Category: Bible (Page 60 of 356)

Two desperate women, prostitutes actually, gave birth at the same time. Sadly, one of the babies died. The grieving mother stole the living baby from her housemate in the night and claimed him for her own. The real mother quickly discovered the ruse and desperately fought to get her baby back. News of this intractable dispute reached the palace, and curious court officials ushered the women before King Solomon. How would this freshly crowned monarch solve the case?

As he began his reign, Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom: Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours? A few days later these two ladies walked through the door.

We all know the story. Taking a sword, Solomon threatened to cut the living child in half. The false mother sneered, but the true mother plead with the king, willing even to lose her baby so the child might live. Solomon, of course, ruled in favor of the true mother and launched his reputation for wisdom.

In the aftermath of this drama, I wonder what happened to the boy? How did he grow up? Being an infant at the time he wouldn’t remember this situation, but he later would have heard stories. Or did he even live to adulthood?

I like to think the boy came of age and served King Solomon. Perhaps in the army, or as a laborer on the magnificent temple Solomon built. Simply my imagination as no stories exist about the child beyond this one incident, but I wouldn’t put it past the Lord to bring such a sparkling story full circle.

1 Kings 3 in Through the Bible in 2024

The Judgement of Solomon by Gaspar de Crayer, c. 1620

A king grown wise by battles, treacheries, victories and celebrations exhorted his son stepping up to the throne:

“I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.”

David’s charge to Solomon did not involve foreign policy or fiscal restraint. He failed to reference politics or standing armies. Instead he focused on the ultimate guide to Solomon’s success or failure as king—follow the ways of God as written in the book.

Among others, perhaps David had these passages from the Law of Moses in mind when he considered his talented son:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength…Fear the Lord your God, serve him only…Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land (Deuteronomy 6:5,14-15).

The wisest man in the world, Solomon found success in all he touched. Unfortunately, he strayed from his father’s charge. Solomon eventually gave in to the gods of the peoples around him and his kingdom fell apart after his death. Wisdom faded under time, success and pleasure.

David’s charge remains for us to embrace. Read the Word and make every effort to follow the ways of the Lord. Solomon may have let this advice slide, but it’s still the one way to human flourishing proven true again and again over thousands of years.

1 Kings 2 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Aaron Burden

Obed-Edom hosted the ark of the Lord in his household for three months. David left it there after the death of one of the carriers, needing to pause and reassess his plans for the ark. Meanwhile, during those three months the Lord blessed Obed-Edom and all his household:

Obed-Edom’s son Shemaiah also had sons, who were leaders in their father’s family…All these were descendants of Obed-Edom; they and their sons and their relatives were capable men with the strength to do the work—descendants of Obed-Edom, 62 in all.

Obed-Edom’s decision to take in the ark, a white-hot instrument of the Lord’s presence, represented a huge risk. Already one man died merely reaching out to steady the ark when it rocked on a cart. How dangerous was this thing?

But trusting in the Lord’s goodness, Obed-Edom opened his home. As a result God blessed him and his family, who in turn graced those around them with their strength and abilities. They were placed in positions of trust in the sanctuary built to house the ark and worship the Lord.

Our choice to host the Lord in our homes rubs off on others. Decisions to follow God wholeheartedly, despite the risks, benefit our families and friends. Move closer to the Lord, and watch the flow of his blessing widen to those around you.

1 Chronicles 26 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Chris Liverani

Some good friends invited my wife and I over for dinner this weekend. Smash burgers from the grill, roasted potatoes, a couple types of salad followed by ice cream, berries and home-made granola for dessert. A veritable feast.

Then the following morning I read a passage reminding me of God’s good hand in our feasting:

He rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven. Human beings ate the bread of angels; he sent them all the food they could eat.

Like manna enjoyed by the children of Israel, everything I eat comes from the hand of God. I produce minuscule amounts of my own food—a few late season tomatoes, blackberries and strawberries (fresh from the garden strawberries might be the fruit of angels). I depend on farmers and ranchers, dairy operations and fishing fleets for my sustanence. Other people pick, process and package every item for me. Like manna from heaven.

All the food I can eat characterizes my life far more than periods of hunger. In the midst of plenty it’s good to remember, and give thanks to, the One who originates the feasting I enjoy.

Psalm 78 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Eiliv Aceron