Community on Columbia

In a dream, God asks Solomon what he desires. Solomon asks for wisdom to judge the people. God promises to grant him that as well as riches and power that he did not ask for. Solomon’s wisdom is illustrated by his judgment between the two harlots, where he decrees, “Cut the baby in half.”

Notes on 1 Kings 3:1-28

David does everything that is needed in preparation for construction of the Temple by Solomon. This reflects Jesus’ work on the cross preparing salvation for his church, which is also His temple, His body and His bride.

Notes for 1 Chronicles 29 & 1 Kings 2:1-1

All Israel’s leaders gather to hear a speech by King David, who announces that his youngest son Solomon will succeed him and build the Temple. He hands over the “pattern” of the Temple to his son, and extends God’s covenant with David’s lineage to Solomon, which will ultimately be fulfilled in the Messiah.

Notes on 1 Chronicles 28:1-21

Taking advantage of King David’s age and feebleness, his oldest remaining son Adonijah makes an attempt to usurp the throne. But Bathsheba and Nathan intervene to allow Solomon to be anointed king first. Adonijah’s rebellion sheds light on our own rebellion against God.

Notes on 1 Kings 1:1-53

When King David takes a head count of the people without also collecting the half-shekel atonement offering, God sends a plague. David repents and the death angel sheaths his sword at the location of the future Temple at the threshing floor of Araunah on Mount Moriah. Then David’s “mighty men” are listed. Their characteristics might correspond to different aspects of believers’ spiritual warfare.

Notes on 2 Samuel 24:1-25

David’s humble psalm of thanksgiving contains a prophecy of the Messiah’s kingdom and victory over the “sons of Belial.” It is followed by a listing of his “mighty men” – who represent the tools and means for spiritually overcoming the enemy.

Notes on 2 Samuel 23:1-39