Monday, December 1, 2014

1 Kings, Day 1 Readings

Solomon's Wisdom and the Building of the Temple  

Today's first reading tells Solomon's greatest trait as king -- his wisdom.  Soon after becoming king, Solomon prays to God and asks for wisdom and discernment in governing, rather than long life or wealth.  This pleases God, who grants great wisdom to Solomon.  Nowhere is Solomon's great wisdom displayed than when he hears the case of two women who both claim to the mother of the same child and decides which one is the mother.

Read 1 Kings 3:1-28  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection tells the seven year construction of the Temple, God's holy place in the middle of Jerusalem.  It also describes some of the elaborate furnishings made for the Temple.


Read 1 Kings 6:1-38  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Kings 1-4 today.