Thoughts on the Bible Readings October 17th (2 Chronicles 8; Ezekiel 43; John 9, 10)

2 Chronicles 8 told of Solomon's accomplishments in the administration of his realm. Verses 1-2 tell us that 20 years were spent in the building of Solomon's own house and the Temple of the LORD. Verses 3-10 describe king Solomon's industriousness in providing for his kingdom. Verse 11 states that king Solomon built a separate palace for Pharaoh's daughter who seems to have been the love of his life and the wife spoken of in Psalm 45 and in the Song of Solomon. Verses 12-15 says that at the beginning of his rule Solomon was active in promoting the worship of Yahweh his God. Verse 16 returns to king Solomon's greatest accomplishment in the building of the Almighty's House. Verses 17-18 tell of the great golden wealth that came annually to Solomon. In Ezekiel 43 we have the climax of the prophecy with the King of Glory coming to his temple through the East Gate from whence it had left in chapter 10 verse 4. Also read Psalm 24 which was originally composed by David as it spoke of the glorious arrival of the ark in Jerusalem: see also Psalm 132 and 1 Chronicles 16. It is likely that this Psalm may be sung to celebrate the arrival of the King of Glory via the eastern gate as the temple is inaugurated. This eastern gate of the Sanctuary is reserved for the Messiah. We also have the arrangements for the altar, as there will be animal sacrifices in the kingdom. Animal sacrifices in the Kingdom, pointing backwards to Christ just as those under the Law of Moses had pointed forwards to him. In John 9 we have the 6th sign in the healing of the blind man. The discussion in this chapter is similar to the pattern established in chapter 5. Both the blind man and his parents are persecuted by the rulers for accepting Jesus. The formerly blind man gives a remarkable and compelling testimony that Jesus must be from God. The religious leaders spitefully cast out the man who has dumbfounded them with scriptural logic. Our Lord later finds this man in the temple so as to complete his restoration. These events most likely happened at the feast of the Dedication. John 10 is the magnificent account of Jesus being the door and the Good Shepherd. Christ had come that believers might have life and have it more abundantly verses 10-11. Our Lord by laying down his life for his sheep secured for believers that wonderful hope of eternal life in the kingdom of God. Once again the theme of chapter 10 contain echoes from and are an elaboration of chapter 5 i.e. that his sheep will recognise his voice. In the purpose of bringing salvation to believers he and his Father are one i.e. united - but our Lord's power is derived from his Father. The Jews reacted to our Lord's words and by claiming that he was speaking blasphemy. Jesus proves from Psalm 82 that the judges of Israel were called "god" as they spoke God's Word. The chapter
finishes with Jesus going across the Jordan for some months - in Perea - where he remains until the events of chapter 11 would bring him back.

Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow