When they sin against you . . . and you . . . give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to his own land... (1 Kings 8:46)The long awaited temple has finally been completed. Solomon offers a grand dedication prayer with some rather odd elements.
Solomon takes it as a given that Israel will fall away from God and be exiled into a foreign land. It's awkward to believe that the king would be such a wet blanket during their greatest national celebration to date. However, this passage fits better with our premise that this collection of materials (Joshua through 2 Kings - called the Deuteronomic History) was gathered into its final form when the people were still stunned from their recent exile. We know chapters 24 and 25 of 2 Kings were written after the fall of Jerusalem. In the end he thrust them from his presence (2 Kings 24:20).
Imagine a nation's disbelief, having taken for granted that Jerusalem was invincible. The temple was in Jerusalem housing the greatest of all gods (they still probably weren't quite monotheistic - chasing after other gods is what got them in this mess). If Yahweh were the strongest god, how could they have been defeated?
Then we understand Solomon's odd dedication prayer.
Who's the audience? Not the people standing around listening to Solomon pray, but exiles from Jerusalem 350 years later wondering what happened and how they got there.
How do you account for hard times in your life?
Professor Irwin...
ReplyDeleteThe question "How do you account for hard times in your life" is very simple for me! I basically blame myself for the hard times in my life. I quit school and left home against my parents wishes...I got married and pregnant at 19 and 20. I have since then had three more children (still married to the same man for almost 18 years). I decided to go back to school and get an education rather late in my life.
I could have stayed home, finished school and did things the easy way...but I didn't!! I can't blame anyone but myself. It is not easy and we struggle (finacially and sometimes emotionally) everyday. My kids are my life and don't get me wrong I would not change anything. I am just saying there was things I could have done to make things easier than they are today.
I was going to ask you to keep my little girl (Kelsey, she's 4) in your prayers, she goes in the hospital April 16th to have tubes put in her ears. It is suppose to be a very simple procedure, but you never know!
Again "Thanks"!!
Cindy
Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for you and Kelsey. Keep me posted on how she does.
Blessings,
Tim
Professor Irwin,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to give you an update on Kelsey...she had her tubes put in on Friday and she is doing good. They have started her on antibiotics because she has a really bad cough and cold that I hope doesn't get any worse! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, I really appreciate it!
Cindy