The book of 1 Kings (Kings) is an extension of the history in the book of Samuel, recording the period of kings until exile. During this period, the kingdom of Israel will split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Kings focuses on the Northern Kingdom of Israel and their downward spiral. This week also includes the book of Chronicles, still focused on the line of David, and the rebuilding of the temple. Both 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles tell the story of building a permanent dwelling place for God in Jerusalem. King David purchased a place, where the angel of the LORD stood with a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. King David asks for judgment to fall on his own house rather than his people. This is the same location where Abraham long ago went to sacrifice Isaac (Mount Moriah), but LORD provided a ram instead. David's judgment could be withheld because it would fall on his bloodline, and God’s only son, Jesus. God’s justice has always required atonement (covering) for sinful man to come into his presence. The temple would be the symbol of God’s presence and the place of sacrifices, preparing us greater than the temple to come.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Plan Reading - Week 30
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell us. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of Chronicles or Kings, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
Read Genesis 2:7-9. Where was God’s original dwelling place with man before the separation from sin? Why is this important to the big picture of the Bible?
Read Exodus 19:6. What is God’s people supposed to be? Read Exodus 25:8. What was the point of the tabernacle given to Moses and the Israelites?
Read Leviticus 16:16. How were the unclean people able to experience the presence of God? Read Leviticus 17:8-9. Was there any other place for the people to atone for their sins?
Read 2 Chronicles 2:4-6. What was the reason Solomon was building the temple? How does this contrast with the nations around Israel that believed the gods needed workers to provide a life of ease to the gods (bring food to the gods through offerings)?
Read John 2:19-22. What is the way to dwell with God now and after death that the tabernacle/temple pointed to? Read John 14:6. What is the only place to have a relationship with God? Read Revelation 21:1-4. Where is the final dwelling place of God?
SHARE IT.
Why would God dwell with people anyway? Does He "need" the company? What are you learning about the God of the Bible who dwells with His people?
How have you been reminded of Jesus in the reading this week? Were any verses connected to the New Testament?
How has the story in the books of 1 & 2 Chronicles and 1 Kings been shocking so far, or have you noticed something in the text you previously had not?
Read Proverbs 9:10. What does Solomon say about how to have wisdom in navigating life?
Read Romans 12:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. How does the knowledge of your body being a temple of God and not being conformed to the world relate to Proverbs 9:10?
FINAL THOUGHT
In Solomon’s request for supplies from the king of Tyre, he states, “Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of the Lord my God.” The temple would be the symbol of God dwelling with His people. The only way God’s people could approach Him would be through atonement (covering), most notably the Day of Atonement once a year when the high priest would sprinkle blood on the mercy seat, between the two Cherubim on the top of the Ark of the Covenant. Solomon also states that this is the place of sacrifice for atonement and worship, however not even the highest heaven could contain God. While we need a place to worship, God is not confined to this spot. You cannot put God in a box. Yet, God would humble Himself to dwell among men; in human flesh. Jesus, the son of God, would be both the atoning sacrifice, and the way in which God dwells with us. Jesus says in Matthew 16:18 that He is going to build His church. How humbling to be the temples of God! Paul says in 1 Corinthians that our bodies are temples. We bare the name of Christ, and Christ has charged us with making disciples for Him. As Solomon made a temple for the name of the LORD, so Jesus is building His church for the glory of His own name. Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, the "Church" is carrying the name of Jesus as Christ builds His church from every nation. That should humble us all. Be encouraged that Jesus said He would never leave us nor forsake us. God’s mercy is new every morning (Ephesians 1:19-20).
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