A Shift in Focus

Solomon’s story is a sobering story. He started out with so much promise. He built the temple according to his father David's instructions. When he dedicated it, after the priests brought the Ark of the Covenant from David's tent into the Holy of Holies, the Lord revealed His glory to the young king: [T]he house was filled with a cloud . . . So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God. (II Chron. 5:13c KJV) Awed by the presence of God, Solomon responded with a prayer of thanksgiving and praise.

But later, when Solomon was old, his heart was consumed by his many wives—he even joined them in their pagan ceremonies. The Bible tells us, Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord. . . . (I Kings 11:6a)

Because Solomon did not repent, judgment would not be averted; the kingdom of David was divided after Solomon’s death because Solomon shifted his focus. He lost sight of God and, as a result, he lost the favor and blessings of his youth.

Originally published August 7, 1987, and June 11, 1993.
Picture: Lois's garden, Spokane, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

A Prophetic Word

David is well-known as a shepherd, poet, musician, military leader, adulterer, city planner, and king. He united the tribes of Israel to form a viable nation. He established Jerusalem as Israel’s capital—and its centrality became a key Scriptural concept. He collected materials for the temple that his son Solomon would build and he made extensive plans for the design of the building. When he brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, David established temple liturgy.

Among all his accomplishments, however, David's prophetic messages are rarely emphasized. But Psalm 22, written by David, is a key prophetic image. It provides a vivid picture of Christ’s crucifixion: My God, My God, why have You forsaken me. . . ? I am poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint . . . They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots. (Ps. 22:1-8 NKJV)

Jesus learned Scripture as a child and He would have frequently quoted many Old Testament passages. He must have identified with David because many prophecies identified Him as the son of David. He knew all about the accomplishments of his forbearer.

Jesus also would have been familiar with Psalm 22, and He must have understood it as a prophecy related to His death. Although the rabbis or teachers of His time did not recognize a suffereing Savior, Jesus had a greater revelation than the rabbis. He knew how Romans killed people, and He knew how He would die. He told His disciples exactly what would happen to Him.

Jesus understood and received the prophetic Word of God.

Originally published March 6, 1987.

Inside the Tent

The ark of God’s presence did not have a permanent home during David’s lifetime. Before Saul and David became kings, the Israelites were a losely organized nation. The ark had rested in several locations and at one time it was even captured by the Philistines who were enemies of the Israelites. Although it had been returned, Saul had been content to leave the ark where it rested.

But the Ark of the Covenant was God’s ordained means of speaking to His people at that point in time. It was the focus of pure worship, and David determined in his heart to bring it to Jerusalem.

Moving the Ark was a monumental event—complete with tragedy, delay, blessing, and victory. David did finally succeed in bringing it all the way to Jerusalem where he had prepared a tent as temporary dwelling for it. Then he sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the Lord. (II Sam. 6:17 NIV)

Until David’s son Solomon built the temple, this tent housed the ark, and it was the center of worship. David wrote a psalm of thanksgiving: Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. (Ps. 96:9 NKJV)

David did not feel restricted when he worshipped before the ark. He and all who desired could experience God's presence and holiness in the special tent.

Originally published January 11, 1985.
Picture: Commercial display, Greater Twin City area, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

A Green Olive Tree

Saul became jealous of David—not only because David's of ever-increasing success on the battlefield. He also sensed the young man's anointing and destiny. Saul knew his kingdom was in jeopardy.

David eventually had to flee for his life. As he journeyed he made a brief stop at Nob where the Ark of the Covenant rested. While there, the priest Ahimelech fed him. The introductory lines of Psalm 52 describes David's response when he learned what happened in Nob after he left.

A man named Doeg saw David with the priest Ahimelech. Doeg, a man of evil heart, told Saul that Ahimelech had helped David. Because of Doeg’s betrayal, Saul killed eighty-five of God’s anointed priests and David’s life as a fugitive began in earnest. (I Sam. 21 &22)

David gained new appreciation for the depths of Saul’s intent that day. He was concerned about his own life, but he was appalled by the injustice of Saul's actions against God’s servants. And he mourned the loss. Small wonder that he cried, Why do you boast, O mighty man, of mischief done against the godly. . . ? God will break you down forever. (Ps. 51:1,5a RSV)

But David was not content to merely decry evil in others. He examined his own position as well—and he sought to reaffirm it. The psalm does not end until he could say, But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. (v. 8a) He knew he had to come before God and trust in God's love in spite of a great tragedy.

Originally published August 5, 1988.
Picture: Commercial display, West Fargp, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

A New Covenant

It was impossible for anyone to live by all of the Old Testament regulations or by the early covenants God made with His people. When the Pharisees and Levites of Christ’s time (and earlier) tried, their lives became unbalanced. In fact, the Old Testament is a history of people who failed to keep their part of their covenant with God—because they could not.

Many New Testament passages quote Old Testament prophets that foretold the coming Messiah who would set things right. The book of Hebrews quotes Jeremiah: The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah . . . I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. (Heb. 8:8b,12 NIV)

Jesus understood the prophets and approached the Law differently than the religious leaders of His time. He never denigrated the Law or its practice—He shifted attention away from regulations to the reasons behind them. He emphasized loving, doing good, blessing, and praying—even when dealing with those who mistreat you. (Lk. 6:28b)

But in the end, Jesus fulfilled the Law when He made an offering we can’t make. He offered Himself as the final sacrifice for sin. He is our New Covenant.

Originally published February 24, 1984, and February 11, 1983.
Picture: Viewed from the street, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

To Build the Tent/Tabernacle

The Tabernacle was an elaborate tent built by the Israelites as a worship center. It could be assembled and taken down again so they could move it when they traveled through the Wilderness. When assembled, it housed sacred articles—including the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat—and it became the symbol of God’s Presence among His people. It was also the place where people brought their sacrifices.

Many factors came into play when the Israelites built their Tabernacle. They needed silver, gold, fine linens, colorful threads, incense, oil, and other materials to follow God’s plan. (Ex. 35) God told Moses to collect an offering. When he did, everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering. . . . (Ex. 35:21a NKJV) They offered items given to them when they left Egypt.

Skilled craftsmen were necessary. Moses identified Bezaleel as the chief artisan. Aholiab was also identified by name. They joined together with every gifted artisan in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom. . . . (Ex. 36:2b)

The stiff-necked people of Israel were far from perfect—just like God’s people today. But they had God-given abilities, and God honored them by calling them into His service.

Originally published on October 16, 1981 and December 27, 1991.
Picture: Marigolds along I-90, Minnesota, 2009. Photo by Solveig.