Articles

Summary This story recounts the tragic downfall of King Solomon, who, despite being the wisest man who ever lived, directly disobeyed God’s commands. The text in 1 Kings 11 explicitly details how Solomon took many foreign women from nations concerning which God had forbidden such relationships. Instead of remaining wholly devoted to God like his father David, Solomon began to worship and build high places for foreign gods doing what was evil in the sight of the Lord.   Solomon’s ...

Dear Saints, In the account of the Queen of Sheba’s visit to Solomon (1 Kings 10), we are reminded that true wisdom is not human cleverness or accumulated knowledge, but the wisdom that comes from God through His revealed Word. Remember that at the conclusion of her visit, the Queen declared, “Blessed be the LORD your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel; because the LORD loved Israel forever, therefore He made you king, ...

Dear Saints,   Yesterday we concluded our study of the dedication of Solomon’s Temple by considering 1 Kings 8:62–9:9. The dedication reached its conclusion as Solomon and all Israel offered an extraordinary number of sacrifices before the Lord, celebrating His covenant faithfulness with gladness and thanksgiving. For two weeks the nation rejoiced together, recognizing that the Temple stood not merely as a magnificent building, but as the place God had graciously chosen for His name to dwell among His people. ...

Dear Saints,   This week’s sermon from 1 Kings 8:54–61 reminds us that God’s faithfulness calls for a proper response from His people. Solomon concluded the dedication of the Temple by blessing the nation and urging them to walk obediently before the Lord.   Summary of Practical Lessons and Encouragements.   Prayer and personal responsibility belong together. While we should earnestly seek God’s help, we should also use the strength, wisdom, and opportunities He has already given us to pursue ...

Dear Saints, This week's sermon from 1 Kings 8:22–53 reminds us that the dedication of the Temple pointed beyond a building to the gracious God who hears, forgives, and welcomes His people. The following summary highlights several lessons and encouragements drawn from our study of Solomon's prayer. Pastor Bordwine Summary of Practical Lessons and Encouragements.   Solomon's prayer emphasizes that communion with God through prayer is one of the greatest privileges given to His people. Prayer should be a regular ...