1 Chronicles 26 - 28

Click on the Scripture above to read today's Bible lesson!

Well, I'm back! I've needed to take a few days off from this blog to take care of a few things. Got it done, and now I'm ready to get back into the swing of things! For those of you who were following along...thank you for bearing with me!

Hopefully you didn't get too bored with today's Bible reading. It is more of an historical account of those in charge of certain duties concerning the protection and organization of Solomon's Temple. While the Bible is full of adventure and made-for-Hollywood stories, occasionally we'll find ourselves reading some of the important historical aspects to Jewish history.

Let me easily summarize today's Bible reading in three easy to understand points:

1) In chapter 26, Solomon sets up "gatekeepers" or guards for the Temple. You'll read a few very interesting comments about these men:

a) The first of which is about the man - Obededom. He was a Levite who was actually one of King David's body guards in whose house the Ark of God was hid for three months! Obviously, he was an incredible and courageous soldier! You don't get the honor of being one of the King's body guards unless you have proven your valiant skills as a warrior in the heat of battle. He also was the same guy who marched valiantly before the Ark as King David left Jerusalem in fear of his son Absalom. To Obededom were born 8 sons, one of which was Shemaiah in which the Bible speaks of his sons as possessing "great ability who earned positions of great authority." The Bible also speak here that "God had richly blessed Obededom." No wonder his family was picked for guarding Solomon's Temple! In verse 8 it says, "All of the descendants of Obededom...were very capable men, well qualified for their work."

b) The second interesting comment made by God in chapter 26 is ascribed to Zechariah in verse14, in that he was "a man of unusual wisdom." In fact, Solomon's father (David) appointed Zechariah to do several things: 1) Guard the Temple 2) Guard the Ark 3) Play the harp for worship 4) And, to serve as one of the priests! King David knew how to pick the right guy...didn't he? He surrounded himself with multi-talented men!

c) A third interesting thing is how these gatekeepers were appointed. Solomon used "sacred lots" (the Urim and Thummin) to make the decision as to "who was going to be a guard" and "what gate" they will be guarding. If you remember, the Urim and Thummin were special gems that were placed in the Ephod of the High Priest. Moses and the Kings of Israel would pray to the Lord and watch God's response to His will through the Urim and Thummin. Wouldn't it be nice today for each of us to have a Urim and Thummin?

I hope God will bless you and me with descendants like those of Obededom!

2) Solomon also set up "treasury" guards for the Temple. Their specific duty was to take in the gifts offered to the Lord, protect it, and account for it. The Bible says that this duty was given to the family who were direct descendants of Moses. If you remember, Amram is Moses' father!

3) Chapter 27 details many of the other positions that were of importance as King David prepares to die and leave the kingdom and the building of the most magnificent monument in the world to his son Solomon.

4) David offers 7 Points of Advice to Solomon! I love the way David prepared his son for his future! Here's what he did to prepare his son:
a) He told him - "learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately." All of us need to strongly encourage our children to not just know things about the Lord, but rather to know God intimately!
b) He told him to "worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind." In other words, he encouraged and challenged Solomon to be a worshipper of God, to be a servant of God, and to do all these things willfully and with a total heart-felt dedication to God! He wanted Solomon to have God as first place on the throne of his heart! He didn't want Solomon to be like spiritual zombies (like most church goers!) who sing and worship God out of with such apathy. He wanted Solomon to know and love God with all his heart!!!
c) He reminded him that "the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought." Wow! He reminds his son that he can't fool God! He wanted Solomon to "keep it real!"
d) He explains how God works! He says, "If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever." Can it be any clearer than that?
e) He urges his son to "take this seriously" the task of serving the Lord and building the Temple. Solomon is not to let anything side track him from the task of building the Temple.
f) He encourages his son to "be strong and do the work." In others words, "Git'r Done!"
g) He offers his son the plans, the finances, and the materials to build the Temple. He leaves his son the resources needed to be successful at the task!
h) He assures his son of success through the mighty Hands of God!

Wow! What great advice for fathers!

See you tomorrow! Have a great day in the Lord!