1. Text summary
2. How is Christ in the text?3. Application
Contested Succession after David - 1 Kings 1
1. Text summary
David's physical health ails. His son Adonijah claims the throne. David responds by decisively naming Solomon his successor as king. Solomon sends Adonijah home, mercifully not killing him.
2. Jesus
Jesus has plenty of contesters for His throne. They are "Idols for Destruction." (See Herbert Schlossberg's book.)
3. Application
a. Be careful of power vacuums. The ungodly will pursue them to increase their own power.
b. Decisive leadership is critical at key moments.
Solomon Established - 1 Kings 2
1. Text summary
David charges Solomon to follow Yahweh, and to avenge David's enemies. After David's death, Solomon executes Adonijah, Joab and Shimei, and exiles Abiathar the priest, installing Zadok instead.
2. Jesus
Jesus is the son who takes the throne, and does justice to establish His kingdom.
3. Application
a. Does David hold a sinful grudge that Solomon wrongly acts upon? Or is this doing justice for the kingdom, to respect the kingly office each had besmirched? I think it's the latter. But he doesn't pray for (and get?) wisdom until after this...
b. Rebellion against King Jesus leads to death.
Praying for Wisdom - 1 Kings 3
1. Text summary
Solomon gets off track, allying with Egypt, and worshiping at the high places. God mercifully comes to him. Solomon asks for wisdom to govern, knowing good and evil. God commends him for not asking for the life of his enemies, when he has already taken those lives - perhaps a mild rebuke to his actions in chapter 2? Solomon goes and worships in the right place, then demonstrates wisdom in dealing with the two prostitutes disputing over a child.
2. Jesus
Jesus is the wisdom of God, who knows good and evil perfectly.
Jesus knows all things and the hearts of all men, so doesn't need ploys like this.
3. Application
a. Sometimes the best guidance or rebuke is to tell people what they wouldn't do (vs 11).
b. We should realize the responsibilities God gives us are beyond our ability without His help and grace.
Solomon's Reign - 1 Kings 4
1. Text summary
Solomon's reign was blessed, safe, and prosperous. He was wise and just.
2. Jesus
Jesus is pictured here - His reign is even moreso blessed and prosperous.
3. Application
a. What is your role in Jesus' administration of His kingdom?
b. Do your part to provide for His kingdom tangibly, through tithes and service His people.
Alliance with Tyre - 1 Kings 5
1. Text summary
Solomon proposed an economic trade with Hiram, king of Tyre, to build the temple. Hiram is happy to do it. Solomon conscripts laborers from Israel to get it done.
2. Jesus
a. Jesus builds His church using the manpower and talents from nations around Him.
3. Application
a. Large national or church projects may be appropriate at times, but will exact a cost.
Solomon's Temple - 1 Kings 6
1. Text summary
The temple Solomon built, described in detail.
- It's built 480 years after liberation from Egypt. Is there a numerology point here - 12 x 40?
- The floor is covered with gold. Is there a connection to the new Jerusalem's streets paved with gold? The New Jerusalem IS a temple in itself, of sorts: no temple needed...
2. Jesus
a. Jesus claims to BE the temple. If destroyed, He can be rebuilt in 3 days (John 2:19).
b. Jesus was punished for our sins. Here, Israel is punished for David's sin.
3. Application
a. When we build for God, beauty should be one of the standards.
b. We should mark time by the major acts of God in history.
c. Vss. 11-13 - the building itself needs some explanation, as the sacraments do in the new covenant.
Solomon's Palace and Filling the Temple - 1 Kings 7
1. Text summary
Solomon takes almost twice as long to build his own house. 7 is the perfect number - how long it took to build the temple. 13 is one short of double perfection (14). Solomon fell short here.
Temple furnished. Note the creation parallel: first the structure, then the filling.
Pillars with decorations
Basin/sea (10 of them, on wheels, emphasizing much and mobile water).
Utensils for sacrificial work. Altar, table, lampstand.
Extra treasure David gave, left in the storehouse.
2. Jesus
a. Jesus brings about the new creation, as He did the old (John 1:1-2).
b. Jesus gives beauty, life, and utility.
Beauty in the pillar decorations
Life in the water
Utility in the pots and pans and other items needed for sacrifice.
3. Application
a. Don't spend more time and energy on your own comfort and convenience, than you do on God's glory.
b. Fill the earth and multiply - dominion mandate from Gen 1:26-28. This involves beauty, utility, and life.
Solomon Inaugurates the Temple - 1 Kings 8
1. Text summary
Solomon brings the ark into the temple.
Solomon recounts the history of David wanting to build a temple, but providing for Solomon to do it instead.
Solomon recalls God's character and promises in prayer before Israel.
Solomon asks God to hear prayers from this temple.
Solomon blesses and charges Israel.
Solomon offers many sacrifices in worship.
2. Jesus
a. Jesus is the presence of God among the people, as the ark and temple were.
b. Jesus erects the true temple, as neither David nor Solomon could.
c. Jesus intercedes for Israel more effectively than Solomon could.
d. Jesus' sacrifice accomplishes more than all Solomon's do.
3. Application
a. Seek God's presence earnestly, in prayer and sacrifice.
b. Remember what your forefathers have done to bring you to God.
c. Leaders talking to their people should communicate a mixture of blessing and charging. Encourage as often as you demand/exhort!
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