Month: March 2023

Two Wealthy Men in the Bible

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King Solomon and Job were both very wealthy men. Solomon was worth 7 Trillion Dollars! We can learn from both of them.

Solomon Sought God

1 Kings 9:2, “The Lord appeared to Solomon a second time, in the same way he had appeared to him at Gibeon.” New English Translation

The first time Solomon was in a high place, and the second time was in Jerusalem. Both times, God spoke to him in a dream.

Solomon Fortified Cities

2 Chronicles 8:5, “He…fortified cities with walls and barred gates.” NET

1 Kings 9:15, “…the work crews King Solomon conscripted to build…the cities of Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.” NET

We saw the 6-sectioned gates that King Solomon built at Tel Megiddo. It was a sunny spring day until we reached the top, (see “The Heat of Summer”). There were soldiers stationed in each section making it difficult to break through the gates.

Solomon Conducted Research

Ecclesiastes 2:3, “I thought deeply about the effects of indulging myself with wine (all the while my mind was guiding me with wisdom) and the effects of behaving foolishly, so that I might discover what is profitable for people to do on earth during the few days of their lives.” NET

Ecclesiastes 2:9, “So I was far wealthier than all my predecessors in Jerusalem, yet I maintained my objectivity.” NET

He did not choose the amassing of riches as his goal. He found achievements and possessions “ultimately profitless – like chasing the wind,” v. 11.

Solomon Invested

Ecclesiastes 11:1, “Send your grain overseas, for after many days you will get a return.” NET

The King James Version Bible says, “Cast your bread upon the waters…” I envisioned a person baking a loaf of bread and throwing the pieces into the water. Many had used this verse in fundraising, and I still felt like you were throwing the money away.

The New International Version Bible says, “Ship your grain overseas…” That makes it clear the grain has a purpose. You may be shipping it to sell or to help in a famine. It’s deliberate. Even in giving, I’m responsible to know that my funds are “feeding the children.”

Solomon’s Conclusions

  1. He found the benefits of wisdom were ultimately meaningless because both the wise man and the fool die and are forgotten, Ecclesiastes 2:15-16.
  2. It is futile for a man to do his work with wisdom, knowledge, and skill because he must hand over the fruit of his labor as an inheritance to someone who did not work for it, Ecclesiastes 2:21.
  3. The best thing is to eat, drink, and find enjoyment in your work, Ecclesiastes 2:24.
  4. There is nothing better than to be happy and to enjoy yourself, Ecclesiastes 3:12.
  5. When you are excessively righteous or excessively wise, you will be disappointed, Ecclesiastes 7:16.
  6. Sharpen the ax head to exert less effort and be successful, Ecclesiastes 10:10.

The Second Wealthy Man – Job

“The quest for wisdom involves pain… Pain thereby becomes a challenge for wisdom and for our concept of God’s behavior. …not every theological claim made by Job and his friends is necessarily endorsed by this book. …God charged the three friends with speaking inaccurately about Him.

…when faced with the problem of theodicy, (explaining the presence of evil in the world in light of God’s wisdom and justice), silence, rather than human reasoning, may be a more virtuous alternative.

…Job is a demanding literary work that tends to presuppose that its readers are already well acquainted with…Proverbs and Psalms. …Even Jesus was not spared affliction and the theodicy problem. This was made clear when He cried out on the cross, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34).”

New English Translation Introduction to the book of Job

***

Job 5:17, “Therefore, blessed is the man whom God corrects, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” NET

Correction can be simple. Example: A line of soldiers facing forward and one facing to the right. The drill sergeant will correct him by turning him forward. Then they can all march together.

Correction is harder if you are turned backward and God wants you to go forward. Repentance is simply turning around. In the case of the soldiers, the one going the wrong way will get run into over and over.

When I feel like everything is running into me – I should repent and be corrected. I turn around!

2023 Rainbow Bible Reading Guide ©2009-2023 thisyearsbiblereadingguide.com.  All Rights Reserved.

Business and Contentment

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A year ago, we were traveling over the Golan Heights. I didn’t get a picture of the “cedars of Lebanon” because the weather did not cooperate. There was snow on the ground and it was still snowing.

On the way down the snow turned to rain. Elle pointed them out as we drove by – a patch of evergreen on the side of the mountain.

They were cut down and exported to the palaces of the conquerors of the land. Solomon recognized they were the best wood for building the temple.

Solomon Made a Business Deal

1 Kings 5:6, “So now order some cedars of Lebanon to be cut for me. My servants will work with your servants. I will pay your servants whatever you say is appropriate, for you know that we have no one among us who knows how to cut down trees like the Sidonians.” New English Translation

Solomon:

  1. Outlined the work needed.
  2. Offered laborers.
  3. Let them set the pay.
  4. Admitted they were the experts.
  5. Used the highest quality.
  6. Bartered for payment by meeting their need.
  7. Asked the Lord for wisdom, guidance, and power.
  8. Didn’t abuse his worker’s time with their families. (They worked one month and had two months off.)
  9. Was generous and fair with wages.

Solomon Gilded Everything

2 Chronicles 3:7, “He overlaid the temple’s rafters, thresholds, walls, and doors with gold; he carved decorative cherubim on the walls.” NET

Even the rafters were gold-plated! (That makes me want to paint the floor joists that serve as the ceiling in our basement.)

The Key to Contentment

1 Kings 8:66, “On the fifteenth day after the festival started, he dismissed the people. They asked God to empower the king and then went to their homes, happy and content because of all the good the Lord had done for his servant David and his people Israel.” NET

The keys to happiness and contentment are:

  • Pray for your leaders.
  • Go home.
  • Thank God for the good He has done for your country.

Not a fan of your mayor, governor, or president? Remember verse 32, God condemns the guilty, declares who is innocent, and gives both of them what they deserve.

The more time I spend shopping, the less content I am in my home.

The Kind of Leaders to Pray into Office

2 Chronicles 6:12-14, “He stood before the altar of the Lord… 13) …and then got down on his knees in front of the entire assembly of Israel. He spread out his hands toward the sky. 14) And prayed…” NET

Proverbs 28:1, “The wicked person fled, though no one was pursuing, but the righteous can be as confident as a lion.” NET

2023 Rainbow Bible Reading Guide ©2009-2023 thisyearsbiblereadingguide.com.  All Rights Reserved.

Lessons from King Solomon

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I was preparing to watch Gideon for a few hours. He had a long week because work kept Mamma away for two days. He loved having her all to himself on her day off.

This was day two of “Weekend to Remember” which both Mamma and Daddy attended. He was having fun with his Grandmas but he missed them.

King Solomon gave me advice for his time with us.

Proverbs 15:30, “A bright look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the body.” New English Translation

I greeted him with a bright smile and a hug. I sent him down the hall for a surprise – Grandpa had the day off! They played catch, got the mail, and filled the bird feeder.

I got out my doll and her accessories. He practiced being a big brother. He was all smiles when his “Amma” picked him up.

You can learn a lot from Solomon.

Seek God First

1 Kings 3:4, “The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for it had the most prominent of the high places. Solomon would offer up 1,000 burnt sacrifices on the altar there.” NET

Solomon offered sacrifices at high places and he continued to do so after the temple was built. Was he hoping God would reappear in a dream again?

The tree line is one of the high places where sacrifices were made. This one was on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.

He Knew Right from Wrong

1 Kings 3:9, “So give your servant a discerning mind so he can make judicial decisions for your people and distinguish right from wrong. Otherwise, no one is able to make judicial decisions for this great nation of yours.” NET

He was tested with his first case.

1 Kings 3:16, “Then two prostitutes came to the king…” NET

This case was for two women no one cared about. They were used, abused, and cast aside. No one stood with them. The baby was illegitimate; no one cared for it, except his mother, v. 27.

He Learned About Marital Love

Song of Solomon 3:4, “Scarcely had I passed them by when I found my beloved! I held onto him tightly and would not let him go until I brought him to my mother’s house, to the bedroom chamber of the one who conceived me.” NET

“…watch as she finds him and fills with joy but then warns herself against letting love move too quickly. Feel the tension of wanting more but slowing things down. …”

New English Translation note on Song of Solomon 3:1-11

***

Song of Solomon 5:6, “I opened for my beloved, but my lover had already turned and gone away. I fell into despair when he departed. I looked for him but did not find him; I called him but he did not answer me.” NET

“Does it comfort you to know that love doesn’t always proceed without problems? …Spend time reflecting on the truth that Jesus is the reconciler of relationships and He has called us to the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-21).”

NET notes on Song of Solomon 5:2-8

***

Song of Solomon 7:10, “I am my beloved’s and he desires me!” NET

“Total commitment is the foundation of love, protecting it so it can grow into the level of delight expressed in this chapter.”

NET note on Song of Solomon 7:1-13

***

He Wrote It Down

1 Kings 4:32-33, “He composed 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. 33) He produced manuals on botany, describing every kind of plant, from the cedars of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows on the walls. He also produced manuals on biology, describing animals, birds, insects, and fish.” NET

Some of Solomon’s Proverbs

Proverbs 3:1-2, “My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2) for they will provide a long and full life, and well-being for you.” NET

  1. Mercy and truth bring favor and good understanding, 3:4-5.
  2. Trusting and acknowledging God makes your path straight, 3:6.
  3. Being humble, revering God, and turning from evil brings healing for your body and refreshment for your soul, 3:7-8.
  4. Honoring the Lord from your wealth brings a full barn and vats overflowing with wine, 3:9-10.

Wisdom and Understanding:

  • Are more precious than gold or silver, 3:14.
  • Are more precious than rubies or anything you desire, 3:15; 8:11.
  • Bring long life, riches, and honor, 3:16; 4:10; 8:18.
  • Brings pleasant and peaceful paths, security with no stumbling, 3:17, 23; 4:12; 8:20.
  • Are like a tree of life, bringing blessing, 3:18.
  • Established the foundations of the earth and the heavens, 3:19.
  • Brings pleasant sleep without fear, 3:24.
  • Protects and guards you, 4:6.

What Obstacles Do I Need to Remove in My Daily Steps?

Proverbs 4:26, “Make the path of your feet level, so that all your ways may be established.” NET

Proverbs 7:1, “My child, devote yourself to my words and store up my commands inside yourself.” NET

Proverbs 11:4, “Wealth does not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” NET

Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle response turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.” NET

Proverbs 16:23, “A wise person’s heart makes his speech wise and it adds persuasiveness to his words.” NET

I can remove distractions, devote myself to His words and commandments, seek righteousness, give a gentle response, and store wisdom in my heart.

2023 Rainbow Bible Reading Guide ©2009-2023 thisyearsbiblereadingguide.com.  All Rights Reserved.

Living for the Lord

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Life changes after we pray the “Save Me, Jesus” prayer. What was dark is full of light. We can see where we are going! The Bible gives us direction on how to “live for the Lord.”

His Guidance

Psalms 19:7, 9, “The law of the Lord is perfect and preserves one’s life. The rules set down by the Lord are reliable and impart wisdom to the inexperienced. …9) The commands to fear the Lord are right and endure forever. The judgments given by the Lord are trustworthy and absolutely just.” New English Translation

Remember His Faithfulness

Psalms 138:2, “I will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your name, because of your loyal love and faithfulness, for you have exalted your promise above the entire sky.” NET

Psalms 143:5, “I recall the old days. I meditate on all you have done; I reflect on your accomplishments.” NET

We Always Have a Choice

1 Chronicles 21:1, “An adversary opposed Israel, inciting David to count how many warriors Israel had.” NET

An adversary incited him but David still had the choice. (God told Moses when he took a census, each man had to pay a ransom for his life, so there would be no plague among them, Exodus 30:12.)

“While the census seems appropriate, David sinned because he was proud of the size of his army.”

New English Translation note on 1 Chronicles 21:1-15

***

He Knows Our Name

“…This two-volume work is epic in its sweep, covering a period of roughly four hundred years. …”

NET Introduction to 1 Kings, p. 453

***

Over those 400 years, there were many with the same name.

1 Kings 1:8, “But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s elite warriors did not ally themselves with Adonijah.” NET

“…Shimei. Not the Shimei of 2:8, 46; 2 Samuel 16:5-8; perhaps the same as Shimei son of Ela (4:18).”

New International Version Study Bible note on 1 Kings 1:8

The first Shimei son of Gera, the Benjaminite cursed David as he left Jerusalem, 1 Kings 2:8. Shimei, son of Ela, 1 Kings 4:18, was a district governor for Solomon, 1 Kings 4:7. Maybe it was Shimei, the Levite, the son of Gershon, 1 Chronicles 23:7. Or Shimei, the Ramathite who was in charge of the vineyards, 1 Chronicles 27:27.

God knows which Shimei is listed in this verse. He knows me even when I am in a room full of women named Pamela.

God Offers Peace and Quiet

1 Chronicles 22:9, “Look, you will have a son, who will be a peaceful man. I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. Indeed, Solomon will be his name; I will give Israel peace and quiet during his reign.” NET

Our Purpose is to Praise Him

1 Chronicles 23:5, “4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the Lord with the instruments I supplied for worship.” NET

There were as many Levites working on the security team as there were on the worship team. These teams worked in shifts. Psalms 134 was a blessing for the night shift.

Since Levites no longer carried the items from the temple, they became the temple caretakers. They kept it and the courtyards clean. They purified the holy items and made the bread and cakes that were offered to the Lord.

They each had a designated place to stand morning and evening to give thanks to God and praise His name. On holy days, they offered sacrifices with the descendants of Aaron.

“Every Levite had a place and a purpose in the temple.”

NET note on 1 Chronicles 23:1-5

***

“…This verse shows Levites who thanked and praised God every morning and every evening. …How can you, like the Levites, establish a habit of prayer and praise? Pray for the determination to do this.”

NET note 1 Chronicles 23:30

***

Sunset leaving Tel Aviv over the Mediterranean Sea.

His Blessings

1 Chronicles 26:5-6, “The sixth Ammiel, the seventh Issachar, and the eighth Peullethai. (Indeed, God blessed Obed-Edom.) 6) His sons Shemaiah also had sons, who were leaders of their families, for they were highly respected.” NET

1 Chronicles 26:8, “All these were descendants of Obed-Edom. They and their sons and relatives were respected men, capable of doing their responsibilities. There were sixty-two of them related to Obed-Edom.” NET

The world seeks money, power, and fame. True blessings are children and grandchildren who are leaders, respected, capable, and responsible.

1 Chronicles 28:9, “And you, Solomon my son, obey the God of your father and serve him with a submissive attitude and a willing spirit, for the Lord examines all minds and understands every motive of one’s thoughts. If you seek him, he will let you find him, but if you abandon him, he will reject you permanently.” NET

How do you live for the Lord? Serve with a submissive attitude, willing spirit, and good motives. Take the time to seek Him.

1 Chronicles 29:12, 14, “You are the source of wealth and honor; you rule over all. You possess strength and might to magnify and give strength to all. …14) But who am I and who are my people that we should be in a position to contribute this much? Indeed, everything comes from you, and we have simply given back to you what is yours.” NET

God gives us everything. We honor Him by giving back.

2023 Rainbow Bible Reading Guide ©2009-2023 thisyearsbiblereadingguide.com.  All Rights Reserved.

The Terebinth Tree

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God cares about the tiniest details in our lives. It was no coincidence that I was reading Proverbs 24 when I was considering cutting back on my workouts. (I read one Proverb a day.) I could do strength training twice a week, instead of three times, and take weekends off. Then I read…

Proverbs 24:5, “A wise warrior is strong and a man of knowledge makes his strength stronger.” New English Translation

I read how God cares about the world, my pain, my stress, my waiting, and my burdens.

Psalms 9:7-8, “But the Lord rules forever; he reigns in a just manner. 8) He judges the world fairly; he makes just legal decisions for the nations.” NET

Psalms 31:7, “I will be happy and rejoice in your faithfulness because you notice my pain and you are aware of how distressed I am.” NET

Psalms 31:24, “Be strong and confident all you who wait on the Lord.” NET

Psalms 55:22, “Throw your burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the godly to be shaken.” NET

King David

David’s son Absalom tried to take his throne. When facing war with him, he looked to God.

Psalms 3:8, “The Lord delivers; you show favor to your people.” NET

Psalms 4:1, “…Though I am hemmed in, you will lead me into a wide, open place. …” NET

David was escaping Jerusalem, where he was hemmed in, and headed to the desert. Yet, he chose to see the positive – a wide, open place.

He had many options for places to go. He wandered in the wilderness for 15 years when Saul was trying to kill him. He knew the towns and the water sources.

He crossed the river and spent the night in Bahurim. Early in the morning, he met God.

Psalms 4:3, “Realize that the Lord shows the godly special favor; the Lord responds when I cry out to him” NET

Psalms 5:3, “Lord, in the morning you will hear me; in the morning I will present my case to you and then wait expectantly for an answer.” NET

David laid down his worries, frustrations, disappointments, and fears. He waited expectantly for direction.

Psalms 5:8, “Lord, lead me in your righteousness because of those who wait to ambush me, remove the obstacles in the way in which you are guiding me.” NET

He knew Absalom wanted to ambush him and he recognized the Lord leading him to leave. He asked God to remove the obstacles before him, not the threat behind him.

Yet, he was human.

Psalms 6:6, “I am exhausted as I groan. All night long I drench my bed in tears; my tears saturate the cushion beneath me.” NET

He kept his focus on God.

Psalms 6:9, “The Lord has heard my appeal for mercy; the Lord has accepted my prayer.” NET

Then David wrote a beautiful Psalm of worship, Psalms 8, before the battle with Absalom!

Absalom

2 Samuel 18:9, “…Now as Absalom was riding on his mule, it went under the branches of a large oak tree. His head got caught in the oak and he was suspended in midair, while the mule he had been riding kept going.” NET

In Israel, I learned “the large oak” was called a Terebinth tree. The branches grew close together and it is easy to see how his hair got tangled.

This Terebinth tree was growing on top of Tel Hazor.

I noticed two things in this verse:

  1. Absalom let the mule lead. He wouldn’t have turned into the Terebinth tree if he had been guiding it.
  2. The source of his pride – his hair (see 2 Samuel 14:25-26) – snared him, leading to his death.

(Am I riding out the day or directing it – choosing the activities that are the most important? What is my greatest source of pride?)

“Because Absalom had rebelled against his father, David’s men pursued Absalom and his militia. …Think about how David’s love for his son is similar to God’s love for you. …God spared your life because of His love.”

NET notes on 2 Samuel 18:1-15

***

“David mourned his son, despite how his son had treated him. Imagine God mourning over you in this way, desiring to take your place and save you (see v. 33). Think about God’s choice to allow Jesus’ death on the cross in your place.”

NET notes on 2 Samuel 18:29-19:7

***

Joab and Amasa

2 Samuel 20:9-10, “Joab said to Amasa, “How are you, my brother?’ With his right hand, Joab took hold of Amasa’s beard as if to greet him with a kiss. 10) Amasa did not protect himself from the knife in Joab’s other hand, and Joab stabbed him in the abdomen, causing Amasa’s intestines to spill out on the ground. …” NET

Amasa just faced Joab in the war with Absalom, 17:25. He was promoted to Joab’s place in the army, 19:13. Why would he trust him?

Joab was cousin, 17:25.

Proverbs 24:1, “Do not envy evil people, do not desire to be with them.” NET

The Choice

2 Samuel 22:24, “I was blameless before him; I kept myself from sinning.” NET

I always have a choice. I chose to sin or leave, speak or press my lips together. I am envious or I thank God for blessing others.

The amazing thing is God forgave me before I sinned, spoke, or gave in to envy. Jesus paid the price for all of my failures before I was born. (See, “Save me, Jesus.”)

2023 Rainbow Bible Reading Guide ©2009-2023 thisyearsbiblereadingguide.com.  All Rights Reserved.