Misdirected Blame: 1 Kings 18:16-19

The period before misdirected blame
16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him. And Ahab went to meet Elijah. 1 Kings 18:16 (ESV)

The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1 (ESV)

The accusation of misdirected blame

17 When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” 1 Kings 18:17 (ESV); 1 Kings 18:10

22 And Aaron said, “Let not the anger of my lord burn hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil. Exodus 32:22 (ESV)

21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal.” 1 Samuel 15:21 (ESV)

2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. John 16:2 (ESV)

Jesus before Pilate:
2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” . . . 5 But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”
Luke 23:1-5 (ESV)

Take care before you make accusations:

15 “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established. Deuteronomy 19:15 (ESV)

20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 29:20 (ESV); Matthew 7:15; .1 Timothy 5:19.

The correction of misdirected blame
18 And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father’s house, because you have abandoned the commandments of the LORD and followed the Baals.
1 Kings 18:18 (ESV); Joshua 7:25; Psalm 33:17; 2 Samuel 24:17.

The solution to misdirected blame
19 Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” 1 Kings 18:19 (ESV)

8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 (ESV)

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Philippians 4:2-3 (ESV); Matthew 5:23-26

Obadiah: The Secular Servant of God: 1 Kings 18:1-16

The conditions in which we meet Obadiah
1 After many days the word of the LORD came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth.” 2 So Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. Now the famine was severe in Samaria.
1 Kings 18:1-2 (ESV)

The description of Obadiah
3 And Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly, 4 and when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water.) 1 Kings 18:3-4 (ESV); Romans 13:1

22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:22-24 (ESV)

29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29 (ESV)

The assignment given to Obadiah
5 And Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go through the land to all the springs of water and to all the valleys. Perhaps we may find grass and save the horses and mules alive, and not lose some of the animals . . . 7 And as Obadiah was on the way, behold, Elijah met him. And Obadiah recognized him and fell on his face and said, “Is it you, my lord Elijah?” 8 And he answered him, “It is I. Go, tell your lord, ‘Behold, Elijah is here.’” 1 Kings 18:5-8 (ESV)

The fear experienced by Obadiah
9 And he said, “How have I sinned, that you would give your servant into the hand of Ahab, to kill me? 10 As the LORD your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom where my lord has not sent to seek you. And when they would say, ‘He is not here,’ he would take an oath of the kingdom or nation, that they had not found you. 11 And now you say, ‘Go, tell your lord, “Behold, Elijah is here.”’ 12 And as soon as I have gone from you, the Spirit of the LORD will carry you I know not where. And so, when I come and tell Ahab and he cannot find you, he will kill me, although I your servant have feared the LORD from my youth. 13 Has it not been told my lord what I did when Jezebel killed the prophets of the LORD, how I hid a hundred men of the LORD’s prophets by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water? 14 And now you say, ‘Go, tell your lord, “Behold, Elijah is here”’; and he will kill me.” 1 Kings 18:9-14 (ESV)

The obedience exhibited by Obadiah,
15 And Elijah said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today.” 16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him. And Ahab went to meet Elijah.
1 Kings 18:15-16 (ESV); Matthew 21:28-31; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe. Proverbs 29:25 (ESV)

28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 (ESV)

Faith in the Face of Death: 1 Kings 17:17-24

14 For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’” 1 Kings 17:14 (ESV)

The reality that we all must face in death
17 After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill. And his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. 1 Kings 17:17 (ESV)

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
Psalm 34:19 (ESV)

The emotion that we all must face in death
18 And she said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!” 1 Kings 17:18 (ESV)

The prayer that we must exhibit in death
19 And he said to her, “Give me your son.” And he took him from her arms and carried him up into the upper chamber where he lodged, and laid him on his own bed. 20 And he cried to the LORD, “O LORD my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by killing her son?” 1 Kings 17:19-20 (ESV)

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

The faith that we must exhibit over death
21 Then he stretched himself upon the child three times and cried to the LORD, “O LORD my God, let this child’s life come into him again.” 1 Kings 17:21 (ESV); Genesis 17:19-21

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. Hebrews 11:17-19 (ESV)

The foreshadow of victory by the One who has power over death
22 And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. 23 And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper chamber into the house and delivered him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives.” 24 And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth.” 1 Kings 17:22-24 (ESV)

71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. Psalm 119:71 (ESV)

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, John 11:25 (ESV)

The living God, provider of life:
1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”
1 Kings 17:1 (ESV)

12 And she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.” 1 Kings 17:12 (ESV)

The God of Promise: The Widow of Zarephath

1 Kings 17:7-16

1. The circumstances that may cause us to question God’s promise
7 And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. 1 Kings 17:7 (ESV)

2. The exceptional manner in which God fulfills His promise (8-9)
8 Then the word of the LORD came to him, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” 1 Kings 17:8-9 (ESV)

5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. Psalm 68:5 (ESV)

24 And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. 25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, 26 and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. Luke 4:24-26 (ESV)

27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong . . . 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV)

3. The obedient request that exhibits faith in God’s promise (10-13)
10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12 And she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.”
13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. 1 Kings 17:10-13 (ESV)

4. The confident assertion in God’s promise (14)
14 For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’” 1 Kings 17:14 (ESV)

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 . . . — 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8 (ESV)

5. The faith and reward for those who trust in God’s promise (15-16)
15 And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah. 1 Kings 17:15-16 (ESV)

9 Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! Psalm 34:9 (ESV)

40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. Matthew 10:40-41 (ESV)

Elijah: A Man with a Nature Like Ours

1 Kings 16:29-17:6

17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
James 5:17-18 (ESV)

The Context:
29 In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years. 30 And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. 31 And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took for his wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him. 32 He erected an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he built in Samaria. 33 And Ahab made an Asherah. Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. 34 In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho. He laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun. 1 Kings 16:29-34 (ESV)

26 Joshua laid an oath on them at that time, saying, “Cursed before the LORD be the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho. “At the cost of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest son shall he set up its gates.” Joshua 6:26 (ESV)

24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Matthew 6:24 (ESV)

Elijah Prayed
1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”
1 Kings 17:1 (ESV)

16 Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them; 17 then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you, and he will shut up the heavens, so that there will be no rain, and the land will yield no fruit, and you will perish quickly off the good land that the LORD is giving you. Deuteronomy 11:16-17 (ESV)

Elijah Obeyed
2 And the word of the LORD came to him: 3 “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. 4 You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he went and did according to the word of the LORD. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. 1 Kings 17:2-5 (ESV)

Elijah Stayed

6 And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 7 And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. 1 Kings 17:6-7 (ESV)

15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. Acts 14:15 (ESV)

Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad Kings: 1 Kings 15:25-16:34

6 evil kings: (Names given by Tony Merida)

Nadab: “Like His Bad Dad” [1 Kings 15:25-32]

10 therefore behold, I will bring harm upon the house of Jeroboam and will cut off from Jeroboam every male, both bond and free in Israel, and will burn up the house of Jeroboam, as a man burns up dung until it is all gone. 1 Kings 14:10 (ESV) (v. 29)

Baasha: “The Basher” [1 Kings 15:33-16:7]

4 You are beautiful as Tirzah, my love, lovely as Jerusalem, awesome as an army with banners.
Song of Songs 6:4 (ESV)

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. Acts 2:22-23 (ESV)

Elah: “The (Drunken) Frat Boy” [1 Kings 16:8-14]

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery… Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, 5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. Proverbs 31:4-5 (ESV)

Zimri: “The Weeklong Warrior” [1 Kings 16:15-20]

Omri: “The Seashell Collector” [1 Kings 16:21-28]

26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Matthew 16:26 (ESV)

Ahab: “The Atrocious King” [1 Kings 16:29-34]

4 takeaways:

The reliability of God’s Word:

14 “And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed. Joshua 23:14 (ESV)

The folly of rebelling against God’s Word:

The folly of living by men’s power instead of God’s promises.

See the Faithfulness of God

4 Nevertheless, for David’s sake the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem, setting up his son after him, and establishing Jerusalem, 1 Kings 15:4 (ESV)

13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV)

Reversing Course (1 Kings 15:9-24)

5 He also took out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the incense altars. And the kingdom had rest under him. 2 Chronicles 14:5 (ESV)

Asa is proof that we can overcome the ungodly influences of our parental figures, break the so-called generational curse, and choose to serve God.

Asa’s Failure
1 Kings 15:16-24 (ESV)

11 And Asa cried to the LORD his God, “O LORD, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, you are our God; let not man prevail against you.” 12 So the LORD defeated the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled. 13 Asa and the people who were with him pursued them as far as Gerar, and the Ethiopians fell until none remained alive, for they were broken before the LORD and his army. The men of Judah carried away very much spoil. 14 And they attacked all the cities around Gerar, for the fear of the LORD was upon them. They plundered all the cities, for there was much plunder in them. 15 And they struck down the tents of those who had livestock and carried away sheep in abundance and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 14:11-15 (ESV)

12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet, and his disease became severe. Yet even in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but sought help from physicians. 2 Chronicles 16:12 (ESV)

7 At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, “Because you relied on the king of Syria, and did not rely on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped you. 8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Libyans a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the LORD, he gave them into your hand. 9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”
2 Chronicles 16:7-9 (ESV)

Like Asa and Peter, when we take our eyes off the Lord and fail to trust in Him by putting our trust in worldly wisdom, we will sink
25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:25-33 (ESV)

We must love the Word of God.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV)

Rehoboam's Ruin: 1 Kings 14:21-15:8

1. Rehoboam’s Idolatrous reign: 1 Kings 14:21-24
1 When the rule of Rehoboam was established and he was strong, he abandoned the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him. 2 Chronicles 12:1 (ESV

The influence of mothers and wives on their husbands and children is great.

8 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, Proverbs 1:8 (ESV)

5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 2 Timothy 1:5 (ESV); 2 Timothy 3:15

24 For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. Deuteronomy 4:23-24 (ESV)

22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? 1 Corinthians 10:21-22 (ESV)

2. Rehoboam’s Blind Eye: 1 Kings 14:25-28; 29-31

God can use whatever means He wants to discipline his Children

5 Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and to the princes of Judah, who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said to them, “Thus says the LORD, ‘You abandoned me, so I have abandoned you to the hand of Shishak.’” 6 Then the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The LORD is righteous.” 2 Chronicles 12:2-6 (ESV)

14 And he did evil, for he did not set his heart to seek the LORD. 2 Chronicles 12:14 (ESV)

The kind of repentance our Lord desires is lasting and transformative repentance.

10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV)

3. Rehoboam’s Sinful Progeny: 1 Kings 15:1-8

1 In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam, Abijah began to reign over Judah. 2 Chronicles 13:1 (ESV)

Children do not have to follow in the footsteps of their fathers, but they often do.

8 . . . for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, Deuteronomy 5:8-9 (ESV)

10 But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him. We have priests ministering to the LORD who are sons of Aaron, and Levites for their service.

11 They offer to the LORD every morning and every evening burnt offerings and incense of sweet spices, set out the showbread on the table of pure gold, and care for the golden lampstand that its lamps may burn every evening. For we keep the charge of the LORD our God, but you have forsaken him. 2 Chronicles 13:10-11 (ESV)

18 Thus the men of Israel were subdued at that time, and the men of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers. 2 Chronicles 13:18 (ESV)

Jeroboam’s Judgement: 1 Kings 13:33-14:20

Jeroboam’s indifference towards God’s Word: 1 Kings 13:33-34

38 And if you will listen to all that I command you, and will walk in my ways, and do what is right in my eyes by keeping my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did, I will be with you and will build you a sure house, as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you.
1 Kings 11:38 (ESV)

Jeroboam’s interest in God’s Word: 1 Kings 14:1-3

Jeroboam’s inquiry of God’s Word: 1 Kings 14:4-6

Jeroboam’s infliction from God’s Word

Destruction of Jeroboam’s dynasty: 1 Kings 14:6-14

Death of Jeroboam’s son: 1 Kings 14:12-13; 17-18

Downfall of Jeroboam’s nation: 1 Kings 14:15-16

Jeroboam’s impact according to God’s Word: 1 Kings 14:19-20

- A decision to reject reproof is a decision to harden one’s heart, but hardening one’s heart may place one beyond the sphere of repentance.

14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” Acts 4:14-17 (ESV)

15 As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” Hebrews 3:15 (ESV) [cited in Psalm 95:7)

- We cannot deceive God.

21 “For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps. Job 34:21 (ESV)

13 The LORD looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; 14 from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, 15 he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. Psalm 33:13-15 (ESV)

- We cannot compartmentalize God and His word in our life, rejecting his commandments while pursuing His compassion

26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. John 6:26 (ESV)

- The value of what we accomplish in this life is directly proportionate to our faithfulness to God’s Word.

13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (ESV)

A Parable of God's Word: 1 Kings 13

The Word of God from the Man of God to Jeroboam
15 Moreover, the altar at Bethel, the high place erected by Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, that altar with the high place he pulled down and burned, reducing it to dust. He also burned the Asherah. 16 And as Josiah turned, he saw the tombs there on the mount. And he sent and took the bones out of the tombs and burned them on the altar and defiled it, according to the word of the LORD that the man of God proclaimed, who had predicted these things.
2 Kings 23:15-16 (ESV)

The Word of God abandoned by the Man of God through the deception of the old prophet

The Word of God from the old prophet to the man of God

6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 2 Timothy 3:6 (ESV)

The Word of God from the man of God believed by the old prophet

-          It is God’s mercy that calls us to repent.

13 and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
Joel 2:13 (ESV)

-          God will never contradict his Word. Do not be deceived by others who claim they have revelation that supersedes God’s Word.

8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8 (ESV)

1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 (ESV)

5 Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? 6 But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers? So they repented and said, ‘As the LORD of hosts purposed to deal with us for our ways and deeds, so has he dealt with us.’” Zechariah 1:5-6 (ESV)

 -          There are people who speak truth, but it does not transform their life.

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV)

 The Word of God as a parable for Israel and Judah
19 Judah also did not keep the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the customs that Israel had introduced. 2 Kings 17:19 (ESV)

Home Grown Religion: 1 Kings 12:25-33

The perceived problem of Jeroboam
25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And he went out from there and built Penuel. 26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom will turn back to the house of David. 27 If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the LORD at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn again to their lord, to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” 1 Kings 12:25-27 (ESV)

 The prescribed plan of Jeroboam
28 So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, “You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” 29 And he set one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. 30 Then this thing became a sin, for the people went as far as Dan to be before one. 31 He also made temples on high places and appointed priests from among all the people, who were not of the Levites.
32 And Jeroboam appointed a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month like the feast that was in Judah, and he offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he made. And he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places that he had made. 33 He went up to the altar that he had made in Bethel on the fifteenth day in the eighth month, in the month that he had devised from his own heart. And he instituted a feast for the people of Israel and went up to the altar to make offerings. 1 Kings 12:28-33 (ESV)

 Take Aways

 -          Beware of a failure to love God above all else.

37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment.
Matthew 22:37-38 (ESV)

 -          Beware of a failure to trust God.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

 -          Beware of fearing men rather than God.

11 You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. Psalm 115:11 (ESV)

28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 (ESV)

 -          Beware of listening to your heart, for it will more often than not, lead you astray.

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)

 -          Beware of implementing religious decisions for convenience sake.

11 Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion. Jude 1:11 (ESV)

Folly and Foreknowledge: 1 Kings 12:1-24

1. The request: 1 Kings 12:1-5
2. The recommendation: 1 Kings 12:6-11
3. The resolution: 1 Kings 12:12-15
4. The response: 1 Kings 12:16-20
5. The revelation: 1 Kings 12:21-24

6        takeaways 

- We need to recognize wise, practical, and seasoned council over brash popular antics. Rehoboam was foolish for failing to listen to wise, practical, and seasoned council, and instead thinking that his intimidation would cower his opponents into submission.

14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14 (ESV)

 - We need to always honor God’s authority and plan rather than trying to help God and manipulate the situation. Jeroboam was promised the 10 tribes but rebelling against the house of David was in opposition to God’s general will; and therefore, not the way to go about it.

9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” 1 Samuel 26:9 (ESV)

 - We need to ask the Lord what His will is and then submit. There was not a prophet, priest, or divine prayer requested to discern what God would have either side to do. The event seems to describe how self-reliant these men were on their own wisdom.

14 So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the LORD. 15 And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.
Joshua 9:3-15 (ESV)

 - God is so sovereign, that He is not the author of evil, He does no evil, and He does not tempt to evil, but He still uses evil men and their decisions to bring about His holy and righteous purposes.

14 King Rehoboam spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to it. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” 15 So the king did not listen to the people, for it was a turn of affairs brought about by God that the LORD might fulfill his word, which he spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat. 2 Chronicles 10:14-15 (ESV)

 - God’s purpose will ultimately prevail, but will we honor God in our decisions and the manner His will is performed? (Jeroboam)

21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)

 We need to recognize that there is a time when it is God’s desire that we give up and cut our losses. To his credit, Rehoboam backed down when the Lord communicated through the prophet, Shemaiah.

Opposition and God's Purpose: 1 Kings 11:14-43

Hadad the Edomite: 1 Kings 11:14-22

Rezon the son of Eliada: 1 Kings 11:23-25

Jeroboam the Son of Nebat: 1 Kings 11:26-40

28 And Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you. 1 Samuel 15:28 (ESV)

3 takeaways: (Philip Graham Ryken)

-          God is sovereign over all nations, in all places, and at all times.

Lord’s message to Pharoah:
16 But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16 (ESV)

Vision given to Nebuchadnezzar:
17 . . . to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.’ Daniel 4:17 (ESV)

26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, Acts 17:26 (ESV)

 -          We will all ultimately be players in God’s perfect plan, whether we choose to follow His perfect will or not.

Promise:
38 And if you will listen to all that I command you, and will walk in my ways, and do what is right in my eyes by keeping my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did, I will be with you and will build you a sure house, as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you. 1 Kings 11:38 (ESV)

Example of Omri:
25 Omri did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and did more evil than all who were before him. 26 For he walked in all the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat . . . 1 Kings 16:25-26 (ESV)

2 “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2 (ESV)

-          The grace and compassion of God that is reflective of His glory will ultimately prevail.

One tribe would remain in David’s house:1 Kings 11:31-32

The execution of judgement would be delayed:
34 Nevertheless, I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand, but I will make him ruler all the days of his life, for the sake of David my servant . . . 1 Kings 11:34 (ESV)

God’s promise to David will never be revoked (lamp):
36 Yet to his son I will give one tribe, that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen to put my name. 1 Kings 11:36 (ESV);
Proverbs 20:20 (ESV)

39 And I will afflict the offspring of David because of this, but not forever.’” 1 Kings 11:39 (ESV)

Promise of discipline to David’s Son:
14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 2 Samuel 7:14-15 (ESV)

Jesus is the Light:
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (ESV)

God's Kingdom and the Nations: A Foreshadow of God's Love: 1 Kings 10

1. Solomon’s kingdom as perceived by the nations (1 Kings 10:14-29)

16 Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.’ Deuteronomy 17:16 (ESV) 

2. Solomon’s kingdom as perceived by Christ
42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. Matthew 12:42 (ESV)

3. Solomon’s kingdom as perceived by the Queen of Sheba
1 Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with hard questions. 2 She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. 3 And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. 4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, 5 the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the LORD, there was no more breath in her. 6 And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, 7 but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard. 8 Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the LORD loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.”
10 Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices and precious stones. Never again came such an abundance of spices as these that the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.1 Kings 10:1-10;  read 11-13 (ESV)

Who is the Queen of Sheba?
41 “Likewise, when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a far country for your name’s sake 42 (for they shall hear of your great name and your mighty hand, and of your outstretched arm), when he comes and prays toward this house, 1 Kings 8:41-42 (ESV)

What did the Queen of Sheba hear?
43 hear in heaven your dwelling place and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to you, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house that I have built is called by your name.
1 Kings 8:43 (ESV)

9 . . .  for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:9 (ESV)

Why did the Queen of Sheba come?

How did the Queen of Sheba come?
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts!.. 15 Long may he live; may gold of Sheba be given to him! May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all the day! Psalm 72:10-15 (ESV)

What did the Queen of Sheba find?
What did the Queen of Sheba say?
What did the Queen of Sheba give?
What did the Queen of Sheba receive?

Be Watchful: 1 Kings 9

1. A reflection of spiritual highs
As soon as Solomon had finished building the house of the Lord and the king’s house and all that Solomon desired to build, 2 the Lord appeared to Solomon a second time, as he had appeared to him at Gibeon. 3 And the Lord said to him, “I have heard your prayer and your plea, which you have made before me. I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. 4 And as for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and keeping my statutes and my rules, 5 then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ 1 Kings 9:1–5 (ESV)

58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord . . .  1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)

2. A reflection of spiritual warnings
6 But if you turn aside from following me, you or your children, and do not keep my commandments and my statutes that I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them, 7 then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and the house that I have consecrated for my name I will cast out of my sight, and Israel will become a proverb and a byword among all peoples. 8 And this house will become a heap of ruins. Everyone passing by it will be astonished and will hiss, and they will say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and to this house?’ 9 Then they will say, ‘Because they abandoned the Lord their God who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt and laid hold on other gods and worshiped them and served them. Therefore the Lord has brought all this disaster on them.’ ”
1 Kings 9:6–9 (ESV)

12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV)

(Hebrews 2:1)
(Hebrews 2:3)
(Hebrews 3:12)
(Hebrews 6:4–6)
(Hebrews 12:25)

3. A reflection of spiritual reality (Outline by John Woodhouse of 1 Kings 9:10-28)

     (1)     Prosperity and its cost (vv. 10–14)
     (2)     Security and its means (vv. 15–23)
     (3)     Egypt and its role (v. 24)
     (4)     The house and its completion (v. 25)
     (5)     The world and its opportunities (vv. 26–28)

The Dedication of the Temple: 1 Kings 8

27 “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! 28 Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day, 29 that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. 30 And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.  1 Kings 8:27-30 (ESV)

Celebration and sacrifice, vv. 1–13

Blessing Israel and Yahweh, vv. 14–21

Solomon’s prayer of dedication, vv. 22–53

Blessing Israel and Yahweh, vv. 54–61

Celebration and sacrifice, vv. 62–66

1. The Awesome Glory of God: a picture of clarity and concealment (1-21)
21 The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.
Exodus 20:21 (ESV)

2. The Forgiving Mercy from God: a picture of man’s depravity and need (22-53)

34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Romans 8:34 (ESV)

3. The Sacrifices for God: a picture of reconciliation and fellowship (54-66)

A Very Very Very Find House: 1 Kings 7

1. The significance of Solomon’s administrative buildings
Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished his entire house . . . 2 He built the House of the Forest of Lebanon  . . . 6 And he made the Hall of Pillars  . . . 7 And he made the Hall of the Throne where he was to pronounce judgment, even the Hall of Judgment  . . . 8 His own house where he was to dwell, in the other court back of the hall, was of like workmanship. Solomon also made a house like this hall for Pharaoh’s daughter whom he had taken in marriage.
1 Kings 7:1–8 (ESV)

2. The significance of the temple furnishings outside the temple

The significance of the gifted worker
13 And King Solomon sent and brought Hiram from Tyre. 14 He was the son of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in bronze. And he was full of wisdom, understanding, and skill for making any work in bronze. He came to King Solomon and did all his work. 1 Kings 7:13–14 (ESV)

The significance of the two front pillars
21 He set up the pillars at the vestibule of the temple. He set up the pillar on the south and called its name Jachin, and he set up the pillar on the north and called its name Boaz. 1 Kings 7:21 (ESV)

The significance of the sea of cast metal
23 Then he made the sea of cast metal . . .  It held two thousand baths. 1 Kings 7:23–26 (ESV)

The significance of the 10 bronze stands
27 He also made the ten stands of bronze.  . . .  39 And he set the stands, five on the south side of the house, and five on the north side of the house. And he set the sea at the southeast corner of the house. 1 Kings 7:27; 39 (ESV)

3. The significance of golden vessels inside the temple
48 So Solomon made all the vessels that were in the house of the Lord: the golden altar, the golden table for the bread of the Presence, 49 the lampstands of pure gold, five on the south side and five on the north, before the inner sanctuary; the flowers, the lamps, and the tongs, of gold; 50 the cups, snuffers, basins, dishes for incense, and fire pans, of pure gold; and the sockets of gold, for the doors of the innermost part of the house, the Most Holy Place, and for the doors of the nave of the temple. 1 Kings 7:48–50 (ESV)

Solomon applies David’s dedication
51 Thus all the work that King Solomon did on the house of the Lord was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, the silver, the gold, and the vessels, and stored them in the treasuries of the house of the Lord. 1 Kings 7:51 (ESV)

A Tour Inside the Temple: 1 Kings 6:14-38

(Outline predominantly from Philip Ryken)

1. The inner sections of the Temple are a reflection of God’s beauty: 1 Kings 6:14-22

6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Psalm 96:6 (ESV)

4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4 (ESV)

17 And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Psalm 90:17 (KJV)

2. The inner sections of the Temple evoke awe and a holy fear of God: 1 Kings 6:23-28

7 “Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!” 8 Arise, O LORD, and go to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. Psalm 132:7-8 (ESV)

16 “O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. Isaiah 37:16 (ESV)

1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth. Psalm 80:1 (ESV)

2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. Psalm 29:2 (ESV)

3. The inner sections of the Temple are a portal to the very presence of God: 1 Kings 6:29-36

9 And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:9 (ESV)

24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:24 (ESV)

A Permanent House (Part 1): 1 Kings 6:1-13

1. The faithfulness of God. God’s faithfulness and the fruition of a promise.
1 In the four hundred and eightieth year after the people of Israel came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, he began to build the house of the LORD. 1 Kings 6:1 (ESV)

14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! Psalm 27:14 (ESV)

31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

2. The presence of God. The outer dimensions remind us this is the place God would dwell.
2 The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high. 3 The vestibule in front of the nave of the house was twenty cubits long, equal to the width of the house, and ten cubits deep in front of the house. 4 And he made for the house windows with recessed frames. 5 He also built a structure against the wall of the house, running around the walls of the house, both the nave and the inner sanctuary. And he made side chambers all around. 6 The lowest story was five cubits broad, the middle one was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad. For around the outside of the house he made offsets on the wall in order that the supporting beams should not be inserted into the walls of the house . . . 8 The entrance for the lowest story was on the south side of the house, and one went up by stairs to the middle story, and from the middle story to the third. 9 So he built the house and finished it, and he made the ceiling of the house of beams and planks of cedar. 10 He built the structure against the whole house, five cubits high, and it was joined to the house with timbers of cedar.
1 Kings 6:2-10 (ESV)

17 You will bring them in and plant them on your own mountain, the place, O LORD, which you have made for your abode, the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands have established. Exodus 15:17 (ESV)

2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? John 14:2 (ESV)

3. The reverence for God. The lack of noise on the site where the house was located reminds us of the dignity and order God requires.
7 When the house was built, it was with stone prepared at the quarry, so that neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron was heard in the house while it was being built.
1 Kings 6:7 (ESV)

27 Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house. Proverbs 24:27 (ESV)

17 You will bring them in and plant them on your own mountain, the place, O LORD, which you have made for your abode, the sanctuary, O Lord, which your hands have established. Exodus 15:17 (ESV)

4. Devotion to God. The heart is more important that the house itself.
11 Now the word of the LORD came to Solomon, 12 “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father. 13 And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel.” 1 Kings 6:11-13 (ESV)

Preparing to Build the Temple

1. The preparations focus on God’s faithfulness/promise
1 Kings 5:1-6

12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name . . .
2 Samuel 7:12-13 (ESV)

8 But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and have waged great wars. You shall not build a house to my name, because you have shed so much blood before me on the earth. 1 Chronicles 22:8 (ESV)

29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days . . . 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:29-31 (ESV)

2 David . . . set stonecutters to prepare dressed stones for building the house of God. 3 David also provided great quantities of iron for nails for the doors of the gates and for clamps, as well as bronze in quantities beyond weighing, 4 and cedar timbers without number, for the Sidonians and Tyrians brought great quantities of cedar to David. 5 . . . I will therefore make preparation for it.” So David provided materials in great quantity before his death. 1 Chronicles 22:2-5 (ESV)

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)

2. The preparations anticipation for the nations
1 Kings 5:7-11

34 And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom. 1 Kings 4:34 (ESV)

23 By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word Isaiah 45:23 (ESV) that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.’

7 these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” Isaiah 56:7 (ESV)

16 The trees of the LORD are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
Psalm 104:16 (ESV)

29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings shall bear gifts to you. Psalm 68:29 (ESV)

10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! 11 May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him! Psalm 72:10-11 (ESV)

3. The preparations expression of Solomon’s wisdom
1 Kings 5:12-18

10 . . . but wisdom helps one to succeed. Ecclesiastes 10:10 (ESV)

31 . . . behold, something greater than Solomon is here. Luke 11:31 (ESV)