Tag Archive | Bible

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 158

Jun6

   Day 158—We are in the 6th month of Bible reading.  We are also reading the 16th book in the Bible this week: PROVERBS.

 Day 158 – Proverbs 13 – 15. (More of Solomon’s general wisdom proverbs)

Chapter 13  again begins with the pride of a father’s wise son. The following pithy, interesting, thought-provoking proverbs cover work, laziness, the mouth or tongue, wealth, and discipline.

13:3 “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”

13:4, 11 “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.”    “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”    

13:12, 19 “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”    “A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.”

13:13-14, 24 “Whoever despises the Word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”    “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”

13:20. “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”

Chapter 14 is eclectic in its topics, but is consistent in its comparisons.  14:1 “The wisest of women builders her house, BUT folly with her own hands tears it down.”  14:4 “Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, BUT abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.” And notice in 14:11 who has a house and who, a tent. “The HOUSE of the wicked will be destroyed, BUT the TENT of the upright will flourish.”

14:17, 29-30 “A man of quick temper acts foolishly…”    “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.”

And two very familiar proverbs:

14:12 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

14:34 “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”

There are many familiar proverbs in Chapter 15 as well, on speaking, praying, cheer, and good temper.

15:1, 4 “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”    “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”     

15:13, 15, 30 “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.”    All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.”    The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones.”

15:16, 17 “Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is that a fattened ox and hatred with it.”

15:8, 29 “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to Him.”    “The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.”

And remember, PROVERBS are general rules on righteous living, NOT promises, prophecy, or law.

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 156

Jun4

   Day 156—We are in the 6th month of Bible reading.  We are also reading the 16th book in the Bible: PROVERBS.

 Day 156 – Proverbs 7 – 9 (a father continues to instruct his son on pitfalls and wisdom)

Chapter 7 begins, sounding like an instruction from Deuteronomy. “My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye; bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of hour heart.” 

The father says this will keep the young man from sin, specifically the adulteress. The rest of the chapter describes all her temptations, from her silky smooth words, attire, perfumed and soft linens, and couch.  Her husband is away on a long trip, she says. 

If he yields to her he will be as an ox going to slaughter, as a stag with an arrow through it, or a bird caught in a snare. “He does not know that it will cost him his life.”

Chapter 8 compares the perfections, graces, and delights of WISDOM’s path. “Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right, for my mouth will utter truth… all the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them. They are all straight to him, who understands.  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.”

“Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the one who listens to me….. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD.”   “…but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.”

Chapter 9 compares the WAY of wisdom with the WAY of folly. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. By me, your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.”

COMPARE THIS (FOLLY)…….”The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing.  She sits at the door of her house… calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way.”   “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”    “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”   “But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol (the grave).”

TO THIS (WISDOM)……. “Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table.”   “She has sent out her young women to call, ‘Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.’ To him who lacks sense, she says, ‘Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed.’  Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 154 & 155

Jun3

    Day 154 & 155—We are in the 6th month of Bible reading. Praise God! Today, we are also reading in the 16th book in the Bible: Proverbs. 

(Note: SUNDAY’s and MONDAY’s readings are combined.)

    Day 154 – Proverbs 1 – 3 (Solomon’s proverbs, many written by him or in his style, but all perhaps “compiled” by him.)

The purpose of Proverbs: 1. To KNOW wisdom and instruction, 2. to UNDERSTAND words of insight, 3. to RECEIVE instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity, 4. to GIVE prudence to the simple, and knowledge and discretion to the youth.

The theme of Proverbs is “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” (Verse 1:7, and also concluding the book in verse 31:30)  “Wisdom” is more about practical skills in living well in the fear (reverence and awe) of God in a way that honors both Him and others.

There are several speeches from a father to his son in these chapters. 

1:6. “Hear, my son, your father’s instructions, and forsake not your mother’s teaching….”

1:10. “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.”

2:1. “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you…”

3:1. “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” 

3:11. “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of His reproof…”

3:21. “My son, do not lose sight of these – keep sound wisdom and discretion and they will be life for your soul…”

In several sections, “wisdom” speaks as a person, sounding very much like God. (See 1 Corinthians 1:30).

1:23. “If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.”

1:28-29. “Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD…..”

1:22. “But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

A favorite and often repeated wisdom is in 3:5-6. 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

I all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

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    Day 148 – Proverbs 4 – 6 (These chapters continue with a father’s warnings and instructions to his son.)

Chapter 4.  The father urges his son to “Get wisdom; get insight…”  “Keep hold of instruction; do not let her go; guard her, for she is your life….”    “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”   “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.”

Chapter 5.  Here, the father begins to warn and caution his son about adultery and the temptress.  “For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end, she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death…..”

He advises his son to be true to his own wife. “Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well.”   “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe.”

Chapter 6. Now, the father offers practical warnings and advice about co-signing for someone, about working hard for your own needs, and not being lazy, for then, poverty will surely come. 

A list of SEVEN things that the LORD hates is given. Consider what the opposite would be: WHAT GOD LOVES.

  1. Haughty eyes — HUMILITY
  2. A lying tongue — TRUTH-TELLING
  3. Hands that shed innocent blood — COMPASSION
  4. A heart that devises wicked plans — GOODNESS
  5. feet that make haste to run to evil — EAGERNESS TO HELP
  6. a false witness who breaths out lies — HONESTY
  7. One who sows discord among brothers — UNITY.

The father again urges his son to keep his commandments and mother’s teachings. “Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. when you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.”   “For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light.” (See Psalm 119:105)

And, for a third time, the father warns his son about the evil woman, this time another man’s wife… and, in the end, the rightfully jealous husband.

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 153

Jun1

   Day 153—We’ve begun the 6th month of Bible reading. Praise God! Today, we are also reading the 14th book in the Bible: The Song of Solomon. What have you learned so far about God and his purposes in your life? Share in the comments.

 Day 153 – Song of Solomon 1 – 8 (Solomon’s love song between himself and his first wife (Abishag? an unnamed woman? the Shulamite? Pharoah’s daughter?), or some think possibly an allegory of God’s love to his people, although that is stretching the idea.)

The Song of Solomon might be rated for “Mature Audiences.” The Jews would not let their young sons read it while they studied the scriptures. 

The subtitles list she, he, and others as the speakers, although “the daughters of Jerusalem” and “the Shulamite’s brothers” are also mentioned.  Solomon, or “the king,” is also in the text. The descriptions of both the bride and the groom are poetic, vivid, and sometimes evocative.

Some phrases seem almost humorous to modern readers. (“I compare you, my love, to a mare among Pharaoh’s chariots.” “Your teeth are like a flock of shorn ewes that have come up from the washing.” 

Many phrases appear in modern songs, Christian hymns, and choruses. (“Kisses sweeter than wine,”  “Rose of Sharon,” “Lily of the Valley,” “He brought me to his banqueting table; his banner over me is love” “I am my beloved’s and he is mine”)

It also vividly portrays God’s perfect plan for marriage in Genesis 2:24 – “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” The Song includes the beauty and sanctity of sexual intimacy between husband and wife.  Hebrews 13:4 states this beautifully. “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immodest and adulterous.”

“In the Song, Solomon recounts his own days of courtship, the early days of his first marriage, and the maturing of this royal couple through the good and bad days of life.” 

I. The courtship: “Leaving” (1:2 – 3:5)

     The lovers’ remembrances & the lovers’ expression of reciprocal love.

II. The wedding: “Cleaving” (3:6 – 5:1)

     The kingly bridegroom, the wedding, and the first night together, God’s approval.

III. The marriage: “Weaving” (5:2 – 8:14

     The first major disagreement, the restoration, growing in grace.

 

Enjoy reading these eight chapters in Solomon’s “Song of Songs.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 152

May31

   Day 152—We are almost finished with the FIFTH month in our reading and have begun a new book in the Bible. – 2 Chronicles. 

   Day 152 –  2 Chronicles 1, Psalm 72 (Solomon’s request, fame & glory, wealth.)

2 Chronicles 1. Much of this chapter is a repeat of 1 Kings 3. in Solomon’s sacrifices to God, God’s request of him, and Solomon’s seeking wisdom and understanding to lead the people of Israel.

God gives him abundant wisdom, as well as riches and honor. Verse one says, “…and the LORD his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.” As for riches, Solomon “made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stone…”  

However, this rich and wise king disobeyed God’s words about how kings should live in Deuteronomy 17 by importing thousands of horses and chariots from Egypt and Kue. These were not only for himself, but he also exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria. (Huh???)

(NOTE: Kue is possibly Cilicia, including Tarsus, located north of Israel, Lebanon, and Syria.)

Psalm 72. This is a “coronation psalm” written either by David or Solomon himself. It’s a prayer for the king to be a righteous judge of the people. It’s challenging him to care for the people by defending them and supplying their needs. It states the desire for there to be righteousness and peace in all his kingdom as it expands in all directions. 

“Long may he live… May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all day!” (How many of us pray for our leaders continually and invoke God’s blessings on them?) Many more blessings are prayed for the king, his people, and his kingdom.

Then the psalmist directs the reader to the One who makes it all possible. “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!”

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 151

May30

   Day 151—We are almost finished with our FIFTH month of Bible reading, and we’ve begun our 13th book – 1 Kings.  

   Day 151 –  1 Kings 3-4 (Solomon’s early days)

1 Kings 3. First off, we see King Solomon making a big mistake. He makes a marriage alliance with Pharaoh, king of Egypt.

Why is that a mistake? First, this nation kept the people of Israel in slavery for 400 years, subjecting them to cruelty and the worship of multiple pagan gods. Second, God cautioned any king of Israel 1. NOT to return to Egypt to acquire horses & chariots, 2. NOT to acquire many wives (make alliances with foreign kings), and 3. NOT to amass a lot of silver & gold for himself. (Deuteronomy 17:14-20.)  In 1 Kings 4, we see King Solomon also going to Egypt for thousands of horses & chariots, and also the account of the massive amount of provisions he needed for JUST ONE DAY OF MEALS. 

And… there would be trouble at the end of his reign concerning that connection with Egypt. (Sigh.)

1 Kings 3 also tells of King Solomon’s dream. In it, God came to him and said, “Ask what I shall give you.”  The new king, probably dealing with all kinds of stuff left over from his father’s reign, asked for WISDOM (an understanding mind to govern God’s people and to discern between good and able). This pleased God. “Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.”

The gracious and generous God also promised to give Solomon riches and honor like no other king and to give him “length of days” if he would walk in His ways and keep His statutes and commandments.  When Solomon awoke, he went before the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD and made offerings. 

THE FIRST TEST OF SOLOMON’s WISDOM came shortly afterwards. Two prostitutes came to him arguing about a living baby. Each woman claimed it was hers and that the dead baby left at home was the other’s.  The wise king called for a sword to cut the babe in half to share equally and identified the TRUE MOM as the one willing to give up the baby rather than see it killed.

“Oooo! Aaaaa!” All of Israel heard of the judgment and stood in awe of the king because they perceived that the WISDOM OF GOD was in him to do justice. 

1 Kings 4. This chapter lists all of the new king’s high officials (his cabinet), twelve in all. It also lists twelve officers over all Israel who provided food for the king and his household (one each for the months of the year).  Interestingly, the first named was Ben-Hur (Remember that huge movie by Cecil B. DeMille? no connection.)

Verses 20-21:  “Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy. Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.” 

This is a clear allusion to the Lord’s promise to Abraham. The early part of King Solomon’s reign was characterized by population growth, peace, and prosperity, foreshadowing the blessings that will prevail when the Abrahamic Covenant is fully fulfilled in the future. 

An interesting epitaph about Solomon is at the end of this chapter:  “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all other men… and his fame was in all the surrounding nations.”  WOW. Talk about God answering requests!  (And yet….1,000 wives?? How smart is that?)

This chapter then lists all his oral/written accomplishments:  3,000 oral proverbs, 1,005 songs, oral compositions about trees (from the gigantic cedars to the hyssop that grows out of a wall), beasts, birds, reptiles, and fish. 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 150

May29

   Day 150—We are still in our FIFTH month of Bible reading. 

   Day 150 –  Psalm 119 (God’s Word)

Psalm 119 is the longest of the Psalms. It’s not certain who wrote it. It could have been David, or it might have been either Daniel or Ezra.

Along with Psalms 1 and 19, it exalts the Word of God. It is written as an acrostic, meaning that each of the 22 sections begins with the letter of the Hebrew alphabet, i.e., aleph, bet, gimel, daleth, he… etc. (Like the English, A, B, C, D, E…)

EIGHT different terms refer to the Scriptures in Psalm 119. See if you can find them all. Here are some of my favorite verses:

Aleph. “Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with their whole heart.”   “O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping Your statutes!

Beth.” How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.”   “I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”

Gimel. “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.”   “My soul is consumed with longing for Your rules at all times.”

Dalit.  “My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to Your word! Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law! I have chosen the way of faithfulness; set Your rules before me.”

He. “Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;”

Vav. “Take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in Your rules.”   “I find my delight in Your commandments, which I love.”

Zayin. “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”   “Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning. I remember Your name in the night, O LORD, and keep Your law.”

Het.  “The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep Your words.”   “Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law. At midnight, I rise to praise You because of your righteous rules.”

Tet. “Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments. Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep Your word. You are good and do good; teach me Your statutes.”   “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.”

Yod. “Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments.”   “I know, O LORD, that Your rules are righteous and that in faithfulness, You have afflicted me. Let Your steadfast love comfort me according to Your promise to Your servant.”

Kaph. “My soul longs for Your salvation; I hope in Your word.”  “I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten Your statutes.”   “In Your steadfast love, give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of Your mouth.”

Lamed. “Forever, O LORD, Your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations.”   If Your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, for by them, You have given me life. I am Yours; save me, for I have sought Your precepts.”

Mem. “Oh how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.”   “I understand more than the aged, for I keep Your precepts.”   “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.”

Nun. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”   “Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.”

Samekh. “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.”

Ayin.  “My eyes long for Your salvation and for the fulfillment of Your righteous promise.”   “It is time for the LORD to act, for Your law has been broken. Therefore, I love Y,our commandments above gold, above fine gold.”

Pe. “The unfolding of Your words gives light. It implants understanding to the simple.”   “Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes. My eyes shed streams of tears because people do not keep Your law.”

Tsadhe. “My zeal consumes me because my foes forget Your words.”   “Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.”

Qoph.  “I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in Your words. My eyes are awake before the watches of the night that I may meditate on Your promise.”

Resh. “Great is Your mercy, O LORD; give me life according to Your rules.”   “The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous rules endures forever.”

Sin/Shin. “I rejoice at Your word like one who finds great spoil.”   “Great peace have those who love Your law; nothing can make them stumble.”

Tav,  “Let my cry come before You, O LORD; give me understanding according to Your word!”   “My tongue will sing of Your word, for all Your commandments are right.”   “I long for Your salvation, O LORD, and Your law is my delight.”   “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments.”

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 149

May28

   Day 149—We are in our FIFTH month of Bible reading and we have begun our 13th book – 1 Kings.  Are you loving God more each day? What are you learning about Him?  Share in the comments section.

   Day 149 –  1 Kings 1 – 2, Psalms 37, 71, 94. (David dies, but first stops a coup)

1 Kings 1.  David is old and frail and can’t get warm. The court brings a young and beautiful woman to care for him and keep him warm at night. (No hanky-panky, however.)  

Taking advantage of his father’s advanced age, Adonijah, next in line to be king, claims himself the heir to the throne by collecting chariots, and soldiers, one of the high priests, and even the aging Commander of David’s army, Joab. They hold a huge festival with loads of sacrifices.  

But when the prophet Nathan hears of it, he enlists Bathsheba in a plan to officially crown the LORD’s choice, Solomon, as king after David.  The old king musters enough strength to do just that, authorizing them to have Solomon ride through town on his royal donkey, the priests to anoint him king in front of all the people, encourage them to shout, “Long live King Solomon” and to sit him on his father’s throne.

Adonijah hears the commotion and knows what it means. He makes a wild dash for the horns of the altar at the Tabernacle (a place he can claim clemency). Solomon grants him that… IF HE WILL SHOW HIMSELF A WORTHY MAN.”  (We’ll see about that in a bit.)

By the way, verse 6 points out a fault of David with ALL his sons and probably the reason so many went wrong. It’s a warning to parents today. “His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, ‘Why have you done thus and so?“ Not only was Adonijah handsome like Absalom, he was spoiled rotten.

1 Kings 2. Like all Jewish patriarchs, King David calls for Solomon when he knows he is dying. He blesses Solomon and encourages him in the LORD. “Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in His ways and keeping His statutes, His commandments, His rules, and His testimonies…. that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever your turn, that the LORD may establish His Word that He spoke to me…. ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel’.”

HOWEVER, the old king then instructs Solomon to assassinate two men “according to your wisdom, for you are a wise man.”

  1. He is to kill Joab for revenge-killing the commanders of Saul’s and Absalom’s armies (Abner & Amasa) IN TIME OF PEACE.
  2. He is also to kill Shimei, the Benjamite, who cursed David as he fled from Absalom. David had sworn that HE himself would not kill the man but now instructs Solomon to do it.

Then David dies – after reigning for 40 years as king. He was buried in Jerusalem, the City of David. And Solomon’s kingdom is firmly established…almost.

Next, that slippery Adonijah comes to Bathsheba and asks HER to ask SOLOMON to pretty please give him Abishai as his wife. TWO THINGS TO REMEMBER:  1. Abishai was the beautiful woman given to David to keep him warm and was considered a concubine.. 2. Someone who wanted to claim the kingdom for himself would sleep with the former king’s wife/concubine.

ADONIJAH WAS ATTEMPTING A SNEAKY COUP TO STEAL THE CROWN FROM SOLOMON!!

Solomon sends his commander, Benaiah. to kill Adonijah. 

Solomon sends Benaiah to kill Joab.

After giving Shimei a narrow place to live, and the man leaves it, Solomon sends Benaiah to kill him. 

His oaths to his father accomplished, the kingdom was now established in the hand of Solomon.

Psalm 37.  “Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD and do good…”   “Delight yourself in the LORD…”   “Commit your way to the LORD…”   “Be still before the LORD….”

“The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in His way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.”

“I have young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.”

Psalm 71. “For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth.”    “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.”    “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Psalm 94. “He who planted the ear, does He not hear? He who formed the eye, does He not see? He who disciplines the nations, does He not rebuke? He who teaches man knowledge – the LORD – knows the thoughts of man, that they are but breath.”

“Blessed is the man whom You discipline, O LORD, and whom You teach out of your law, to give him REST from the days of trouble…”     “If the LORD had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, ‘My foot slips,’ your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 147 & 148

May27

    Day 147 & 148—We are in our FIFTH month of Bible reading and today we finis the 12th book!   What insights have you gained about God and yourself through reading so far?  Share in the comments section.

(Note: SUNDAY’s and MONDAY’s readings are combined.)

    Day 147 – 2 Chronicles 26 – 29, Psalms 127 (David appoints all who will be in charge of the kingdom as it passes to Solomon.)

Chapter 26. David continues to assign specific work in the Kingdom to men and groups who can handle it. Here, he assigns Gatekeepers, the first line of defense for the City of David. He also assigns men in charge of the treasuries of the house of God, and dedicated gifts.

Interestingly, he assigned “men of great ability” to oversee the tribes east of the Jordan in everything pertaining to God and the king’s affairs.  

Chapter 27. Here, David assigned a standing army of 24,000 for each month, rotating throughout the year (total: 288,000). He also appointed one man to oversee each of the tribes. As for his own property, he appointed men over the treasuries in the country, cities, villages, and towers. Chosen men who oversaw the farms, vineyards, wine cellars, olive & sycamore trees, stores of oil, herds of cattle, camels, donkeys, and flocks of sheep. David also appointed men to “oversee” all his sons (for the LORD had given him many.)  

Lastly, Joab stands as the commander of the king’s army. (David didn’t like him because he killed Absalom and tried to replace him, but the army leader persisted, obeyed the king in everything (even when the king sinned), and was a great military leader.)

Chapter 28.  David assembled all the officials of Israel at Jerusalem.  He tells them how it was in his heart to build a House for the LORD, but that God had given that task to Solomon. He tells how God allowed him to amass all the materials and make the plans.  He also tells them again that young SOLOMON will be the next king of Israel, chosen by GOD! 

David charges Solomon with the task and with obedience to God and then gives him the plans. He reminds him (and the assembled officials there) that “the people will be wholly at your command.”

Chapter 29. David challenges the assembly that the task of building the Temple is great and Solomon is young. He tells of the huge offerings he himself has given and asks, “Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the LORD?”   As one, they come forward with huge offerings for the treasury for the House of the LORD.  Then everyone REJOICES greatly.

David blesses the LORD in their presence. “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and 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, our God, and praise YOUR GLORIOUS NAME.”

“O LORD, our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building You a house for Your holy name comes from Your hand and is all Your own.”     “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.”

Then the whole congregation made Solomon, the son of David, king a second time, and they appointed him as Prince for the LORD.

Psalm 127 is a psalm written by Solomon.  “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.” 

King David’s death is mentioned at the end of 2 Chronicles, but we’ll see a little more of him in 1 Kings.

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    Day 148 – Psalms 111 – 118 (Psalms of assents and praise written by others)

111. “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart.”    “Holy and awesome is His name! The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: all who practice it have a good understanding.”

112.  “Blessed be the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments!    “It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.”

113. “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 above reminds me of the modern song “10,000 Reasons” by Matt Redman —

Verse 1
The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning;
It’s time to sing Your song again.
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me,
Let me be singing when the evening comes.

Chorus
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
O my soul, worship His holy Name.
Sing like never before, O my soul.
I’ll worship Your holy Name.

114. “Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water.”

115.  “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory for the sake of your mercy and your faithfulness.”    “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.”    

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. The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the LORD; ‘O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!’ 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;…”    “What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me?”

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints…“

117. “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol Him, all peoples!”

118. “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.”   “I thank You that You have answered me and have become my salvation.”

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 146

May25

   Day 146—We are in our FIFTH month of Bible reading and begin our 12th book – 1 Kings.  Are you loving God more each day? What are you learning about Him?  Share in the comments section.

   Day 146 –  Psalms 131, 138, 139, 143, 144, 145. (Parts of some of these psalms of David are very familiar.)

131. “O, LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother..”    “O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forevermore.”

138, “For though the LORD is high, He regards the lowly, but the haughty He knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me…“

139.  (This whole psalm is precious and beautiful!  “O LORD, You have searched me and known me!  You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.  Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.”

“Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,’ even darkness is not dark to You; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.”

“For you formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in Your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”

“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with You.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

143. “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that You have done; I ponder the work of Your hands. I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land.” “Teach me to do your will, for You are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!“

144. “Blessed be the LORD, my rock….He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and He in whom I take refuge;” “Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!”

145. “I will extol You, my God and King, and bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable.”

“The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The LORD is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made.” “The LORD is faithful in all His words and kind in all His works! The LORD upholds all who are the falling and raises up all who are bowed down.”

“The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His works. The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him, and He also hears their cry and saves them. The LORD preserves all who love Him…..” “Let all flesh bless His holy name forever and ever.”