Weekly Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 1-11

Oh what a treat this week's reading was! It's been a while since I read the books of the Kings, so, though I knew we would be reading about all the kings of Israel, I wasn't exactly sure what we would be covering this week. It was SO wonderful to read about the life of Solomon this week. The reading covered all of Solomon's reign, from his taking the throne, up until his death. I cannot wait to share some perspective and insight to what the LORD showed me!

Reading about Solomon's reign I couldn't help but envy those who lived in his day. Here are some verses that describe what it was like to live under the reign of King Solomon.

The people thrived...

Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking and rejoicing. 1 Kings 4:20

It was a time of peace...

For he had dominion over all the region on this side of the River from Tiphsah even to Gaza, namely over all the kings on this side of the River; and he had peace on every side all around him. And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, each man under his vine and his fig tree, from Dan as far as Beersheba, all the days of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:24-25

The throne room of Solomon was more grand than any other kingdom on earth...

The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays. And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom. 1 Kings 10:19-20

Israel was so wealthy that silver wasn't even considered valuable...

All King Solomon’s drinking vessels were gold, and all the vessels of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. Not one was silver, for this was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon. 1 Kings 10:21

These are just a few verses to give an example of the grandeur that was to be had under the reign of Solomon. Much of what we read this week was of how Solomon built the temple of the LORD. Did you notice how much of it was plated in gold? Can you imagine the sun rising over Jerusalem on the temple mount and how brightly the temple must have shown? I get goosebumps just thinking about it!

There is no question, the reign of Solomon was grand. However, I couldn't help but think of the reign of another King as I was reading it. You see, the reign of Solomon is a picture of the millennial reign of Christ! So as you follow along with this weeks reading be sure to rejoice in the fact that some day you will be living under the rule of Christ and there WILL be peace all around and the temple will be filled with the Spirit of God and we will all worship Him in our redeemed bodies! Praise Christ! I can hardly wait!

~Abigail Escobedo