DOCSLIB.ORG

2 Chronicles 2:1-12, Ready to Build

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
2 Chronicles 2:1-12, Ready to Build BaptistWay Press® Premium Commentary By Dr. Gene Wilkes President, B. H. Carroll Theological Institute Plano, Texas Studies in Solomon: No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom (1 & 2 Chronicles) Lesson Five Ready to Build Focal Text 2 Chronicles 2:1-12 Background 1 Kings 3:9-14 Main Idea Working together reflects the greatness of our God. Question to Explore What do I do with the people God sends to me, who have different gifts and talents? Quick Read Solomon began with modesty and understanding that what he himself had or what he himself knew was limited. This is evidence of his great wisdom; that he knew his own limitations. Introduction “Teamwork makes the dream work,” is the title of John Maxwell’s book of stories and illustrations about how teams accomplish greater things than individuals. Solomon wrote millennia earlier, Page 1 of 8 Premium Commentary. Solomon: No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom--Lesson Five. Copyright © 2021 BAPTISTWAY PRESS©. A MINISTRY OF THE Baptist General Convention of Texas. Go to www.baptistway press.org or call 1-866-249-1799 toll-free for additional Bible study materials for all ages. This lesson is not to be sold or distributed beyond the subscription agreement. The copyright notice and identifying information in this note must be included on any copies made. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations in Premium Commentary are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 2 Chronicles 2:1-12, Ready to Build Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil…And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 12) Solomon was not simply a sage who said and wrote wise sayings, he lived out the truths he wrote down. We will see in this lesson that Solomon knew his strengths and limitations and called upon others to aid him in the work given to him to complete. He would partner with others to realize the vision of a beautiful and magnificent Temple to God. One of his first acts after ordering the building of the Temple was to turn to an ally of Israel who aided his father before him. All was set for the building of the temple by Solomon who was now solely king of Israel. 2 Chronicles 2:1-7:22, which we will study, is central to the story of Solomon. The building and dedication of the Temple, the symbol of God’s presence among his people, was a fulfilled promise of God to the people of Israel. Since God walked in the Garden in the cool of the day with creation, the Lord has dwelled among the chosen people. (Genesis 3:8) His presence came in the form of natural phenomenon and heavenly beings until God directed Moses to build the “tent of meeting,” or, tabernacle after he delivered them from Egypt. The tabernacle said God was present. The Temple would symbolize the same thing until Jesus of Nazareth, who was named Emmanuel, God with Us, “moved into the neighborhood.” (John 1:14; MSG) See 1 Kings 5:1-16 for a parallel account of the events described in the focal text for this lesson. While some details differ, the accounts are similar in recording how Solomon began the project by adding to the laborers and materials David had provided him and calling upon an ally to aid in supplying more than what he had at hand. We will see the humble wisdom of a king who knew his limitations and called upon others to help him in the things God called him to do. Commentary A Time to Build (2:1-2) All the preparations for construction of the Temple were made. Solomon wrote in his reflections on life that there was a “time to tear down and a time to build.” (Ecclesiastes 3:3) Now was the time to build. The king gave the orders to build the Temple “for the name of the Lord.” (v. 1) The name of the Lord, Yahweh, represented the person of God. The temple would be for worship of the God of Israel. The king added orders to build “a royal palace for himself” (2:12, 7:11; 8:1 etc.) David had built a palace for himself but not a “house” for Yahweh, the God of Israel. Solomon would build both. Page 2 of 8 Premium Commentary. Solomon: No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom--Lesson Five. Copyright © 2021 BAPTISTWAY PRESS©. A MINISTRY OF THE Baptist General Convention of Texas. Go to www.baptistway press.org or call 1-866-249-1799 toll-free for additional Bible study materials for all ages. This lesson is not to be sold or distributed beyond the subscription agreement. The copyright notice and identifying information in this note must be included on any copies made. 2 Chronicles 2:1-12, Ready to Build As part of Solomon’s orders to begin construction he conscripted men to be “carriers,” stone cutters in the hills throughout Judah and supervisors to see the work was done properly. (v. 2) Later in the chapter we learn that Solomon took a census of all the “resident aliens” living in Israel. (v. 17) A resident alien, or “foreigner” (NASB) was a non-citizen who lived among the people of Israel. Special laws were made to provide food and clothing for those living there because the Israelites were once aliens in Egypt. (Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 24:19-20) Boaz, the Israelite, made such provisions for Ruth, the Moabite, when harvesting his fields. (Ruth 2:14-16) It is from this portion of the population Solomon may have selected the laborers. The numbers of workers recorded in verse 2 are repeated in verse 18 of the chapter. Hiram, King of Tyre (2:3-4) Solomon, knowing the enormity of the project before him, reached out to an ally of his father, Hiram, King of Tyre, for help. (v. 3) When David conquered Jerusalem from the Jebusites, Hiram sent materials and workers to help him build a palace. (2 Samuel 5:11, 12; 1 Chronicles 14:1) When Solomon became king, we are told that Hiram sent envoys to the new king “because he had always been on friendly terms with David.” (1 Kings 5:1; NIV) We know of Hiram primarily through his relationship with David and Solomon in the biblical narrative. Josephus, the ancient Jewish historian, added that he was the son of Abibal and nineteen years old when he succeeded his father as king of Tyre. [HIBC, Hiram, Hugh Tobias] The king demonstrated his friendship by suppling materials for Israel’s kings. Tyre was a port city on the coast of Phoenicia, north of Israel. Sidon, its sister city, combined to provide ports of commerce to the world. During Roman rule, the cities remained active ports, but importance shifted to Caesarea under Herod’s enhanced construction there. Jesus referenced Sidon and Tyre as those whose judgement would be “more bearable” than that of Chorazin and Bethsaida. (Matthew 11:20-22) Paul stayed in Tyre for seven days after his third missionary journey. (Acts 21:3-4) The port cities profited from the inland trade routes governed by Solomon, and Israel benefitted by the goods that came through the ports from around the known world. Both kings showed wisdom to share resources and personnel with one another. Solomon made a specific ask for Hiram to send him “cedar logs” (NIV) as he had to David for his palace. Solomon wanted the same quality wood for “a house for the name of [Yahweh] my God,” which would be dedicated to God for worship. Solomon then enumerated the prescribed activities of worship that would take place in the Temple as they were observed in the tabernacle. (v. 4) God established each practice, festival and furnishing with Moses in the design of the tabernacle. These included: incense (Ex 25:6), the “regular arrangement” of the showbread (Ex 25:30; Lev 24:5-9), and the morning and evening burnt offerings (Numbers 28-29) on the Sabbath and New Moons (Numbers 28:1—29:40). The king wrote the Temple would be the site Page 3 of 8 Premium Commentary. Solomon: No Ordinary Kind of Wisdom--Lesson Five. Copyright © 2021 BAPTISTWAY PRESS©. A MINISTRY OF THE Baptist General Convention of Texas. Go to www.baptistway press.org or call 1-866-249-1799 toll-free for additional Bible study materials for all ages. This lesson is not to be sold or distributed beyond the subscription agreement. The copyright notice and identifying information in this note must be included on any copies made. 2 Chronicles 2:1-12, Ready to Build for the “appointed festivals” God gave Israel to observe annually. God established seven “festivals,” which marked the calendar for God’s people, beginning with Passover. The seven observances are spelled out generally in Leviticus 23. These festivals were “ordained forever for Israel.” The Feast of Tabernacles, or Booths will be noted later in our study of Solomon. (2 Chronicles 5:3) Who Is Able to Build a Temple for God? (2:5-6) The King of Israel wrote to his ally that the Temple would be “great.” (v. 5) The reason he said was because the God of Israel was “greater than all gods,” a confession of praise King David gave the Levites to declare. (1 Chronicles 16:25) Solomon continued to praise the greatness of Yahweh by asking a rhetorical question of who could build a temple for God since the “highest heavens” could not contain him.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • T C K a P R (E F C Bc): C P R
    ELECTRUM * Vol. 23 (2016): 25–49 doi: 10.4467/20800909EL.16.002.5821 www.ejournals.eu/electrum T C K A P R (E F C BC): C P R S1 Christian Körner Universität Bern For Andreas Mehl, with deep gratitude Abstract: At the end of the eighth century, Cyprus came under Assyrian control. For the follow- ing four centuries, the Cypriot monarchs were confronted with the power of the Near Eastern empires. This essay focuses on the relations between the Cypriot kings and the Near Eastern Great Kings from the eighth to the fourth century BC. To understand these relations, two theoretical concepts are applied: the centre-periphery model and the concept of suzerainty. From the central perspective of the Assyrian and Persian empires, Cyprus was situated on the western periphery. Therefore, the local governing traditions were respected by the Assyrian and Persian masters, as long as the petty kings fulfi lled their duties by paying tributes and providing military support when requested to do so. The personal relationship between the Cypriot kings and their masters can best be described as one of suzerainty, where the rulers submitted to a superior ruler, but still retained some autonomy. This relationship was far from being stable, which could lead to manifold mis- understandings between centre and periphery. In this essay, the ways in which suzerainty worked are discussed using several examples of the relations between Cypriot kings and their masters. Key words: Assyria, Persia, Cyprus, Cypriot kings. At the end of the fourth century BC, all the Cypriot kingdoms vanished during the wars of Alexander’s successors Ptolemy and Antigonus, who struggled for control of the is- land.
    [Show full text]
  • Bible Software on the Workbench of the Biblical Scholar: Assessment and Perspective
    Andrews University Seminary Studies, Vol. 56, No. 1, 5–45. Copyright © 2018 Andrews University Seminary Studies. BIBLE SOFTWARE ON THE WORKBENCH OF THE BIBLICAL SCHOLAR: ASSESSMENT AND PERSPECTIVE Oliver Glanz Andrews University Abstract This article pursues two objectives. First, it tries to explain why Bible software is still not accepted as an indispensable tool for textual analysis. Second, it suggests that modern Hebrew databases can truly impact the analytic methodology of biblical scholars and help to verify and falsify interpretative suggestions. To achieve these two objectives, I will first describe the role Bible software plays in today’s scholarship. By contrasting the aids that Bible software offers with the analytic needs of biblical scholars, it is possible to show clearly what current electronic tools need if they are to play an essential methodological role in the analytic work of the scholar. The second part of the article will then illustrate, in some detail, what the Hebrew database of the Eep Talstra Centre of Bible and Computer (ETCBC) could offer today to the Old Testament scholar and how a future implementation into Bible software could deliver an electronic tool that becomes indispensable for Old Testament scholarship. Keywords: Bible software, exegesis, Gen 20 Introduction Database producers of biblical Hebrew and Greek often approach their texts and digital tools in a different way than most users of Bible software. While database producers search for linguistic patterns from the smallest units (phonology: sound units) up to the highest language structures (text-grammar: grammatical backbone of texts),1 Bible software users predominantly use their databases as a digital extension of their analog tools (Hebrew/Greek texts, dic- tionaries, concordances, and grammars).
    [Show full text]
  • Eng-Kjv 2CH.Pdf 2 Chronicles
    2 Chronicles 1:1 1 2 Chronicles 1:10 The Second Book of the Chronicles 1 And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly. 2 Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers. 3 So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness. 4 But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjath-jearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem. 5 Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.* 6 And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it. 7 ¶ In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. 8 And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead. 9 Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.† 10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that * 1.5 he put: or, was there † 1.9 like…: Heb.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Kings 10) Notes: Week Eight
    Lessons from Solomon: Celebrating God’s Provision (1 Kings 10) Notes: Week Eight 1 Kings 10 (HCSB) The Queen of Sheba 10 The queen of Sheba heard about Solomon’s fame connected with the name of Yahweh and came to test him with difficult questions. 2 She came to Jerusalem with a very large entourage, with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. She came to Solomon and spoke to him about everything that was on her mind. 3 So Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba observed all of Solomon’s wisdom, the palace he had built, 5 the food at his table, his servants’ residence, his attendants’ service and their attire, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he offered at the LORD’s temple, it took her breath away. 6 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your words and about your wisdom is true. 7 But I didn’t believe the reports until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, I was not even told half. Your wisdom and prosperity far exceed the report I heard. 8 How happy are your men.[a] How happy are these servants of yours, who always stand in your presence hearing your wisdom. 9 May Yahweh your God be praised! He delighted in you and put you on the throne of Israel, because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel. He has made you king to carry out justice and righteousness.” 10 Then she gave the king four and a half tons[b] of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones.
    [Show full text]
  • 2 CHRONICLES ‐ Chapter Outlines 1
    2 CHRONICLES ‐ Chapter Outlines 1 9. Solomon and the Queen of Sheba 2 CHRONICLES [1] 10‐12. Rehoboam Over 2 Southern Tribes 2nd Chronicles is the Book of David’s Heritage. The narrative from 1st Chronicles continues 13. Jeroboam Over 10 Northern Tribes with the reign of Solomon, and the Kings of 14‐16. Good King Asa Judah down through Zedekiah and the 17‐20. Good King Jehoshaphat Babylonian Captivity. (note unholy alliance with Ahab) TITLE 21. Jehoram’s Reign [J] 1st & 2nd Chronicles (like Samuel & Kings) were 22. Only One Heir Left in the Royal Line of originally one Book. The Hebrew title Dibrey Christ, Joash Hayyamiym means “words (accounts) of the 23‐24. Reign of Joash [J] days.” The Greek (Septuagint) title, 25. Reign of Amaziah [J] Paraleipomenon, means “of things omitted.” This is rather misnamed, as Chronicles does 26. Reign of Uzziah [J] much more than provide omitted material as a 27. Reign of Jothan [J] supplement to Samuel & Kings. 28. Reign of Ahaz [J] The English title comes from Jerome’s Latin 29‐32. Reign of Hezekiah [J] Vulgate, which titled this Book Chronicorum 33. Reign of Manasseh (55) [J] Liber. 34‐35. Reign of Josiah [J] AUTHOR 36. The Babylonian Captivity The traditional author of Chronicles is Ezra the CHAPTER OUTLINES priest/scribe. The conclusion to 2nd Chronicles (36:22,23) is virtually identical with the 2 CHRONICLES 1 introduction to Ezra (1:1 3). Others choose to 1. Solomon began his reign with an act of leave the author anonymous, and call him the worship at the Tabernacle (2nd Chr.
    [Show full text]
  • Context: Psalm 96 Is a Psalm of Praise, Attributed to David. Nearly All 13
    Context: Psalm 96 is a Psalm of praise, attributed to David. Nearly all 13 verses of Psalm 96 are also found in 1 Chronicles 16:8-36, another Psalm of praise written by David. In 1 Chronicles 15 we see David victoriously bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. Then in 1 Chronicles 16 we see David bring it into the tent that he set up for it, and there was a large worship service. Amidst much singing, dancing and praise, David instructs the people to sing a Psalm in verses 8- 36 of chapter 16. Our psalm today, 96, as well as psalms 105 and 106, all contain portions of this psalm in Chronicles. Not only does this confirm Davidic authorship for these psalms, it also shows us the occasion for the use of this particular song: celebration and praise. In Chronicles the people were celebrating the return of the Ark to Jerusalem. David had just defeated the Philistines and was bringing the Ark into Jerusalem for the first time. This was signifying God’s presence returning, and there was a huge party in celebration for all of these events. Understanding its origins, we can see better how this psalm praises God with an emphasis on God’s rule and reign, as well as his presence for Israel. With a look backwards to the Ark arriving in Jerusalem, this Psalm also is looking forward to when the Messiah brings God’s reign over all the earth. God is the true king over all the earth, and he is coming to be here among us.
    [Show full text]
  • HIRAM of TYRE and SOLOMON Edward Lipiński University Of
    HIRAM OF TYRE AND SOLOMON Edward Lipiński University of Leuven Josephus Flavius took a particular interest in the relations between Hiram, king of Tyre, and Solomon. Describing their friendly relation- ship, maintained on a basis of equality, Josephus undoubtedly aimed at underscoring the importance of Solomon in the eyes of his non- Jewish readers, he was addressing in Jewish Antiquities, followed soon by Against Apion. 1. Josephus and His Sources The sources of Josephus were not only the biblical Books of Kings and the Books of the Chronicles, but also some Hellenistic historiogra- phers of the 2nd c. BCE, like Menander of Ephesus, Dius, and Eupo- lemus. Menander and Dius quote translated extracts from the Tyrian annals, while Eupolemus’ work contains letters allegedly exchanged between Hiram and Solomon. Although the writings of Menander and Dius were no primary sources, they were works independent from the Bible and, in consequence, had more appeal for the heathen readers of Josephus. They are unfortunately lost, and the quotations from both authors preserved by Josephus have most likely been excerpted from the History of Phoenicia compiled ca. 70–60 BCE by Alexander Polyhistor,1 who had copied large passages from his predecessors’ writ- ings. Josephus stresses the importance of the Hiram-Solomon relation- ship in his Jewish Antiquities and in the somewhat later booklet Against 1 Alexander Polyhistor, a native of Miletus, an ancient city on the Anatolian shore of the Aegean Sea, compiled excerpts from several Hellenistic historiographers, related to Phoenicia. Preserved fragments of his work have been collected by F. Jacoby (ed.), Fragmente der griechischen Historiker IIIA (Berlin: Weidmann, 1940) 96–121, with a commentary F.
    [Show full text]
  • 2 Chronicles 5 (Focus: Vv
    “In Unified Praise and Thanksgiving” © 2007, Sterling C. Franklin, Though free for your use and encouragement so long as you don’t say that you wrote the sermon, haha. Text: 2 Chronicles 5 (focus: vv. 11­14) Parallel Account: 1 Kings 8 Parallel Example: Acts 1­2 (Pentecost) Intro Prayer • Father, focus our hearts and attentions on worship • Father, soften our hearts (cf. Psalm 95:7b­11) • Father, unite us as a congregation to worship You (2 Chronicles 5:11­13a) • Father, thank You for for Your Word and the Promise that the Word will do the work that it needs to do (Isaiah 55:10­11) • In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Addressed: • How should we worship God? • In part, where should we worship God? • Inductively, what is worship? Background • The preparation of the Temple has lasted quite a while at this point. From David to Solomon, this section is finally getting to the climax of the finalization of the Temple. • In the chapter, the Ark of the Covenant is placed in the Temple with the intent of it being the final resting place for the Ark. • The Ark of the Covenant is also symbolic of the Presence of God. When the Ark of the Covenant was taken away earlier in the time of the priest Eli, Eli fainted and died (cf. 1 Samuel 4:18). • The LORD definitely shows His approval of the Israelites’ work and intentions in 2 Chronicles 5:11­14. Proposition: We should worship God in unified praise and thanksgiving (cf. 5:13). Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 5:1­14 (full text below) 1 Thus all the work that Solomon did for the house of the LORD was finished.
    [Show full text]
  • HEPTADIC VERBAL PATTERNS in the SOLOMON NARRATIVE of 1 KINGS 1–11 John A
    HEPTADIC VERBAL PATTERNS IN THE SOLOMON NARRATIVE OF 1 KINGS 1–11 John A. Davies Summary The narrative in 1 Kings 1–11 makes use of the literary device of sevenfold lists of items and sevenfold recurrences of Hebrew words and phrases. These heptadic patterns may contribute to the cohesion and sense of completeness of both the constituent pericopes and the narrative as a whole, enhancing the readerly experience. They may also serve to reinforce the creational symbolism of the Solomon narrative and in particular that of the description of the temple and its dedication. 1. Introduction One of the features of Hebrew narrative that deserves closer attention is the use (consciously or subconsciously) of numeric patterning at various levels. In narratives, there is, for example, frequently a threefold sequence, the so-called ‘Rule of Three’1 (Samuel’s three divine calls: 1 Samuel 3:8; three pourings of water into Elijah’s altar trench: 1 Kings 18:34; three successive companies of troops sent to Elijah: 2 Kings 1:13), or tens (ten divine speech acts in Genesis 1; ten generations from Adam to Noah, and from Noah to Abram; ten toledot [‘family accounts’] in Genesis). One of the numbers long recognised as holding a particular fascination for the biblical writers (and in this they were not alone in the ancient world) is the number seven. Seven 1 Vladimir Propp, Morphology of the Folktale (rev. edn; Austin: University of Texas Press, 1968; tr. from Russian, 1928): 74; Christopher Booker, The Seven Basic Plots of Literature: Why We Tell Stories (London: Continuum, 2004): 229-35; Richard D.
    [Show full text]
  • 2 Chronicles 1:1 2 CHRONICLES CHAPTER 1 King Solomon's Solemn Offering at Gibeon, 2Ch 1:1-6
    2 Chronicles 1:1 2 CHRONICLES CHAPTER 1 King Solomon's solemn offering at Gibeon, 2Ch_1:1-6. His choice of wisdom is blessed by God, 2Ch_1:7-12. His strength and wealth, 1Ch_1:13-17. Was strengthened, or established , after his seditious brother Adonijah and his partisans were suppressed; and he was received with the universal consent and joy of his princes and people. 2 Chronicles 1:2 Then Solomon spake, to wit, concerning his intention of going to Gibeon, and that they should attend him thither, as the next verse shows. 2 Chronicles 1:3 To the high place; upon which the tabernacle was placed; whence it is called the great high place , 1Ki_3:4. 2 Chronicles 1:4 He separated the ark from the tabernacle, and brought it to Jerusalem, because there he intended to build a far more noble and lasting habitation for it. 2 Chronicles 1:5 He put; either Moses, mentioned 2Ch_1:3, or Bezaleel, here last named, by the command and direction of Moses; or David, who may be said to put it there, because he continued it there, and did not remove it, as he did the ark from the tabernacle. Sought unto it, i.e. sought the Lord and his favour by hearty prayers and sacrifices in the place which God had appointed for that work, Lev_17:3,4. 2 Chronicles 1:6 i.e. Which altar. But that he had now said, 2Ch_1:5, and therefore would not unnecessarily repeat it. Or rather, who ; and so these words are emphatical, and contain a reason why Solomon went thither, because the Lord was there graciously present to hear prayers and receive sacrifices.
    [Show full text]
  • David Worships God in Jerusalem
    David Worships God In Jerusalem Bible Background • 1 CHRONICLES 15 | Printed Text • 1 CHRONICLES 15:1–3, 14–16, 25–29 Devotional Reading • 1 CHRONICLES 16:7–13, 28–33 Aim for Change By the end of the lesson we will EXAMINE the ceremony surrounding the Ark being brought to Jerusalem, APPRECIATE the diversity of responses that flow from authentic worship, and EMBRACE physical expressions as important aspects of worship. In Focus Allison and Mario Bishop have been for married 40 years. Three months before their anniversary they made dinner reservations at their favorite restaurant. Their four children planned a surprise anniversary celebration. They rented a ballroom, hired a caterer, and picked out flowers and decorations, all to make the celebration special. On the day of the celebration, it was Gary’s responsibility to get his parents to the site of the celebration. So he called the place his parents made reservations in advance and told them why he needed to cancel the RSVP. “Hello. My name is Mario Bishop. My wife and I have reservations for a dinner party of 23.” The manager pretended to check his list and not find their names. “This is ridiculous! We have a large group coming here for our anniversary dinner. What should we tell them? Sorry, go home?” Mrs. Bishop was very upset. But Gary stepped in and suggested a place a mile away that had good food. Gary’s wife, Gwen, told them she would call everyone about the change. When they all arrived, Mr. and Mrs. Bishop were genuinely surprised by all the people who came to celebrate their anniversary with them.
    [Show full text]
  • For a Thousand Generations 1 Chronicles 16:15, Ecclesiastes 1:4
    For a Thousand Generations 1 Chronicles 16:15, Ecclesiastes 1:4 Steve Hollaway Harbor Church February 17, 2013 The Bible begins with the story of creation, and so does our faith. The Nicene Creed begins with the words “I believe in one God the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.” The conviction that there is a Creator behind all that is affects the way we look at the world and think of ourselves. I am going to talk about climate change this morning as part of a national and ecumenical “preach-in,” but I want to “start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.” I read Genesis 1 as theological poetry. What is the theme of the poem? That God made everything and it was good. The beauty of the earth is not accidental; beauty reflects design. The world—from the stars far away to the smallest creatures near at hand—was created by God’s intention. Human beings are the climax of that creation, both male and female made in God’s image. Humans were made the same day as all the land-dwelling animals; we too are creatures. We are part of nature. Humans are given dominion (1:26) over all the other animals. Dominion means “rule,” so the first creation story in Genesis 1 does in fact give humans rule over animals—but not the planet. Since we are to rule in God’s image, the presupposition is that we will rule the animals as God would, having found them good. But when you come to Genesis 2 you find a second creation story, one which existed in Israel along with the first.
    [Show full text]