Day 135-11

IX - The Reign of Solomon - 985-945 B.C.

A. Solomon's good beginning (3 years)

9. Example of wisdom - 1 Kings 3:16-27

10. Reaction to David's death in Egypt - 1 Kings 11:21-22

11. His princes and officers - 1 Kings 4:1-28
B. Solomon builds (20 years)
1. Preparations for building
a. Decides to begin league with Hiram - 1 Kings 5:1-12; 1 Kings 7:13-14; 2 Chronicles 2:1-16
b. Taxes, laborers and supplies - 1 Kings 5:13-18; 2 Chronicles 2:2; 17-18
c. Execution of Shimei - 1 Kings 2:39-46

{pages 592 - 596}

True mother love:

Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.  (1 Kings 3:26)

Our culture promotes the elimination of inconvenient pregnancies, disdaining the blessing of children.  The death promotion has reached a sickening crescendo {warning - may contain graphic material} - Lipstick on a bullet.

For those who may suffer from post abortion trauma, there is healing in Jesus.  Do not think if you have had an abortion that you are beyond the pale of God's sovereign power to heal, save and restore you.

A few sites to encourage and/or share with those seeking to recover from an abortion:

Safe Haven Ministries ~ After Abortion ~ Hope After Abortion ~ Silent No More

There is healing, restoration, forgiveness at the foot of the cross.  We are all murderers, God haters, despising righteousness before God opens the eyes of our understanding.  Father, may those who have been hurt and wounded by abortion find healing in and through Your son, Christ Jesus.  May the cleansing blood of Jesus wash away the sins of our idolatry and wickedness when we served our former master.  Lord, open blind eyes and deaf ears to hear and see the wickedness that saturates our land, calling down judgment upon our nation.  O Lord, hear the prayer of Your people to guide and direct us to seek You and Your healing touch over our lives, our families, our nation.

And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David.  (1 Kings 5:1)

lover - H157 - A primitive root; to have affection for (sexually or otherwise).

I seriously doubt if this was anything but a deep affection and love.

Gill:

for Hiram was ever a lover of David; a friend and ally of his; and we never read of the Tyrians being at war with him, or assisting any of his enemies.

Just as a note, I do read the other commentaries available on my E-Sword program...but they sometimes are quite lengthy and/or combine several verses together. When I am looking for a specific verse and/or portion, Gill delivers every time.

Henry's commentary on the passage is excellent.  :-)  Great exhortation and encouragement.

And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.  (1 Kings 5:7)

rejoiced - H8055 - A primitive root; probably to brighten up, that is, (figuratively) be (causatively make) blithe or gleesome. ~ 155 usages in 148 verses.

A few samplings:

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. (Exodus 4:14)

And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates. (Deuteronomy 16:14)

Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. (Nehemiah 12:43)

And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.  (Esther 8:15)

I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.  (Psalm 9:2)

The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. (Proverbs 10:1)

Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things. (Joel 2:21)

Camping on the word rejoice in the NT:

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.   (Matthew 5:12)

And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.  (John 4:36)

And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.  (Romans 15:10)

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.   (Philippians 4:4)

O Lord, let us weep with those who weep, but rejoice as well.  Father, let the rejoicing of Your people be a witness, testimony and glorification of You.