2 Chr 5:1-10

With the heavy lifting behind them, the temple and all of it's interior done to the standards and specifications that were ordained. The attention now turns to restoring the ark to the rightful place at the temple - in the inner room of the temple "holy of holiest". Care was taken as to how this was to be transported given earlier times and the contents only included the 10 Commandments on 2 stone tablets. Only the designated Levites were allowed to transport the ark with the huge poles to the place of prominence at the temple under the cherubim. Gone were the gold pot of manna and Aaron's rod. From the commentary:

Solomon had completed the temple. He finished the work in the 8th month of his 11th year as king. That was in September or October 960 BC. The dedication of the temple was in the autumn of the next year. That was in the 7th month of the year 959 BC. At that time, there was a special week when the Jews lived in shelters. They did this to remember the time when God led them through the desert. Solomon dedicated the temple to God on the 8th day during this special time.

Interesting how it now develops and the next few chapters will be about the dedication of the temple. Clearly a great time to be a fly on the wall and see the spledor and the sentiment of the time. Spent the evening listening to SK and also doing my SS lesson for the HS. Good stuff and got me going again.  Prayers for the family as they head down to FL for the week.

Praise for today: Exalt the Lord of God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy. Ps 99:9

2 Chr 4

This chapter dealt with some of the items that were made to accompany the temple - the altar was 30 feet in length and width and 15 feet high and made of bronze. There were various pools that were in the temple but the main one was supported by 12 bulls ( tribes) and held 17,500 gallons of water and made of bronze. There were 10 other baths created as well that were smaller in size and volume 5 on each side as well and were made from bronze. Huram finished the work that was necessary on the temple. There were so many things that were created for the temple - basins, utensils, lampstands, etc out of the polished bronze and were cast in the river. Truly the chapter doesn't do it justice as words rarely do - still wish I could be a fly on the wall and see this live and in person. God truly was making this the golden years of Israel.

Interesting day at work and not without twists. Still fared pretty well. Weather wise it was spectacular for an early summer day. Skipped the gym today to give my body some rest but will go the next 2 days. Prayers for Savanah as she is going for sinus surgery and for the family as well.

Praise for today: My shiled is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. Ps 7: 10

2 Chr 3

The temple is now being started in the 4th year of Solomon's reign (966 BC) in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah. The place was the threshing floor of Araunah - the place provided by David. The foundation  of the temple was 90 feet by 30 feet. The builders under the command of Solomon made this a magnificent structure and using the plans of David proceeded to build it according to what was ordained. The chapter gives some detail as far as what materials were used and the ornamentation that was used to adorn the temple and the Most Holy Place. The chapter ends with the two pillars in front of the temple - the one to the south was named Jakin (he establishes) and the one to the north was named Boaz (in him is strength). The columns would remind the people that God established their nation. And they must trust God to make it strong.

Nice chapter and today promises to be "weather-wise" a great day. Hopefully, work wise it will be the same...


Praise for today: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111: 10

2 Chr 2: 1-17

The temple would be the focal point of the next several chapters of the book. Solomon went about his business to gather the best materials around (cedar wood from Tyre) and in the process he would build a palace for himself.  He chose 70 000 men to carry loads. He chose 80 000 men to cut stone in the hill country. And he appointed 3600 men to control these workers. In the process, he solidified the relationships with those kings (Hiram) whose hearts and spirit aligned with the Lord's. They also knew that Solomon was blessed and chosen by God and thus it served their best interest to align and give in to whatever requests were given. The temple would be magnificent and the temple that would be built in Haggai's time would be dwarfed by this one. Solomon knew that the temple would be a place of worship and thus he would ensure this by having sacrifices set up daily to honor the Lord.

Good weekend and relaxing after a great Father's day dinner with the family. I made some "low and slow" ribs with Irene's killer soup for dinner on Sat which was great. Rough weekend for my team but still they were respectable. Extraordinary day at church yesterday with 2 Prayer shields and a smooth annual meeting. This is shaping up to be a long workweek in more ways than one....


Praise for today: But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens cannot contain him? 2 Chr 2: 6a

2 Chr 1: 1-17

With the death of David, Solomon looks to solidify his kingship. He goes to seek the Lord albeit not where the ark is but rather at a bronze altar at Gibeon. The ark was at a different place due to the Phillistines capture of it and ultimately the place where it resided after the return of the ark by them. After 1000 sacrifices made by Solomon, the Lord appears to him to bless him and grant him one wish. Rather than ask for the mundane and selfish, he asked God for wisdom and knowledge to rule more effective and efficiently. God grants him this along with the riches and the benefits he didn't ask for to solidify and verify his rule. He then leaves the altar and goes to Jerusalem to start his reign. The writer then puts in the last few verses to emphasize the wealth that the Lord had promised him.

The start of the Golden era of Israel starts with this chapter. God kept his promise to David that He would bless Solomon beyond measure and He did. Kudos to Solomon for being aware of his situation and may I and other seek this wish above all others. God honors intent and not selfishness. Solomon got his cake and ate it too.

Good day yesterday and good business dinner. Enjoyed the place and the people. Looking forward to getting home later and the end of the current heat wave. Prayers to the Rodgers family as they are going to Boston to seek medical assistance for their baby girl. Prospects don't look good but at least they are prospects none the less. I counted a privilege to pray with him before his trip.

Praise for today: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness. Jeremiah 31: 3

1 Chr 29: 21-30

The balance of this chapter deals with the peace and harmony that pervades the land and the people. Sacrifices galore as the celebration continued. The Lord was with them throughout this occasion but it was not without incident. According to the commentary: One of David’s sons, Adonijah, had tried to make himself king of Israel. As soon as David found out, he called for Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet. He sent them to Gihon with his son Solomon. There they poured oil on Solomon’s head and they made him the king. And they declared to all the people that Solomon was the king of Israel. Then the people shouted, ‘We pray that King Solomon will have a long life!’ That was the first time that they made Solomon king (1 Kings chapter 1). This second time they again made Solomon the king of Israel. They knew that he was the LORD’s choice. So, they poured oil on him as their king. Also, they poured oil on Zadok to make him the chief priest. Zadok and Abiathar had been the chief priests. But now Zadok alone was the chief priest. This is and was to be according to the Lord's will. Interesting that not all was not on board, especially Adonijah. Still, the stage is set for the glory years of Israel.

Good day yesterday in Princeton and dinner-wise as well. I got  my car back from the shop and a lot poorer. Still great dinner at Bonefish with the family for Irene's birthday and a pretty easy ride down last night. Nice sweep by (versus against) the Metskis and hopefully the Slingbox issues are behind me when I get the power unit. Dinner out the next few nights and the weekend will be more cleaning than anything else. Still no complaints as the knee continues to heal.

Praise today: But you, O Lord, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.  Psalms 102: 12

1 Chr 29: 10-20

David records one of the most beautiful prayers in the Bible that was not centered upon him, Solomon or the temple. It was directed solely unto the Lord. He got it! He gave the Lord all of the praise for who and what He is. While the balance of the prayer is directed to giving and the attitude of giving, he still got it! The Lord made and created all. He gave it to them to have as stewards rather than owners. The giving of gifts to the Lord was not based upon obligation or duty but rather of free will and love with the desire to love God. The attitude of this expression pleases God and it was David's desire that the people of God embrace this as well. When David told the people to worship they did so with the humbleness and adoration that befits Him. We should do the same.

I wish that my attitude would be that of David and the believers to give and live as a conduit of His grace. I pray that my family has that same attitude rather than that of gaining and keeping. Glad to hear that GG got home safely and at a good time. I am looking forward to tomorrow night's dinner but not the drive and the parking... especially with the heat wave approaching.

My knee is slowly recovering to the point that I have started to go back to the gym. I am taking it very easy and barely breaking a sweat but still one step and day at a time. God is teaching me patience and reliance and above all trust in Him.

Praise for today:  Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted head over all. 1 Chr 29:11

1 Chr 29: 1-9

David was now apprehensive towards the youthfulness of Solomon to take the reins but there was little he could do about it. David's life was consumed now with building the temple and as a result he gave generously of his own fortune since he knew it all came from the Lord. The leaders and their families followed suit as they too were moved by the blessings that the Lord had bestowed upon them. Not only the family leaders gave but also the officers of the armies gave generously as well. God had blessed them and gave them peace and prosperity for now.

Jehiel received all these gifts. He and his sons had control of the stores of valuable things for the temple (26:20-22). The leaders gave these gifts because they wanted to give. It gave them much pleasure to give to the Lord. That is how the Lord wants his people to give (2 Corinthians 9:7). The people in Israel were very pleased that their leaders were so willing to give. And David too was glad because the leaders had given with such a good attitude.

Do we have a good attitude of giving? The giving in the tough times is more important than when times are good since it truly shows a spirit of gratitude and dependence. I pray that I can practice this when times are rough. Praise and giving go hand-in-hand.

Praise for today: Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord. Psalm 4: 5

1 Chr 28

David has gathered all of the leaders of the nation of Israel together in the last year of his rule (970 BC). Despite his fragility at his age, he managed to stand before them and deliver his farewell speech and pass the mantle to Solomon before them. It was his heart's desire to build the temple but acknowledged before God and everyone that this was not to be. So he gave over the plans, in its entirety and the blessing of being king to Solomon as well as the advice that needed. Solomon needed to stay close to God and his will as well as have a relationship with Him in order to succeed. If the didn't, then the Lord would turn against him.  The Israelites had no choice in accepting Solomon as king but this was not David's intent but rather the Lord's. God gave to David the plans for the temple and thus was responsible for it. The Lord's presence would fill the temple. Thus, if Solomon stayed close to God he would succeed - not only in building the temple but in ruling the land and the kingdom of the house of David would rule eternally.

What a gorgeous chapter! God has laid the foundations through David for the potential of effective and powerful rule, if only... If only, has been the question that we all have asked - daily. How often do we include God in our planning stages rather than ask Him to clean up the mess that we have created? Do we ask Him to bless our decisions or do we ask Him from the outset? Here we see the plan that David laid out: My son Solomon, know the God whom your father serves. Serve God with all your heart and mind. Love him and obey him willingly. The LORD sees what is in our hearts. He knows every thought that is in our minds. If you look for him, you will find him. But if you turn from him, he will always refuse you. v10 Now be careful, because the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as his holy place. Be strong and do the work.’ - Easier said than done...

My knee is slowly getting better so I will put off seeing an orthopedist for now. Had a great convo with GG yesterday and am looking forward to seeing him next week. Hopefully, the 500 will not cost me an arm and a leg, but I am not getting my hopes up. If all is well, I may go to the BR game to see Brett Hart.

Praise for today: The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. Psalm 11: 4

1 Chr 27: 16-34

v.16- 24 deals with the officers of the tribes of Israel however the tribes of Gad and Asher were not included. v. 23 and 24 refers back to the "count" that David took of his armies and people that angered the Lord and so the actual number was not entered into the book of the annals of King David. The balance of the chapter dealt with the people that were in charge of King David's storehouses - in and outside of the palace, the field workers who farmed the land, vineyards, olive and sycamore-fig trees, olive oil, herds, camels, donkeys, and flocks. They basically took care of the King David's property. Jonathan, David's uncle, was a counselor (considered and noted as  man of insight and a scribe).  Ahithophel was the king's counselor and was succeeded by Jehoiada while Joab was commander of the royal army.

It seems that all of the items for a successful rule was given to David and thus to Solomon. All that was needed was obedience, trust and a relationship with God. As long as they would be plugged into the source, all would be well. What an easy thought but even in our own lives we know how difficult it is. We are caught up in our own agenda and believe our own hype and thus we fall. We truly have to get back to the "basics of life". Listen to the 4Him song sometime, it works for me.

The knee is slowly getting better - started to increase my glucosamine intake and using stronger anti-inflammatory drugs help as well.


Praise for today: Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! Psalm 66:20

1 Chr 27: 1-16

The next section deals with the delineation of the army that was to protect the king and the nation. There were 288,000 in total - 24,000 each month.  To lead the group, there were officers over 1000 men. Then there were officers over 100 men. Also, family leaders and the king’s officials had some control over the army. The king always had 24 000 men ready for war. There was always a group ready to guard the king. If an enemy attacked, the king could call all 12 groups of soldiers to fight. This would be an army of 288 000 men. What was interesting was that there was a rotation and no one would be "stuck" in the role. The men served in the army for one month a year and the rest of the time, they led normal lives. Some of the names listed in the balance of the section had previous mention in earlier chapters.

I guess we as workers in the church feel that we are at times "stuck" in a position for life. We often feel that this becomes a sentence rather than a term. Such is the case with SS teachers. They are in the trenches week in and week out. I, for one, felt that way when I taught and it was easily felt by others as well. Still we did it because of the greater good and the people we were serving. Not teaching regularly now, I welcome the chance to relieve some of those trenches people because I know what it takes to do such a weekly task. I am sure that there are other tasks we do that we can fall into the trap of feeling stuck and at times resentful. What is amazing is that other who are complacent and feel "not called" to even help out on a temporary basis. I never understand the sponge mentality and maybe never will.

The weekend was decent, stayed in on Sat due to my knee but I did get a lot of mail/bill consolidation done. Had a great meal out on Friday and took advantage of the Korean supermarket nearby to have a great meal on Sat on an indoor grille. Lousy sports weekend for me with my Metskis being swept. Car acted up again and now it may need a new computer (yikes!). As a result, we had to maneuver around so that this can be done. This car recently has become the bane of my bank account over the past few years. Still, it is cheaper to repair than replace. Got good results from my periodontist yesterday and may have to see a orthopedist for my knee. More fun... but I want to get this taken care of.  Glad GG got his car taken care of over the weekend as well and David had a good time at the Big Apple Barbecue on Sat. Oh well, back in Delly....

Praise for today: May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, Selah. Psalm 67:1

1 Chr 26

This chapter dealt with the temple guards that were came from the clans of Kohath and Merari. (Korah was from the clan of Kohath.). There were 4,000 in all and they were divided into groups of 24. From the commentary:  They chose the order of their duties by the same fair method that the priests and Levites had used. The job of the temple guards was to be responsible for the gates and doors of the temple. They would open the gates and doors at the right times. And they would close them at the proper times. They would control the entrances to keep out anyone who should not come in. They would control everyone who went into or out of the temple. And if necessary, they would control the crowds. The work of the temple guards was an important part of the LORD’s work. It was not less important than the work of the other Levites. They were all part of the worship of the temple. They were all doing the work of the LORD. They were all doing what God wanted them to do. So in his opinion, their rank was equal.

In essence, the role of the guard was equally as important as that of the priest or that of the maintenance worker. We place so much on what each role is as if we played a part in it. We think we have control of what we do but in essence that is left up to God and what His plan is for us. The most important aspect of how we work, live and interact with each other is not our role but our attitude. Do we live as a servant or to be served? Do we seek the praise of God or the praise of man? I've read many a tale where we are swept away by the principals but it is really the supporting cast that give depth and substance to the story. I pray that I can be supportive and encouraging to those that support rather than lead, who puts others ahead of themselves and who seek God first and themselves second.

The  pain in my knee is still lingering and thus it will be a weekend to recuperate. I just hope that I can. Still nice to spend the whole weekend at home since I have a dental appointment on Monday before heading down to Delly. I am keeping the Rodgers family in prayer as they received more bad news about the 2-month old daughter. Two years ago they buried their infant child due to medical complications and now they face that same possibility soon. They believe and trust in the Lord and I will keep them in prayer as well.

Praise for today: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

1 Chr 25

The continuation of how the Levites would be assigned their task and which ones - continued as David organized the 288 musicians into 24 groups. Per the commentary: The leaders of these groups came from the families of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun. About 30 years before, David had appointed these three men to be leaders of the music. That was when they brought the *LORD’s ark to Jerusalem (16:4-7; 16:37; 16:41-42). These three men would prophesy with harps, lyres, and cymbals. There are two possible meanings of the word ‘prophesy’ in this passage. They could have spoken words that God gave to them at that time. Or they could praise him with Psalms (songs of worship) that they (or somebody else) had written. I guess the 288 led the 4,000 musicians in the earlier chapter. They still used the lot system to make sure things were done fairly.

The pain has been less than Monday but I guess I did a lot of walking and stairs which aggravated it. It has been progressively better but nowhere near even being close to what it should be. I am really being taught what it means to slow down. Not being at the gym at this time of the day has been torturous. Hopefully, tonight's dinner will be ok for my walking abilities. I think that the anti-inflams aren't doing much but where would the pain be if I didn't take them. It stinks getting old! To cure my brain, I am reading the latest book by (a then 92 year old) Billy Graham which is incredible as well.

Praise for today: Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength, seek his face always. Psalms 105: 3-4

1 Chr 24

Since Aaron had 4 sons, the lineage of priests would come from him. The first two sons Nadab and Abihu died before their father did and had no sons so the Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. Zadok, a descendant of Eleazar and Ahimelech, a descendant of Ithamar, assisted David to separate the priestly duties and appointed order for ministering. It was divided according the amount of descendants with Eleazar having outnumbered and thus receiving more of the duties. While Eleazar was the chief priest, each had duties of importance so the tasks were deem linear. It was done fairly and under the king and his officials' eye. The lots were then drawn in order of choice. According to the commentary:

These groups continued to serve in the temple until the exile. Some of these groups did continue to serve after the return from exile. In the Book of Luke, Zechariah was in the group of Abijah (the 8th group). Zechariah was the father of John, who prepared for Jesus’ work. John is well-known as ‘John the Baptist’ (Luke 1:5). Verse 19 They followed the order and plans that Aaron had given to them.

The rest of the chapter talks of the Levites that were not descendants from Aaron. They also were given task according to lots and were treated fairly and equally.

The pain continues in my knee. It wasn't as bad as Monday but still difficult to get around. Hopefully, the rest (no gym) and limited activity will get the knee better. I really don't want to go to the doctor about this... Still, this is forcing me to slow down and accept my age and mortality more, ha! With the summer approaching, I am being asked more and more to go play golf - I wish... It seems like that may be an option but not a very viable one. Moderation?

Praise for today: Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy. Psalm 99:5

1 Chr 23

It seems like David was obsessed with counting people. This chapter which takes place in the twilight of his years both as a ruler and in life focuses on the Levites and the males that were 30 years and older. The number was 38,000 and they were assigned their tasks as follows: 24, 000 were to direct the work of the Lord's temple, 6,000 would be officers and judges, 4,000 would be guards at the temple and 4,000 would be praise and worship leaders and musicians. He also divided them by basically 3 clans. These clans are the families of Levi’s three sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. David's last order was to count the Levites who were 20 years and older who had to serve in the temple. Their jobs were delineated and their responsibilities to the other rooms as well as the preparation of the breads were listed as well. To me, the key verse was v. 30 where they daily came in and praised God from morning to night. Per the commentary:

Moses lowered the age for the work of the *LORD’s tent to 25. But the Levites did not work after the age of 50 (Numbers 8:24-25). Originally, David decided that the Levites would start to work in the temple at 30 years old. The work in the temple would not be as heavy as the work for the tent. The Levites had to carry the tent and all that was in it, including the altar and the ark. Both of these would now remain in the temple at Jerusalem. But for some reason, David now lowered the age for the count to 20.

This past weekend, I suffered a bout of tendinitis in my left knee that I haven't experienced in nearly 20 years. Still pains me to walk, go up/down stairs and to put pressure on it. Needless to say, the gym is off-limits. Yesterday after a meeting, I went to the Mets game in the afternoon. I was in true pain walking around and climbing the stairs in that environment. Still a good game and was able to talk to the people on the side of me from Austin, TX and told them about my friend, Randy Phillips' church in his town and that he and his family should check it out.  Good thing it's my left one so I can still drive. Had to cancel tonight's game after work but still had to do what I had to do...

Praise for today: The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps. Psalm 85: 12-13.

1 Chr 22

The time has come and the mantle must be passed. God had dealt with David at the place where he bought the field and sacrificed and built the altar. While David basically said that this would be the place where the temple would be built, it was more in his heart and his actions than where the actual temple would be erected. He knew that his time was near and that although his son, Solomon was not of age yet to assume the role of king, he needed to know what was required of him. David accumulated an abundance of cedar wood, iron for nails, gold and silver and prepared dressed stones. The Bible calls his preparations "extensive". The gold was measured at 3,750 tons and by today's standards of $1,575 per oz could wipe out the debt of the US and Solomon was told that he could add to that amount. The temple was to be Solomon's legacy and thus David gave him a heart-to-heart talk. The talk was that of explaining the reasons why he (David) couldn't build the temple as a man of bloodshed but that the Lord will give the land a time of peace and prosperity under Solomon. The task of building the temple was also a charge to Solomon to build a temple in his heart, where God would be his father. The essence of the temple would be to house the ark of the covenant and other sacred items belonging to the Lord.

Glad to hear that GG got back to Denver but his schedule was changed and that he could have stayed in NJ longer. Looking forward to his next trip back. I guess I will be home tomorrow rather than down at GA to see Third Day or the Mets but that is good since we were invited out to dinner for a "thank you" for services rendered. I am looking forward to staying in NJ on Sunday and heading down to Delly on Monday evening.

Prayers continue for my peeps and for a girl at work who is going for her exam to stay employed. Nice to pray for those who ask for it.

Praise for today: Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all of the earth. Psalms 57:11