Community on Columbia

This strange story illustrates the saying of Samuel to King Saul, that “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22-31). It can serve as a warning to us all.  1 Corinthians 10:12 – “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”

Notes on 1 Kings 13:1-34

Solomon’s son Rehoboam listens to bad counsel from his young advisors. Jeroboam returns and persuades the 10 northern tribes to rebel against Rehoboam, as God had told him through the prophet Ahijah.  Jeroboam sets up two golden calf idols at Bethel and Dan. The fruit of Solomon’s slide away from wisdom to idolatry results in a long-lasting national disaster for the nation of Israel.

Notes on 1 Kings 12:1-33

King Solomon’s fall from being a wise and righteous ruler to a deluded, foolish, idolatrous doormat to his many wives’ demands is both puzzling and tragic. His sin caused God to later rip away 10 tribes from his son Rehoboam and split the kingdom in two. It’s unclear whether Solomon changed his ways in his old age, but hints in scripture including the Book of Ecclesiastes point to his eventual repentance.

Notes on 1 Kings 11:1-43

The Queen of Sheba is intrigued by stories of the wisdom and riches of King Solomon, and travels from Yemen to his court. She tests him with riddles, and according to tradition converts to worship the true God. Christian commentators have seen her as a type of the Gentile believers who come “from the uttermost parts of the earth” to join with Israel.

Notes for 1 Kings 10:1-29

God replies to Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple with a warning of the dire consequences of falling away from obedience and going after idols.

Notes on 1 Kings 9:1-28