Creative Space for Wanderers
The last three chapters in 1 Kings includes much of the story of Ahab, King of Israel (and Samaria from and outsider’s perspective). This is covered 2 Chronicles as well, but here we find some interesting interactions between Ahab and Ben-Hadad (King of Aram), prophets, Naboth and finally Micaiah (a Nathan-like prophet). Ben-Hadad Ben-Hadad king of …
and The Lord, the God of all, showed up on Mount Carmel and the words that Elijah spoke were once again shown truthful, even beyond expectation. What is Ahab’s response? Run to momma! Jezebel strikes out against Elijah, she threatens to kill him within 24 hours so he runs. “I have had enough, Lord,” he …
Continue reading “The Lord Appears to Elijah; Elisha’s Call”
Finally, the Lord sends a true prophet, Elijah to speak some truth into to kings of Israel. Jeroboam began in 930 b.c. and Ahab in 874 b.c., something like 60 years of depravity, of fake religion that misled all the people of Israel (Northern Kingdom). Elijah enters the scene and speaks to Ahab, “As the …
Continue reading “Elijah, the Widow and the Test on Mount Carmel”
and Southern Kingdom Abijah succeeds Rehoboam. Bad becomes worse! “He committed all the sins his father had done before him” (). The civil war that started with Rehoboam and Jeroboam continued throughout Abijah’s reign. Asa follows Abijah. “Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…Although he did not remove the high places, …
The beginning of chapter 9 includes words from the Lord when He appeared to Solomon a second time. I haven’t kept track, but it is rare that we read, “the Lord appeared…” to anyone. The Lord speaks to prophets through visions, but rarely do we read about direct interaction. The Lord said to him, “I …
and Chapter 8 contains three sections: 1) the Ark is brought into the temple, 2) Solomon’s prayer and 3) the initial sacrifices and celebration. 1. The Ark Brought to the Temple Solomon certainly knew the history behind transporting the Ark, its proper transport and the problems that would arise if not handled well. The poles …
It’s difficult to appreciate how much time elapses in reading through the Old Testament. Chapter 6 begins by simply stating that Solomon’s construction project began in the fourth year of his reign as king. For three years he planned the construction effort. The foundation was laid in the fourth year and the temple completed in …