Bible Pathway - April 23

Read 1 Kings 5

Highlights:

Solomon plans construction of the Temple; Check out how many years it took before Solomon began to build the Temple of God and how long before he began accumulating horses (1 Kin. 4:26; 6:1).

So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated; even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the LORD (1 Kings 7:51).

Solomon finished a work his father, David, could not. The building of the temple of God was now completed. There was now a place of worship. The Ark of God now had a home. There was now a permanent place for sacrifice to be made.

This had been a long time in coming. David had begun gathering the materials years earlier. He wanted to do his part to help ensure this project would be completed. Solomon could very easily have pushed the building of the temple aside. Many kings that came after him did not regard matters concerning God to be their top priority. As a matter of fact, some turned to other gods. Solomon, himself, would fall into this trap. The Word of God warns us of this danger. But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members (Rom. 7:23).

That time was in the future. Yes, the days of disobedience would come for Solomon. However, at this time, he was determined to give the Lord his service.

Most people would have found it difficult to give up such treasures that were in their possession. The things mentioned in this verse had to be of great value. Solomon knew those things may have been in his possession, but they belonged to God. They had been dedicated to Him by David.

There is much dedicated to God that humans later try to withhold from Him. People keep their time, their finances and even parts of their lives that should be turned over to God. When we become believers, we must remember that we gain a Lord as well as a Savior. There is no gaining the one without the other. People deceive themselves when they live that way. And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46).

We need to give Christ all that is dedicated to Him. If you are truly born again, this includes your entire life. There is no need to fear this. Your life will be in hands that only want the best for you.

If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve Me, him will my Father honour (John 12:26).

Thought for Today:

Solomon's earthly temple glorified God; we too can glorify Him in our bodies.

Christ Portrayed:

Through the Temple (1 Kin. 6). Christ is the true Temple (John 2:21). Through Christ all believers have access to God (Rom. 5:12-21). Through Him we . . . have access by one Spirit unto the Father (Eph. 2:18).

Word Studies:

5:3 under the soles of his feet, under his control; 5:4 evil occurrent, evil happening; 5:13 levy, forced labor; 6:2 cubit, about 18 inches; 6:5 oracle, Holy of Holies. Oracle in I Kings 8:8-9, inner sanctuary, location of the two tables of stone. God cannot be separated from His Word whether spoken or written; 6:38 month (of) Bul, October/November; 7:4 ranks, rows; 7:9 coping, the top, the highest course of stone; 7:14 cunning, skilled.

Prayer Suggestion: Offer your gift of praise to God in prayer (1 Pet. 2:5).

Optional Reading: Acts 24

Memory Verse for the Week: John 13:34