Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 15th (2 Chronicles 5, 6, Ezekiel 41, John 7)

2 Chronicles 5 describes the ark being brought to Zion and its resting place in the Most Holy Place. The final picture of immortality the cherubim - represents the unity of believers with their Lord.; as it was made out of the same piece of gold and perpetually recognising his sacrifice and glory. The choir praises the "chesed" i.e. the lovingkindness of Yahweh. Chapter 6 describes Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the house. Note the humility of Solomon as he offers his prayer and the repetition of the phrase - "Hear in heaven, Your dwelling place". No physical house can contain our magnificent Sovereign. The whole ceremony is blessed by God. Note the pertinence of the words that we must extend the LORD's tender mercies i.e. loving kindnesses to others as we surely recognise our need of Yahweh's mercy. Punishment would be brought to Israel for their disobedience to their Sovereign to bring the nation back to God. Once again there is an allusion to Psalm 132. Ezekiel 41 tells us of the inner temple and the folding double leaved doors. Verses 1-26 describe the entrance rooms to the inner circle of buildings which constitute the Most Holy Place. Readers are encouraged to consider the writings of Henry Sulley - an architect from Nottingham - on Ezekiel chapters 40-48 in his book titled "The Temple of Ezekiel's Prophecy". Palm trees and cherubic figures are to befound in the vestibules of the Most Holy Place. Ezekiel's enthusiasm was heightened by the coming visionof the future house of prayer for all nations. May our contemplation of this glorious day likewise enlivenour hope and desire to likewise be there.John 7 records an unannounced visit of Jesus to Jerusalem at the Feast of Booths i.e. Tabernacles. There was a division among the people, as to whether our Lord was a good man, or a deceiver of the people. Jesus arrives in the middle of the feast. Many were convinced that he was the Christ. Although officers from the Sanhedrin were sent to arrest Jesus they could not do so because his time had not yet come. Jesus prophesied to them of his ascent to heaven and the giving of the Holy Spirit. Some said that this was the prophet like Moses. Others rejected this idea just because our Lord was from Galilee. Jesus just like Jonah, also from Gath-Hepher in Galilee told his audience to consider the sign of the prophet Jonah. We have seen in our earlier studies that the sign had many levels of significance and spoke primarily both of Jesus' resurrection and witnessing.

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