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.
In Day 2 of our study of Nehemiah, we explore ten important lessons from the book. They include the importance of being constant in...
Through Amos, God condemns the marked oppression, the flagrant injustice, the unwonted luxury and extravagance, the shameless feasting and drunkenness, and the gross immorality...
The Old Testament is rich with categories that foreshadow and reveal Jesus, presenting Him as the central figure who fulfills God’s promises to humanity....
