1 Kings 7
-This chapter begins with Solomon’s palace construction
details, which took 13 years to complete using timber from the forest of
Lebanon (to the north). This house had his judgment hall and there was cedar
paneling along with much ornate design in it. Again great and costly foundation
stones were quarried and used with his house in Jerusalem (1 Kings 7:1-12). The
chapter also describes the house that was made for his Egyptian wife (Pharaoh’s
daughter, 1 Kings 7:8).
-The rest of the chapter denotes Hiram (not the king of
Tyre, but someone else) who was half-Jewish on his mother’s side and his work
on the bronze portions of the Temple utensils. The Bible describes this man as
a man of Tyre who was a widow’s son from the tribe of Naphtali and a worker in
bronze, who was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill for doing his
work (1 Kings 7:14). By his work great pillars were set on the Temple, at the
front facing east, the one on the right named Jachin (he shall establish) and the
one on the left named Boaz (in it is strength, 1 Kings 7:21). The sea and ten stands
of water basins were described in detail along with the pails, shovels, and bowls
made of polished bronze. These items were cast in the plain of the Jordan between
Succoth and Zarethan in the clay ground. The weight of all these utensils could
not even be ascertained because they were too many (1 Kings 7:22-47). Times were
abundant. The rest of the chapter relates how Solomon oversaw all the furniture
which was in the house of the LORD that was of pure gold. “Thus all the work that
King Solomon performed in the house of the LORD was finished. And Solomon brought
in the things dedicated by his father David, the silver and the gold and the utensils,
and he put them in the treasuries of the house of the LORD (1 Kings 7:48-51).”
-*Application* When we are called to do a job, the LORD will
provide the necessary items to see it through to its completion. There was abundance
in resources when it was the proper time to build and do the work of the Temple
for Yahweh. We too, must be observant as to how the LORD will provide in the things
He has called us to in our lives. That is not always easy as we cast our total dependence
on Him in faith for the necessities of our calling. Often it will involve a time
of testing, or “a crisis of faith” as Henry Blackaby has coined it, to see if our
hearts our truly committed to the assigned task. We hold to the promises of God
during these times and work with great expectation to see how the LORD will bless.
If He is in it, it WILL prosper! Don’t give up hope and be wise in listening to
the voice of God for His direction. He will provide according to His will!
Verse to Memorize: 1
Kings 7:51
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