1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 42; Romans 8
Solomon's personality is as contradictory as that of most people described in the Bible. Some of his qualities are amazingly good, while he acts questionably or blatantly wrong in other areas.
The first thing mentioned about him is, "Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt and married his daughter" (1 Kings 3:1). God initially commanded the Israelites not to marry foreign women so that they would not turn Israel to idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). The essence remained the same, although this was specifically said about the Canaanites. Later, foreign wives became the reason for Solomon's departure from God. At that time, kings married the daughters of other kings to create political alliances and strengthen power. Perhaps this was the reason for Solomon's action. He felt insecure and weak and possibly sought to assert his authority through an alliance with Pharaoh.
At the same time, Solomon made a wise choice, which is recorded in both 1 Kings 3 and 2 Chronicles 1. He asked God for wisdom above all. God granted it to him while warning, "And if you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days" (1 Kings 3:14). Wisdom does not guarantee a life in harmony with God. Besides wisdom, the fear of God, a sense of complete dependence on Him, and heartfelt obedience to Him are necessary.
Psalm 42 is one of the best passages of Scripture, showing the soul's reaction during times of trouble. The author (or authors, the sons of Korah) describes a sincere thirst for heartfelt communion with God, a desire to be in the house of God, where the soul finds peace. This thirst is shown against the backdrop of deep sorrow and experiences in which the psalmist found himself. Describing these experiences, the author twice addresses his soul amidst them, urging himself to hope in the Lord: "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God." (Psalm 42:6,12). Reason speaks to emotions based on truth.
Romans 8 describes the comfort that the soul finds in the Gospel amid the struggle with sin. This is expressed in several factors:
- The soul united with Jesus Christ by faith is free from condemnation in Him (Romans 8:1-2).
- The Spirit of God, filling the saved, makes them God's children and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:14-17).
- Thus, we can overcome suffering with Him (Romans 8:17).
- We hope that one day we will be freed from decay and everything associated with it (Romans 8:23-25).
- The Holy Spirit intercedes for us before the Father, knowing our needs better than we do (Romans 8:26-27).
- "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
- In Jesus Christ, "God is for us," and therefore, no one can be successful against us (Romans 8:31-34).
- No one can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:35-39).
The first thing mentioned about him is, "Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt and married his daughter" (1 Kings 3:1). God initially commanded the Israelites not to marry foreign women so that they would not turn Israel to idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). The essence remained the same, although this was specifically said about the Canaanites. Later, foreign wives became the reason for Solomon's departure from God. At that time, kings married the daughters of other kings to create political alliances and strengthen power. Perhaps this was the reason for Solomon's action. He felt insecure and weak and possibly sought to assert his authority through an alliance with Pharaoh.
At the same time, Solomon made a wise choice, which is recorded in both 1 Kings 3 and 2 Chronicles 1. He asked God for wisdom above all. God granted it to him while warning, "And if you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days" (1 Kings 3:14). Wisdom does not guarantee a life in harmony with God. Besides wisdom, the fear of God, a sense of complete dependence on Him, and heartfelt obedience to Him are necessary.
Psalm 42 is one of the best passages of Scripture, showing the soul's reaction during times of trouble. The author (or authors, the sons of Korah) describes a sincere thirst for heartfelt communion with God, a desire to be in the house of God, where the soul finds peace. This thirst is shown against the backdrop of deep sorrow and experiences in which the psalmist found himself. Describing these experiences, the author twice addresses his soul amidst them, urging himself to hope in the Lord: "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God." (Psalm 42:6,12). Reason speaks to emotions based on truth.
Romans 8 describes the comfort that the soul finds in the Gospel amid the struggle with sin. This is expressed in several factors:
- The soul united with Jesus Christ by faith is free from condemnation in Him (Romans 8:1-2).
- The Spirit of God, filling the saved, makes them God's children and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:14-17).
- Thus, we can overcome suffering with Him (Romans 8:17).
- We hope that one day we will be freed from decay and everything associated with it (Romans 8:23-25).
- The Holy Spirit intercedes for us before the Father, knowing our needs better than we do (Romans 8:26-27).
- "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
- In Jesus Christ, "God is for us," and therefore, no one can be successful against us (Romans 8:31-34).
- No one can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:35-39).
Posted in Reading Bible Together