Godly fathers-ungodly sons-37

Over the course of this study, we have seen some very disturbing trends or patterns. Since none of us have ever been a king and most probably will never be a king, we can’t really understand the role, responsibilities, and temptations that may be part of this position. What we can know is that God doesn’t grant a myriad of exceptions to kings in regards to His laws and commandments.

1 Kings 6:1  Now it came about in the four hundred and eightieth year after the sons of Israel came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD. 6:2  As for the house which King Solomon built for the LORD, its length was sixty cubits and its width twenty cubits and its height thirty cubits. 6:3  The porch in front of the nave of the house was twenty cubits in length, corresponding to the width of the house, and its depth along the front of the house was ten cubits.

As you may remember, David could not build the Temple but this was given to Solomon to build. You can tell a lot about a man when you look at what he does for himself, what he buys for himself, and the house he builds for himself.

God had provided all the detail for His house to be built. Since God is our true King, what kind of house should Solomon build?

6:37  In the fourth year the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid, in the month of Ziv. 6:38  In the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month, the house was finished throughout all its parts and according to all its plans. So he was seven years in building it. 

This was a long and difficult task to complete. Gold, bronze, silver, cedar, et all were used. It must have been magnificent!

7:1  Now Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house. 7:2  He built the house of the forest of Lebanon; its length was 100 cubits and its width 50 cubits and its height 30 cubits, on four rows of cedar pillars with cedar beams on the pillars. 7:3  It was paneled with cedar above the side chambers which were on the 45 pillars, 15 in each row.

Now Solomon devoted himself to his throne and palace! It was twice as big and took twice as long to build than God’s Temple! What are we to learn?

First, we often think of ourselves first when spending our time and money.

Second, with all the praise from visitors comes pride and a sense of self-worth.

Third, Solomon had all the money any one would ever need. So his temple needed to be in line with his wealth, status, and reputation.

Fourth, how are we like Solomon? Houses in the US are getting larger and larger every year. Who really needs 5000, 10, 000 or larger homes? The average home size in 1950 was a tiny 983 square feet. By 2020, it has grown to 2333 square feet. Vacations, cars, clothes, investments take a lot of time and money to pursue.

Since all we have is a gift from God, how are we using His gifts. We should all take seriously how we use our gifts, time, and money. We can’t condemn Solomon without first looking inward.

More next Saturday.