contradictions. The verses are meant to be general truths, not promises to “claim” in particular life situations.  God wants us to live godly and gain discernment. How?  In “fearing (reverencing, obeying, loving) the LORD.”

Proverbs 4.

Solomon continues to instruct his son in the benefits of loving, cleaving to, prizing, and seeking “wisdom.” He tells his son how to do that.

  • take heed to your wise father’s words
  • don’t enter or walk in the path of the wicked, but keep to the path of righteousness
  • keep your heart with vigilance
  • put away crooked speech and devious talk
  • keep your eyes looking forward, watch your feet, and don’t swerve to the right or left.

Proverbs 5.

Next, Solomon warns his son (and all sons and daughters) about the danger of Adultery.

The “forbidden woman” has lips that drip honey and are smoother than oil … but the end of involvement with her is as bitter as wormwood.  SHE does not watch the path.  HER feet wander and follow the way of death.

The son is given ways to resist her temptation —

  • keep your way FAR from her
  • do not go near the door of her house

Solomon reminds him of the TRUE WAY, the way God planned from the beginning.  Keep to the wife of his youth and rejoice in her, be satisfied in her, delight in her.

‘For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and He ponders all his paths.”

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Proverbs 6.

Solomon gives his son wise words on practical living.

  • if you find yourself caught in snares of your own making, stop, go to the person, confess, and plead mercy. Do it before the sun sets, and you go to bed.
  • Look to the creatures of God’s creation – you might learn some things.  The ants do their work without being told. They labor all summer and put away for the future.  Then, in winter, they have no worries.  So, don’t be a late-sleeping, afternoon-napping sluggard!
  • Don’t be a bragging blow-hard, tricking people, winking at them, waggy fingers.  His end is quick and sure.

Then Solomon lists seven “detestable” things that the LORD hates.  HATES!  Yikes! This is serious. We should read and contemplate our own lives…

  1. haughty eyes (pride)
  2. a lying tongue,
  3. hands that shed innocent blood,
  4. a heart that devises wicked plans,
  5. feet that make haste to run to evil,
  6. a false witness who breathes out lies,
  7. one who sows discord among brothers (a trouble-maker)

This reminds me of the children’s rhyme.

Be careful, little eyes, what you see,

little tongue what you say,

little hands what you do,

little feet where you go,

little heart, what you plan …

for there’s a Father up above, looking down in tender love, so be careful, little ones, what you do.

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Then, again, Solomon cautions his son about Adultery and the Adulteress. KEEP HIS WORDS!  The commandment, the teaching, and the discipline (the Word of God) lead to safety away from the “evil woman.”

Then Solomon describes how the prostitute woos, tricks, lures, and captures her victims through her beauty, her eyelashes, and her smooth tongue.

BEWARE!  BEWARE!  “Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned?”  Can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?”   He who commits adultery lacks sense. He destroys himself!  Dishonor and disgrace are his wages.

(And more tomorrow.)

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I wonder when Solomon wrote these words. Probably early in his life.  For eventually he would have a thousand wives and concubines.  He became foolish and did not take his own words seriously.  He forsook the command, the teaching, and the discipline of the LORD in Moses’ books of the law.

Oh, my heart, be not like Solomon!  O LORD, keep me in Your word and make my heart tender to obey You. For heeding Your teaching will keep me safe from my sinful ways!

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 154

Jun3

Day 154.  Reading Proverbs 1 – 3.

Read Today’s Scriptures.
What truth about God stays in your mind?

Everyone loves reading the Book of Proverbs. It contains Biblical theology, helpful hints, funny illustrations, wise sayings, truth … and a few contradictions.

The verses are meant to be general truths, not ones to “claim” in particular life situations.

(Example: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (22:6), is certainly great advice for parenting, and it will help to keep a child on the “straight and narrow” to teach him the principals of God.  But it is not an absolute guarantee or promise of what WILL happen.)

Proverbs 1.

This chapter announces —

  • the author – Solomon, son of David, king of Israel.
  • the purpose – to become wise in godly living and learn discernment.  (Remember Solomon’s great gift of WISDOM from God.)
  • the theme – “The fear of the LORD.”

He speaks as a wise father to a son about many things in this chapter: Caution about sinners enticing him to sin and mischief.  The example is vivid. “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without reason…”  “we’ll find precious goods…”  “Throw in your lot with us: we will all have one purse.”

The wise father sternly advises against these miscreants. “Do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths.”

Then, “wisdom” speaks in the first person, “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple.”  And there are dire results for ignoring or rejecting “wisdom” as well as rewards. “Whoever listens to me will dwell secure, and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

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Proverbs 2.

Notice the “IF” and “THEN” statements in these words from Solomon to his son.

  • IF you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you…
  • IF you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding…
  • IF you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures…
  • THEN you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
  • THEN you will understand righteousness and justice and equity.

Verses10-22 gives all the blessings and protections of possessing this wisdom.

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Proverbs 3.

This chapter contains some very well known and loved verses and blessings.

  • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make straight (direct) your paths.”
  • “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will be bursting with wine.”  (See also Malachi 5:10-11 about this.)
  • “Blessed us the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious that jewels, and NOTHING you desire can compare with her.”

There even a few “commandment.”

  • Do not be afraid…
  • Do not withhold good…
  • Do not plan evil…
  • Do not contend with a man…
  • Do not envy a man…

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 152 & 153

Jun2
Sunday and Monday studies are posted together on Mondays.
Day 152. Reading 2 Chronicles 1 and Psalm 72.

Day 153.  Reading Song of Solomon 1 – 8.

A NEW MONTH!
Read Today’s Scriptures.
What truth about God stays in your mind?
 
 
 
Day 152 – 2 Chronicles 1.

This chapter repeats much of what we read in 1 Kings 3-4. 

King Solomon and “all” Israel went to Gibeon, where the old Tabernacle that Moses built still stood.  David had brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem to dwell in a tent he made for it.  But the bronze altar was still at Gibeon, and at this time, King Solomon offered 1,000 burnt offerings on it. 

That night, God appeared to him, saying, “Ask what I shall give you.”

After some thought, Solomon said, “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, for who can govern this people of Yours, which is so great?”

God was pleased. “Wisdom and knowledge are granted to you.  I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor such as none of the kings had who were before you or shall be after you.”

And the king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stone.”

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Psalm 72. 

A psalm of Solomon.

  • “Give the king Your justice, O God, and Your righteousness to the royal son!  May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your poor with justice.
  • “May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!”
  • “In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound till the moon be no more.
  • “Long may he live; may the gold of Sheba be given to him!  May prayer be made for him continually and blessings invoked for him all the day.

And then,

  • “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be His glorious Name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory!  Amen and Amen!

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Day 153 – Song of Solomon 1-8.

Also titled the Song of Songs, meaning that this song is the best among Solomon’s 1,005 musical works.  It is a true-life love song.  Solomon appears as “the beloved.”  The woman is called “the Shulamite Maiden.”  She is probably Solomon’s first wife (Ecclesiastes 9:9) before he sinned by adding 699 other wives and 300 concubines. (1 Kings 11:3).  Solomon’s Song exalts the purity of marital affection and romance. 

Some strained interpretations use the allegory of God and Israel or Christ and the Church, but that’s misleading.  It’s a story of Solomon and the love of his youth.  It’s very picturesque and names several places that existed at the time.

Read it and “say or sing” portions of it to your own true love!  And praise God that He put this in His Word.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 151

May31

Day 151.  Reading 1 Kings 3-4.

Read Today’s Scriptures.
What do you see of God’s heart in these chapters?
1 Kings 3.

What??  Marry the daughter of Pharaoh!!  Where God had delivered His people from slavery??? Seriously??  Bad boy, Solomon!  What was he thinking?  Political alliances and stature in the world, that’s what.

Note verse 3.  “Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David, his father …  ONLY (except), he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places.” Already, you see Solomon’s heart dividing, using those pagan places to “worship God.”

God is SO gracious to him (and to us). He came to Solomon in a dream, and asked what He could give to the new king.

  • Wow, what would I ask of God if given that opportunity?  Search your heart with me, and let’s see our priorities. What is important to us?

Solomon lists the kindnesses and love God had shown to his father, how David had walked in God’s ways, and how God had chosen

Solomon to rule. (Was he stalling, thinking of what he wanted?)  And then he thinks of his inexperience and the hugeness of his responsibility to God’s chosen people.

“Give your servant an understanding mind to govern Your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this Your great people?”  (In my mind, he should have asked to discern between good and evil IN HIS OWN HEART!)

But God was pleased that he hadn’t asked for a long life, riches, or victory over enemies.  And God gave him a “wise and discerning mind like none other.”  God also gave him what he didn’t ask for: riches and honor greater than any other king.

“And if you will walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

Right after that, Solomon went to the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD, offered sacrifices to God, and gave a feast to the people.  His heart is right NOW. Will he continue on?

  • As if to confirm to the people (and maybe Solomon himself) a situation arose that tested and highlighted the extensive WISDOM God had given him.  Two prostitutes (living together, perhaps even with others) came to Solomon, both claiming the baby boy they brought was THEIRS.  They’d both given birth, but in the night, one baby got suffocated when one of them rolled over onto him.

How do you tell the true mother?

  • Solomon quickly identified her by exposing the women’s hearts.  “Get a sword and cut the baby in half. Give a half to each woman.”  YIKES!  The un-mother agreed (the boy wasn’t hers, after all.)  But the true mother cried out to keep him alive, even if it meant giving him away. Solomon saw her love and settled the dilemma.

“And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.”

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1 Kings 4.

This chapter is loaded with statistics and praise for King Solomon.  It gives a glowing overview of his kingdom and rule. (The next chapter begins the construction of the Temple,)

Much like David, Solomon appointed high officials, including the priests, secretaries, recorder, army commanders, other officers, governors over other lands, people in charge of the palace, and the … forced labor.  He also appointed leaders around the country who would provide his food for himself and his palace, month by month.  Judah and Israel ate and drank and were happy.

  • “Solomon ruled (eventually) over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt.  They brought tribute and served him all his days.”

He had peace on all sides around him. And Judah and Israel lived in safety from Dan to Beersheba (north to south), with every man under his vine and under his fig tree, all the days of Solomon.

Ah-oh! Wait!  “Solomon also had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots and 12,000 horsemen!!!

  • Didn’t we read in Deuteronomy 17:16 God’s rules and cautions about future kings… “He must not acquire many horses for himself or return to Egypt to acquire many horses.”  And… don’t we also read there in verse 17, “He shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away.  NOR shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold ….”

And again, this chapter tells of Solomon’s wisdom (in ruling others, it seems).  “God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand of the seashore, so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of the people of the East and all Egypt.

“Solomon also spoke 3,000 proverbs!   He wrote 1,005 songs. (We will read some of these soon.)

People of all nations and kings of the earth came to hear the wisdom of Solomon.

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  • Oh, LORD, how easy it is to turn from loving and serving YOU to loving the things you give us.  Help me not to value “stuff” more than my relationship with You. Solomon had everything in abundance … and it did turn his heart away.  In Ecclesiastes, he said (late in his life) that all he experienced, and possessed,  and was honored for … was vanity … futility.  ONLY YOU are worth my adoration!

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 150

May30

Day 150.  Reading Psalm 119.

 
Read Today’s Scriptures.
 
Psalm 119.

God’s Word is precious and good for any problem, joy, need, and instruction. 

This psalm reminds me of Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16 (“All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man (or woman) of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”) 

READ ALL 176 VERSES OF THIS WONDERFUL “ACCROSTIC” PSALM AND BE BLESSED. The verses in each alphabetical section begin with that letter in Hebrew.

Here are a few of my “fave” verses from each alphabetical section.

ALEPH, “A” verses 1-8

  • Oh, that my ways may be steadfast in keeping Your statutes!

BET, “B” verses 9-16

  • I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

GIMEL, “G” verses 17-24.

  • Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.

DALET, “D” verses 25-32

  • I have chosen the way of righteousness; I set your rules before me.

HE, (hay) “H” verses 33-40

  • Incline my heart to your testimonies and not to selfish gain!

VAV, “V” verses 41-48

  • I find my delight in Your commandments, which I love.

ZAYIN, “Z” verses 49-56

  • I remember Your Name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law.

CHET, “CH” (like clearing your throat) verses 57-64

  • At midnight, I rise to praise You because of your righteous rules.

TET, “T” verses 65-72

  • Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep Your word.

YOD, (yood) “Y” verses 73-80

  • I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

KAPH, “K” verses 81-88

  • My soul longs for Your salvation; I hope in Your word.

LAMED, “L” verses 89-96

  • If Your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.

MEM, “M” verses 97-104

  • How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.

NUN (noon), “N” verses 105-112

  • Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

SAMECH, (guttural) “S” verses 113-120

  • You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.

AYIN, (guttural) “AYE” verses 121-128

  • Therefore, I love Your commandments above gold, above fine gold.

PE, (pay) “P” verses 129-136

  • The unfolding of Your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

TSADHE, “TS” verses 137-144

  • Your promise is well-tried, and your servant loves it.

QOPH, (koof) “Q” verses 145-152

  • My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.

RESH, “R” verses 153-160

  • The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous rules endures forever.

SHIN, (sheen) “SH” or “S” verses 161-168

  • Great peace have those who love Your law; nothing can make them stumble.

TAV, “T” verses 169-176

  • My tongue will sing of Your word, for all Your commandments are right.

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.There are so many more that are my favorites. How about you?  Which have you memorized? or held dear?

How David must have enjoyed composing this Psalm!  Can YOU try it?  Write one praise to God or His Word from each letter of your alphabet!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 149

May29

Day 149.  Reading 1 Kings 1-2 and Psalms 37, 71, 94.

 

Read Today’s Scriptures.

 

1 Kings 1.

Today, I say goodbye to King David, my favorite Bible character after the Lord Jesus. 

He has been many things:  a shepherd boy, giant killer, court musician, psalm/songwriter, lover of God, soldier, compassionate leader, architect for the Temple, humble, honorable, repentant, promise-keeper, “the sweet psalmist of Israel,” “a man after God’s heart,” “the lamp (hope) of Israel“, and a loyal lover of God and His Word.

He was also a great sinner. He did not discipline any of his sons (and paid the price); he lied; he lusted and committed adultery; he committed selfish murder.

But, unlike any king of Israel that followed him, he never EVER looked to or worshiped any god but the LORD God. He built no idols, poles, or temples to pagan gods.  Yes, a sinner, but never apostate. And God loved him dearly. He promised David that “His Messiah” would come through his line, the King of kings!

Hebrews 11:32-34 lists David as a man of faith, “who (with others) conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, escaped the edge of the sword, became mighty in war, and put foreign armies to flight. 

WOW.  My man!

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1 Kings 1.

David’s old age, last deeds, and his death.

The book begins with a natural state of advanced age.  David’s muscles were wasted; he was thin and “cold all the time.”  Even a pile of blankets couldn’t warm him in a Jerusalem winter. And so, a beautiful young woman named Abishag was brought to him to look after him and lay beside him when he was cold.  Abishag’s own body heat would warm him.  And NO, there was no sex involved. (verse 4)  Kind of pitiful, right?  But there were no electric blankets.

Then we read of the final coup.

We’ve read how both the LORD and David had declared and planned for Solomon to be David’s successor. David organized the building materials and plans so Solomon could build the House for God. He organized all the priests, gatekeepers, Levites, musicians, “providers and protectors” for the Temple and when/how they would serve.  All for Solomon. 

  • (Do you get the feeling that Solomon was VERY young, both in age and in readiness to rule the nation? He definitely was NOT a military man, and he didn’t seem to be aware of any danger to himself or the kingdom.)   Solomon was a man of peace, a builder, and a wise judge and author.  He indulged himself and amassed huge mountains of wealth, women, and praise.  The very opposite of his father.)

Anyway, while he sat at home doing — what? —, his older brother Adonijah decided HE would be king in place of David. He attempted a coup. David knew nothing about it either.  But it was told to Bathsheba and the prophet, Nathan.  They approached King David in a sneaky way and got some action.  David rose to the occasion, instructed Nathan, Zadok the priest, and Benaiah (head of his personal bodyguard) to Take Solomon to the public square, make sacrifices to God, and officially anoint and crown him king in his father’s place.

They did, and the new king sat on David’s throne.

Adonijah and his followers (including the priest Abiathar and Commander Joab) were afraid. Solomon’s brother came to him and asked for mercy, which the peaceful Solomon granted.  However, he told him, “Bro, you have to straighten up and fly right. Any misdemeanor, and your toast!” Adonijah agreed.

But, after David died, he came to Bathsheba and requested Abishag (body warmer of the king, also considered his concubine) as his own wife.  Um, NOPE!  Solomon recognized just what it was, an attempt to steal the kingdom by “sleeping with the former king’s concubine.”  So…. “off with his head.”

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1 Kings 2.

David finally realized he was about to die, and like all the patriarchs before him, he summoned his son to his bed for a final blessing.  He charged and encouraged Solomon to stay true to God and to walk in all His ways, statutes, commandments, rules and testimonies as written in the “Law of Moses.”  In doing that, Solomon would be blessed, and his son’s after him too, if they did the same.

You can picture young Solomon nodding.

Then, I think because David knew Solomon was not street-wise in the ways of politics, he commanded the young man to “clean house.”  

  • “You know, Joab, Commander of the Army?  Do not let his gray head go down to the grave in peace.” (kill him)
  1. “You’ve heard about how Shimei cursed me and threw stones at me all the way to the Jordan when I was escaping from Absalom?  You know what you ought to do to him. You shall bring his gray head down with blood to the grave.”
  • “About Barzillai, he showed me much loyalty when I was escaping.  You deal loyally with his sons; let them eat at your table.”

(David did not instruct Solomon about the priest Abiathar, who had sided with Adonijah “because the priest had carried the Ark of the Lord GOD and because he had helped David when he had to escape Absalom.  Solomon later just expelled him from Jerusalem and service as priest.) 

And then the Prince of Israel died.  He had reigned over Israel for forty years.  They buried him in Jerusalem, “the city of David.”  Solomon sat on the throne of his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.

Then, Solomon took care of business just like David had instructed.  Joab was killed, and Chief Bodyguard Benaiah, was made Commander of the Army.  Abiathar was sent home.  Shimei was given house arrest, and lived as long as he stayed home.  When he ventured out, he was killed. 

Done and Dusted.

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Psalm 37.

  • Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! They will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.
  • Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the LORD; trust in HIM, and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your justice as the noonday.

Can’t you hear David saying this to Solomon?  And the rest of the Psalm as well.

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Psalm 71.

  • My mouth is filled with Your praise, and with Your glory all the day.  Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.
  • O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.  So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, Your power to all those to come.
  • O Holy One of Israel, My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to You; my soul also, which You have redeemed.

We’ve seen David’s old age, still praising his God.

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Psalm 94.

  • Blessed is the man whom You discipline, O LORD, and whom You teach out of your law. to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked.  For the LORD will not forsake His people; he will not abandon His heritage.

 

 

 

 

 
 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 148

May28

Day 148.  Reading Psalms 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118.

Read Today’s Scriptures.

Psalm 111.

  • “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.  Holy and awesome in His Name! The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.”

Psalm 112.

  • “Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.  He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.”

Psalm 113.

  • “Praise the LORD!  Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the Name of the LORD1 Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore!  From the rising of the sun to its setting, the Name of the LORD is to be praised!  The LORD is high about all nations, and His glory above the heavens! who is like the LORD our God who is seated on high…?

Psalm 114.

  • “Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence at the God of Jacob…”

Psalm 115.

  • “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your Name give glory, for the sake of Your steadfast love and your faithfulness!  O Israel, trust in the LORD!  He is their help and their shield.  O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield.  YOU who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD!”  “But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD!

Psalm 116.

  • “I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live.”  “Gracious is the LORD, and righteous, our God is merciful.”  “For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.”
  • “What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me?  I will life up the cup of salvation and call upon the Name of the LORD, I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people.”  “I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the Name of the LORD.”

Psalm 117.

  • “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol Him, all peoples! For great is His steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!”

Psalm 118.

  • “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for (because) He is good; for (because) his steadfast love endures forever!”  “Out of my distress, I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?  The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.”  “The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.”
  • “I shall not die, but i shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD. The LORD has disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death.”
  • “Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.  This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank You that You have answered me and have become my salvation.” “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!”

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Amen, and amen!

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 147

May27

Day 147.  Reading 1 Chronicles 26-29 and Psalm 127.

 
Read Today’s Scriptures.
 

1 Chronicles 26.

David continues to organize the services of the Temple which Solomon will build.  It’s not that he doesn’t trust his young son to do it all, I believe he is super-enjoying the planning of it all, picturing in his mind how it will be.

After all the musicians, David now organizes the gatekeepers.  They will guard the gates and doors in two-week shifts. Note the prominence of Obed-Edom and his sons.  Remember it was at his house the Ark of the Covenant was kept after that disaster when Uzzah touched it and was killed. It stayed in Obed-Edom’s house for three months until David learned the correct way to carry the “Presence of God.”  Meanwhile God had blessed the house of Obed-Edom. 

David also appoints Levites to be in charge of the treasuries of the House of God, and the dedicated gifts, and all of the spoil from the wars, going back to that of King Saul, Samuel, and also from Abner and Joab. David also appoints families to be officers and judges.

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1 Chronicles 27.

David then organizes the military divisions and their commanders who served the king, month by month.

He chose officers over each of the tribes of Israel.  He appointed those over the kings treasuries in the country, cities and villages, as well as those who did the agricultural work. 

Wow – wouldn’t Solomon be grateful for all this organization!!

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1 Chronicles 28.

After all that, David assembled all the officials at Jerusalem.  He then told them how God had chosen him as leader from the house of Judah and his father’s line, and had then, out of his many sons, chosen Solomon to reign after him.  Although David had so yearned to build a House for God, it would be his son, Solomon who would build the temple.  

God had also promised David that his father’s house was to be king over Israel forever.

  • “Now, therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever.”

And he turned to his son, with this charge,

  • “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought.  If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it!”

Then David gave Solomon the plans he’d made for the Temple, and all that went with building it.

  • “Be strong and courageous and do it.  Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.”

He also encouraged Solomon by saying all the priests, Levites, officers and all the people “will be wholly at your command.”

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1 Chronicles 29.

Then David turns to all the assembly and charges them to work faithfully for Solomon,

  • “whom alone God has chosen. He is young and inexperienced and the work is great, for the palace will not be for man but for the LORD God.  I have provided for the house of my God, so far as I was able, of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and precious stones.  And of his own private treasury, he dedicates to the House of God, gold and silver.”

He the turns to the people,

  • “Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself to the LORD?”

And the leaders, commanders, and officers brought their freewill offerings, huge amounts of gold, silver, bronze, iron and precious stones.  The people then rejoiced, and David the king also rejoiced greatly.

And so, finally, David turns his thoughts and words to God. 

  • “Blessed are You, O LORD, the God of  Israel, our father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens, and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and You are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from You and You rule over all. In Your hand are power and might, and in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank You, or God, and praise your glorious Name!”

WOW.  No wonder David is a “man after God’s own heart” despite his many sins.  His heart never ever strayed from the LORD God of Israel to other idols. 

Be sure to read the rest of his prayer to God, his humility and knowledge that all he has is from the LORD.

  • “Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart that he may keep your commandments, your testimonies, and Your statutes, performing all, and that he may build the palace for which I have made provision.

Oh, that we prayed for our own children this way!

NOTE: The end of this chapter tells how Solomon was made king in David’s place, how Solomon took the throne, and how David died “at a good old age.”  BUT THERE IS MORE TO READ ABOUT KING DAVID AS WE GO FORWARD INTO THE BOOK OF 1 KINGS  IN A COUPLE DAYS.  HANG IN THERE.  THE SWEET PSALMIST OF ISRAEL IS NOT DEAD YET!

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Psalm 127.

  • “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain, unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”

This psalm is written by Solomon.  Could it have been about his task of building the House/Temple of God, and about all those gatekeepers and watchmen that his father, David had organized to keep it safe?

  • “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to His beloved sleep.”

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