Solomon builds a temple to honor the Lord. In the prayer of dedication, he anticipates a time when foreign peoples will journey to the temple in Jerusalem because the God of Israel is famous for answering the prayers of all people. Yet the final chapter of 2 Kings describes a foreign nation coming to Jerusalem, not to worship there but to destroy the temple and take the people of God into exile. The tragic history that unfolds between the dedication and destruction of the temple shows how God’s people and God’s kings fail in their commission to reflect his character among the nations. Scriptures referenced include 1 Kings 8:23 ; 2 Kings 25:8–21; 2 Kings 10:12-14; Proverbs 14:12; 2 Kings 11:1–3; 1 Kings 19:17-21.
Isaiah 1:18, ““Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as...
We wrap up our study of 1 Peter by spending a little time addressing the author and his audience, lingering what it means to...
Through His words and actions, Jesus consistently points us back to the Creator, reminding us of God's glory, sovereignty, and intimate care. The theme...
