1 Samuel 8 – 2 Kings 25. 1) The Desire for a King 2) Israel’s First King – Saul 3) Israel’s Second King – David 4) Israel’s Third King – Solomon

PROMINENT KINGS OF ISRAEL

1 Samuel 8 – 2 Kings 25

Class Outline 1) The Desire for a King 2) Israel’s First King – Saul 3) Israel’s Second King – David 4) Israel’s Third King – Solomon 5) Israel’s Divided Kingdom 6) The First Kings of the Divided Kingdom

– Jeroboam and Rehoboam. 7) Lesser-Known Kings of Israel and Judah 8) The Last of the Kings.

Three Kings

Saul – reigned 40 years

David – reigned 40 years

Solomon – reigned 40 years.

The Kings of Israel (all wicked)

Jeroboam I, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri, Ahab, Ahaziah, Jehoram (Joram), Jehu, Jehoahaz, Jehoash (Joash), Jeroboam II, Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, Pekah, Hoshea

The Kings of Judah (8 were good)

Rehoboam, Abijam, Asa (Good), Jehoshaphat (Good), Jehoram, Ahaziah, Athaliah, Joash (Good), Amaziah (Good), Azariah (Uzziah) (Good), Jotham (Good),Ahaz, Hezekiah (Good), Manasseh, Amon, Josiah (Good), Jehoahaz, Jehoiachim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah

Leaders before the Kings The Patriarchs – Abraham, Issac, and

Jacob Abraham had 318 trained men that were at his

disposal (Genesis 14:14).

Moses and Joshua – led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.

Judges – There were six major judges: Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson.

Read Judges 2:10-18

Samuel Samuel’s mother (Hannah) dedicated her

son to the Lord. 27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD has

granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” And he worshiped the LORD there.

Samuel learned and trained under Eli the priest. 11 Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but

the boy ministered before the LORD under Eli the priest.

Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10

Samuel Samuel had different offices:

Prophet – 19 The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the LORD (3:19,20).

Priest – 9 Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it up as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on Israel’s behalf, and the LORD answered him (7:9).

Judge – 15 Samuel continued as judge over Israel all the days of his life. 16 From year to year he went on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all those places (7:15,16).

1 & 2 Samuel These two books were originally one

book. The author is unknown. Samuel’s name is given for the books

because he was the dominating figure of the early chapters.

The two books provide information from the Judges to the last years of David’s reign.

The date of the writing is unknown, but evidence points that the books of Samuel were written and compiled after the division of the kingdom (1 Samuel 27:6). So often 900 BC is the earliest date for the books.

Israel Wants a King


Question 1

It must have been sad for Samuel to watch the behavior of his sons (8:3). Why?

Question 2

What reasons do the elders give for wanting a King? Why would Samuel be dismayed with their request?

Desire for a King

The people wanted be like other nations (8:5). They wanted a king to rule them (8:19). They wanted a king to lead them in battle

(8:20). God predicted this would happen:

“14 When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, “Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,” 15 be sure to appoint over you the king the LORD your God chooses (Deuteronomy 17: 14,15a).

Wrong Desire

Samuel was feeling rejected; but really Israel was rejecting God (8:7,8).

Samuel basically repeated this at the anointing of Saul.


1 Samuel 8:7,8 Israel was not sinning in their request for

a king.

But the sin was the type of king they envisioned and their reason for a king.

Question 3

What were some of the problems that would come with having a king? (8: 11-19)

Question 4: Why does Samuel mention the negative details of having a king?

Question 5

The Lord has given our country a wonderful democratic government. But even in our country there are times when people have the same yearning the Israelites had when they asked for a king. When might this happen?

Question 6

Evaluate: In the people of Israel we see an illustration of the expression, “Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it.”

Isaiah 55:8,9

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “As the heavens are higher than

the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.


ISRAEL’S FIRST KING – SAUL(1 SAMUEL 9; 10:17-27; 14:26-47; 15; 18; 31).

http://www.workersforjesus.com/1samuel10-12.htm

Class Outline Week One –The Desire for a King Week Two –Israel’s First King – Saul Week Three –Israel’s Second King – David Week Four – Israel’s Third King – Solomon Week Five – Israel’s Divided Kingdom Week Six –The First Kings of the Divided

Kingdom – Jeroboam and Rehoboam. Week Seven – Lesser-Known Kings of

Israel and Judah Week Eight – The Last of the Kings.

Last Week (1 Samuel 8:1-22)

We saw that Israel desired a king. Wanted to be like other nations. Wanted a King to rule over them, to lead them

in battle.. Ultimately their desire for a king was sin

against God. God’s prophets, Samuel, warns the

people about the negative aspects associated with kings.

Israel still wants a king and God allows it to be so.

Samuel Samuel served God and his people in different

offices: Prophet – 19 The LORD was with Samuel as he grew

up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the LORD (3:19,20).

Priest – 9 Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it up as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on Israel’s behalf, and the LORD answered him (7:9).

Judge – 15 Samuel continued as judge over Israel all the days of his life. 16 From year to year he went on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all those places (7:15,16).


Question 1 How did the Lord miraculously bring Saul

and Samuel together? How does God still use the circumstances of our lives to carry out his gracious purposes?

Question 2

What are some positive characteristics Saul displays in this section?

1 Samuel 9:21

Saul answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?”

Saul expresses his humility. The tribe of Benjamin was the smallest in Israel. It had almost been wiped out. ( Judges 20)


Private Ceremony Samuel anoints Saul as king by pouring

oil over his head Oil symbolized the person being anointed was

being endowed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

We’ll see the same anointing with oil with King David.

Samuel assures Saul this action of anointing him as king was the Lord’s doing; “Has not the LORD anointed you leader over his inheritance?” (10: 1)

Question 3

What three signs did the Lord give Saul to confirm his position as king? (10:1-7) What was God’s reason for providing these signs for King Saul?

Question 4

Agree or disagree: The Holy Spirit has come upon us and has made us different people.

1 Samuel 10:11 When all those who had formerly known him

saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other, “What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

This expression became a well-known proverb for anyone acting out of character. Saul was not a prophet, but miraculously he joined the prophets and began prophesying.

In the Bible, prophecy did not necessarily mean foretelling the future, although it might include that element. It simply meant proclaiming God’ Word under the power of the Holy Spirit.


Saul Made King Samuel delivers a message from the Lord

The Lord considered the Israelites’ request for a king to be a rejection of his grace and goodness.

The Lord reminded them of his deliverance from all their enemies.

God chose Israel’s first king through his servant Samuel.

Regulations of the kingship

In verse 25 Samuel explained the regulations for kings of Israel (10:25).

These rules must have reflected Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 17:14-20: The king was to be of God’s choosing. He had to be an Israelite. He was not have many wives. He was not to seek abundant riches. He was to read and live by the laws of God. He was not to consider himself over his fellow

Israelites.

Question 5

How might our rulers take to heart God’s instructions for the kings of Israel?


Question 6

Saul showed a lack of common sense. What did he command the soldiers not to do? What problems came a result of Saul’s insistence that men could not eat?

Saul’s lack of leadership and spirituality

Saul displayed spiritual ineptitude in explaining God’s silence (14:37): “someone must have sinned.” Saul wanted to find a scapegoat.

Saul made the oath; “Come here, all you who are leaders of the army, and let us find out what sin has been committed today. 39 As surely as the LORD who rescues Israel lives, even if it lies with my son Jonathan, he must die.” But not one of the men said a word.

Question 7

Saul had problems with swearing and making foolish oaths. What is dangerous about swearing in uncertain conditions?

There is certain foolishness for making oaths in uncertain matters. No wonder Jesus warned: “Do not swear at all…let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no,’ ‘no’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matt 5:34,37).






Last Week’s Class Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of

Israel. The first anointing was a private ceremony

with just Samuel. Second anointing Saul was hiding in the

baggage. Saul shows a lack of common sense and

leadership. Soldiers can’t eat food for a certain number of

days. Saul had problems making foolish oaths.

Worst of all, Saul showed little spiritual leadership.

1 Samuel 15 Samuel said to Saul, “I am the one the LORD

sent to anoint you king over his people Israel; so listen now to the message from the LORD. 2 This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt. 3 Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroya everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.’ (15:1-3)

1 Samuel 15 He took Agag king of the Amalekites

alive, and all his people he totally destroyed with the sword. 9 But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak they totally destroyed. (15:8,9)

1 Samuel 15 Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel: 11

“I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” (15:10,11)

17 Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel. 18 And he sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and completely destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; make war on them until you have wiped them out.’ 19 Why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the LORD? (15:17-19)

Question 1

Saul thought he had obeyed the Lord in this situation; “But I did obey the Lord,” Saul said. (15:20a) Look up Romans 12: 3 and see why Saul, and Christians in general, need to be reminded of Paul’s words.

1 Samuel 15:35

35 Until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel mourned for him. And the LORD was grieved that he had made Saul king over Israel.”

The word “grieved” is a human attribute given to God to help humans better understand God. A better understanding of “grieved” could be; “God was displeased with Saul.”

Read 1 Samuel 18:6-11, 28, 29; 19:1,2

Question 2

What made Saul angry with David? In what ways did Saul try to solve his problem?

Saul’s troubles and problems continued in his life.

He would continue to pursue David in attempt to kill him. (1 Samuel 19, 21, 23)

Saul consulted a witch (Witch of Endor) when he felt the threat of the massive Philistine army. (1 Samuel 28)

Saul take his own life.


Summary of Saul: Called by God to be Israel’s first king.

Saul disobeyed God throughout his reign.

The end of his life spiraled in sin, where he attempted various murder attempts on young David. Saul even visits a witch for guidance near the end of his life (1 Samuel 28).

Sadly, Saul showed his lack of trust in God by taking his own life.




http://bsmyth3.wordpress.com/tag/david/

David The name David means “beloved” He was handsome. He was a shepherd. He was a skilled musician and poet

(David wrote over 70 Psalms). We find out that David was a valiant

fighter in war. Also reported that he killed a lion and a bear while shepherding his sheep.

He was brave (David and Goliath).

David

David’s external qualities were a minor part of his qualifications.

David’s heart and attitude was a man after the Lord’s own heart.

David’s Psalms During the lonely years of shepherding,

David had developed a heart for God. He learned to see God as his Shepherd (Ps. 23), sensing in his own care of his sheep aspects of God’s care for His people. Living in the open, David also sensed God’s greatness through His creation. Later David wrote: The heavens declare the glory of God; the

skies proclaim the work of His hands. (Psalm 19:1)

David’s Psalms

This same theme is often echoed in David’s psalms. For instance, in Psalm 29 David calls on men to credit glory to God for all that He reveals of Himself in nature. The voice of the Lord is over the

waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. (Psalm 29:3–4)

Read 1 Samuel 16:1,2, 10-13

16:1,2 Samuel mourns for Saul.

Samuel shows a lack of enthusiasm for anointing Saul’s successor.

He still mourned for Saul, and feared disappointment.

He also feared Saul’s anger and jealousy (16:2). God reassures Samuel that he has chosen

another king. Samuel was not told exactly which of Jesse’s

sons to anoint. Samuel doesn’t inform David or his family what

work he was being appointed for, unlike what he did with Saul (10:1).

1 Samuel 16:13

13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power.

David would grow in faith and love toward God. God the Holy Spirit came upon him in power to give him the gifts for the special work to which God had called him.

Question 3

Consider Samuel’s words in verse 7; “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” What applications do these words have in regard to choosing spouses, friends, or in regard to selecting church leaders and officers?


Question 4

How did the Lord get David associated with the royal palace? What do we begin to learn about David’s attitude toward Saul? (16: 21-23)

~ We see that God was most definitely involved in David’s grooming as king. God even blessed David with a servant’s heart.

David’s Songs

More than likely David sang Saul some of the songs of faith we have in the book of Psalms.

Music and words of faith go well together.

Martin Luther called music; “one of the most glorious gifts of God. Next to theology, I give music the highest and most honorable place.”

Psalm 4:1,8

Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.


1 Samuel 8 – 2 Kings 25(1 Chronicles 18-20; 2 Chronicles 1-

2, 8-9)

Opening Prayer

David – “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100)




Last Week We saw that Israel’s first king, Saul,

continued to grow farther away from God. Disobeyed God Failed to recognize his mistakes and errors

(confess his sins). Attempted to murder David numerous times. Took his own life.

Introduced to Israel’s second king – David He had many fine inward and outward qualities,

but he still didn’t have the “look” of a king. David was a poet, and he possibly penned many

of his Psalms during his younger years as a shepherd.

God brought David into the palace life through the skill of his harp.

Changed Life Think about the drastic change David went

through in life – from working as a shepherd to working in the royal palace.

Life in the palace doesn’t seem to have changed David. He was not proud of himself; he rather stayed grounded and humble:

4 David was the youngest. The three oldest followed Saul, 15 but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem (17:15).

1 Samuel 18:6-96 “When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with tambourines and lutes. 7 As they danced, they sang:

“Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”

8 Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” 9 And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.”


Question 1

David’s men urged David to take advantage of the occasion and kill Saul. What did David do? How can you tell that the Lord was working in all of the steps David and Saul took?

Romans 12:18-20

David had his chance to kill Saul but refused. He knew and trusted God was in charge and would take care of Saul for his disobedience.

18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord.

David’s Personality 5 Afterward, David was conscience-

stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD. (24:5,6)

David is not like many people today in trying to justify their actions. Even when his “wrong” was minor compared with Saul’s, David’s conscience didn’t see it that way.

Question 2

What can we learn from David’s repentance for cutting off a portion of the robe of “the Lord’s anointed”?

Read 2 Samuel 5:1-5

http://biblewalks.com/Photos30/DavidHarp8.jpg

David as KingRepresentatives of each tribe, including elders and soldiers, came together as one a unit to recognized David as king.

38 All these were fighting men who volunteered to serve in the ranks. They came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. All the rest of the Israelites were also of one mind to make David king. 39 The men spent three days there with David, eating and drinking, for their families had supplied provisions for them. 40 Also, their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules and oxen. There were plentiful supplies of flour, fig cakes, raisin cakes, wine, oil, cattle and sheep, for there was joy in Israel. (1 Chronicles 12:38-40).

Question 3

Why did the tribes of Israel want David to be their king? (2 Samuel 5:2,3)

5 “Whatever Saul sent him to do, David did it so successfully that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the people, and Saul’s officers as well. 13 So he sent David away from him and gave him command over a thousand men, and David led the troops in their campaigns. 14 In everything he did he had great success, because the LORD was with him.” (1 Samuel 18:5, 13,14)

David as King David’s accomplishments as king:

David unified Israel like never before. Expanded Israel’s boundaries from six

thousand to sixty thousand square miles. He opened trades routes with other nations. He improved the military of Israel, making

them an impressive power force. Above all: David upheld the worship of the

true God of Israel.

Kings David’s Accomplishments

He captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites and made the city Israel’s permanent residence (2 Samuel 5:6-14)

Shortly afterward, David brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem as a way to acknowledge the Lord’s rule over the nation of Israel (1 Chronicles 13; 2 Samuel 6)

Israel prospered under David, extending its land borders (2 Samuel 8).


Question 4

Why do you think the Philistines attacked the Israelites after learning that David was made king of the entire nation? What did David do each time before he went into battle?

God’s Promise to David

In 2 Samuel 7, David begins the chapter by desiring to build God a beautiful house or temple. God had other ideas though, and revealed a message to David through Nathan the prophet.

Read 2 Samuel 7: 5-16

Question 5 David wanted to build a house for God; yet

what point does God make in verse 5-7? What did God promise to do for David instead? (2 Samuel 7:10,11,13,16)

34 “I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. 35 Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness— and I will not lie to David— 36 that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun; 37 it will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky.” (Psalm 89:34-37)

The Darker Side of David’s Reign

David may have been a king after God’s own heart, but he still had sin residing in that heart.

Chapters 10-20 focus more on the negative side of David’s reign. The adultery of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). The murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:15). Lack of discipline for his sons’ disobedience (2

Samuel 13; 14; 19. David struggles with his son Absalom as he

protects his kingship.

2 Samuel Chapter 11 2 Samuel 11 – David and Bathsheba

David lusted over Bathsheba has he viewed her bathing from the palace roof.

David slept with Bathsheba and she became pregnant.

David attempts to take matters into his own hands. Invites Uriah home away from the war, hoping he

would go home to his wife. David even tries getting Uriah drunk to get him

to go home to Bathsheba, but Uriah refuses. David commands that Uriah be put on the front

lines where “the fighting is the fiercest “ hoping/knowing Uriah would die.

David then took Bathsheba as his wife.

2 Samuel 11:27

“After the time of mourning was over, David has her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done had displeased the Lord. “

So David went on with his life for nine months without repenting of his great sins! (Something to keep in mind before we read Nathan’s rebuke of David)

Question 6

Analyze the event of chapter 11. The details are straight forward. What commandments did David break?






Last Week We shifted from looking at David as a

young man, to David as king. He had accomplished much as king.

Increased Israel’s land. Strengthened Israel’s military. Upheld the worship of God.

David was by no means perfect. The adultery of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). The murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:15). Lack of discipline for his sons’ disobedience (2

Samuel 13; 14; 19). David struggles with his sons revolting against

him (2 Samuel 14:33; 1 Kings 1:6).


2 Samuel 12 Verse 8; “I gave…your master’s wives

into your arms.” Meaning: God gave David Saul’s

“throne.” God didn’t give Saul’s wives to David in marriage.

Verse 10; “The sword will never depart from your house.”

Meaning: David would experience conflict for the rest of his life, as the rest of Scripture reveals.

2 Samuel 12

Notice how God’s prophet Nathan attempts to communicate David’s sinfulness and get him to repent – he tells a simple yet powerful parable.

David almost misses out on Nathan’s point, until Nathan was quick to point out to David, “You are the man!” (12:7)

Question 1

Why was it important that the Lord sent his prophet to David? What can we learn from Nathan that will help us in our law and gospel proclamation? Can we learn anything from David?

Psalm 51:1-5 1 ”Have mercy on me, O God, according to

your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. “ ~ King David

Question 2

Did the death of the child born to Bathsheba mean that God’s forgiveness was not complete? Why or why not?

2 Samuel 12

Verse 23; “But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”

David expressed trust his child was in heaven.

David knew that he would see this child again.

Scan 2 Samuel 22 (Psalm 18)

Question 3

Looking at these verses, answer the following questions: What did David do when his enemies

confronted him? (verses 1-7) In verses 8-16, David uses some images to

portray God’s deliverance. Pick out some of them and comment on them.

In verses 17-27, David asked the Lord to deal with him according to his righteousness (21). What does that mean?

In verses 28 and following, David spoke of the source of his strength. What was that source?

The Last Years of David David continues to have struggles within his

own family. David’s son, Adonijah, falsely sets himself up as

king. Adonijah followed the way of his brother Absalom. He also went against what God had ordered:

“But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. 10 He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.” (1 Chronicles 22:9,10)

Read 1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12

Question 4

What kind of king did David want Solomon to be? According to David, who is a “real man”?

1 Kings 2:4

David alludes to the covenant promise of an everlasting dynasty given to him by God.

This promise was unconditional, but individual participation in its blessing on the part of David’s descendants was conditioned on obedience to God’s laws.

We will see that Solomon and his descendents fell short of their covenant obligations and will ultimately lead to the division of the kingdom of Israel.

Question 5

What words describe the death of David in verse 2? in verse 10? Explain these expressions.

David David had many good qualities and talents.

Feared God Obedient and gracious Skilled musician Talented poet Faithful son Valiant soldier Good ruler and leader

David had his share of bad qualities. Gave into sinful actions Had a number of wives Failed to raise his children in the Lord (possible

lack of discipline) In the end, we can say David was a

sinner/saint.






Introduced to King Solomon

Read 1 Kings 3:1-15

1 Kings 3 Solomon shows some good qualities by

asking God for wisdom. However, a few early signs point out Solomon’s lapse in the faith: Verse 1; Solomon made an alliance with

Pharaoh and married his daughter. Verse 3; Solomon will continually fail to live

according the Mosaic requirements (God’s laws). 5 But you are to seek the place the LORD

your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go. (Deuteronomy 12:5)

Question 1

In what ways did Solomon show his love for the Lord? Why did Solomon ask for a discerning heart? Why is it wise for everyone to do the same?

Question 2 The Lord tells us to seek first the kingdom

of God and his righteousness and know that everything else we need will be given to us. (See Matthew 6:33.) In what areas of our lives might we be seeking other things first? How can we set our priorities straight?

Solomon’s Wisdom 29 “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great

insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 30

Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 32 He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. 33 He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 34 Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.” (1 Kings 4)

Solomon’s Wisdom Solomon knew the human mind (‘A Wise

Ruling’ ch. 3) Solomon was also a biologist, scientist, a

poet, etc. His fame was beginning to spread to

other nations (1 Kings 10). He spoke three thousand proverbs!

(Some are preserved in the book of Proverbs).

Solomon wrote three books of the Bible, fittingly categorized as “wisdom literature” – Proverbs, Song of Songs, and Ecclesiastes

Solomon’s Temple(1 Kings 5)

The numbers given for the laborers involved in this project shows how great the project was (1 Kings 5:13-15): 10,000 workers in Lebanon. 20,000 workers at home. 70,000 transporters 80, 000 stonecutters

There were a total of 180,000 workers to complete a seven year building project.

Solomon Builds the Temple(1 Kings 6)

The dimensions of the Temple: The temple was 90 feet by 30 feet by 45 feet.

It was twice the size of the tabernacle in the wilderness (1 Kings 6:2).

The Most Holy Place (inner sanctuary) was 30 feet on all sides, a perfect cube. This serves as a symbol of the equality among the three persons of the triune God (1 Kings 6:16).

The Temple was generally small in size.

Solomon Builds the Temple The interior design of the temple.

Read 1 Kings 6:23-35.

Notable features: Two huge cherubim (15 feet high) Carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and flowers The amount of gold and fine cedar used in the

interior.

http://www.crystalinks.com/kingsofisrael.html

http://guildofbezalel.blogspot.com/2010/12/hcsbsb-solomons-temple-interior-view.html

http://emp.byui.edu/SATTERFIELDB/OT%20Jerusalem/Solomon%20Temple%20Inside%20View%20Whole.html

Question 3

What impression do you get of the interior design of the temple? What message do you think the design was intended to convey?

The Ark of the Covenant

Read 1 Kings 8:6-15

Inside of the Ark of the Covenant

Verse 8 – Nothing in the Ark except the stone tablets God gave Moses.

Hebrews 9:4 tells us that there was also a jar of manna and Aaron’s staff in the Ark.

More than likely, the writer of Hebrews is referring to an earlier time.

1 Kings 8:10-15

God is pleased with Solomon’s work and makes his presence known.

Solomon praises God for keeping his promise to his father David. (2 Samuel 7:5-16)

Question 4

Agree or disagree. Putting up expensive church buildings is a foolish waste of money.

Solomon’s Godly Priorities He was eager to do God’s work to the

best of his ability. He sought God’s help and guidance. He governed God’s people wisely. He desired to build an elaborate and

beautiful temple for God. Solomon not only had this desire, but he carried out his actions.

1 Kings 7:1,2 “It took Solomon thirteen years, however, to

complete the construction of his palace. 2 He built the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon a hundred cubits long, fifty wide and thirty high, with four rows of cedar columns supporting trimmed cedar beams.”

Notice the differences between Solomon’s house and God’s house (temple): It took Solomon 6 more years to complete his

palace. There was difference in the size of the two

buildings.

Solomon’s Splendor

The Queen of Sheba (modern day south Arabia) visited Solomon. She came to seek Solomon’s wisdom. She came to see Solomon’s temple and palace.

1 Kings 10: 6,7; “6 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard.”

Matthew 12:42 Jesus referred to the Queen of Sheba when

he denounced the Jews. Jesus’ point was simple; the Queen of Sheba traveled over a thousand miles to see Solomon’s splendor, and one more glorious than Solomon was standing right in front of the Jews and they still didn’t believe.

42 “The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here.” (Matthew 12:42)

Solomon’s Splendor “The weight of the gold that Solomon

received yearly was 666 talents, not including the revenues from merchants and traders and from all the Arabian kings and the governors of the land.” (1 Kings 10:14)

This equals about 25 tons!

Read 1 Kings 10:18-25

Question 5

Was Solomon’s great wealth a blessing or a curse?

God’s Faithfulness As we marvel at Solomon’s splendor, we

remember where all of his riches came from.

“Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for – both riches and honor – so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.” (1 Kings 3:13)

God was faithful to his Word, and gave the riches Solomon enjoyed.

Read 1 Kings 11:1-13

1 Kings 11:1 “King Solomon, however, loved many

foreign women.” Great wisdom and knowledge are no

guarantees that a person will not give in to the foolishness that rests with the natural heart, particularly when the lusts of the flesh are involved. Somehow, in spite of all his wisdom, Solomon imagined that he could allow idol worship and build altars to the idols of his foreign wives.

Question 6

Note how Solomon’s sin became progressively worse. See verses 4, 5, 7, and 33. List the steps in Solomon’s downward spiral.

Question 7

Agree or disagree. Marrying an unbelieving spouse will not injure the faith of someone who is strong in faith.

Documents

1 Samuel 8 – 2 Kings 25. 1) The Desire for a King 2) Israel’s First King – Saul 3) Israel’s Second King – David 4) Israel’s Third King – Solomon