Category: Bible Trekking

Justice for all

June 17, 2020

Be careful of bragging about things that have not happened yet is in Proverbs 27. Praise should come from others not ourselves. This praise helps make us better.

Friendship is to be cherished especially in those who are close. We are to help our friends improve.  

When Jehovah destroyed Israel and Judah, it was due to inequality and lack of justice as taught in Proverbs 28. Prayer is worthless to those who ignore the commandments of God.

Leaders should not be working for their advantage. Generosity and wisdom from the head of the country is needed. 

Too much criticism can cause people to be broken in spirit in Proverbs 29. Other sayings in this chapter are that men who complain a lot will trap all those around, but the wise can prevent anger. Anyone who believes lies will have a lot of liars around them. Honest people and dishonest one will always be in opposition. This means that when they seemingly are honest, but defend the dishonest, maybe they aren’t as reliable as you think they are.

A judge that treats the poor fairly will be in authority for a long time. True justice comes from the Lord. Discipline of a child benefits both the child and the parents. Pampering of a child leads to insolence.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger

Proverbs of the Hezekiah era

June 16, 2020

Proverbs 25 may sound familiar. These are from Solomon but compiled during the time of Hezekiah. Exalting ourselves, false testimony, and boasting are condemned. How to treat an enemy is mentioned. Quarrelsome wives are criticized.

Wise judgment is like gold and silver. Patience, temperance, and self-control are praised.

Contradictions in the Bible are a complaint many have. Proverbs 26:3-6 is said to contain these. If you act foolishly in front of a fool, you are sinking to his level. You need to present him with the facts. The foolish can become wise, but not until they recognize their own foolishness.

The lazy is another group that is dealt with here. They seem to always have an excuse for not working. They are too lazy to even feed themselves. 

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger

Trust in the Lord

June 15, 2020

Do you praise the Lord with your hands lifted high? The Psalmist who wrote the 134th Psalm did. Jehovah will bless you if you praise Him in any manner that you wish. Praise is voluntary and so is the manner of praise.

Our trust should be in God not in other people according to Psalms 146. All humanity returns to the earth we are made from. Only Jehovah is eternal. He is the creator of the universe. His promises endure when others fail you. Praise the Lord.

Praising Yahweh is the focus of Psalm 147. We praise Him for what He has done and what He is doing. Praise does not always involve music, but in this case it does. Peace and provision are two things we can praise Him for. Our ability to have the Lord’s law is by God through the Israelites.

Who is going to praise the Lord in Psalm 148? The angels, heavenly hosts, the sun, moon, stars, the heavens, the waters above the skies, creatures in the seas, animals both wild and domesticated, natural phenomenon, and every human regardless of their age or place in life are commanded to praise our God the creator of everything in the universe. We are reminded that He has a chosen people that should follow His commands. In today’s world, that is Christians.

Singing a new song in Psalm 149 we will praise Yahweh. We should rejoice in the one who made all of us and everything. Praise can involve dancing and music. It also comes from our mouths and hands. Praise will allow Him to solve our problems and rescue us. Praise the Lord. 

Concluding our reading of the Psalms with 150, we praise the Lord in His sanctuary in the heavens, for His power and greatness with music and dancing. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger

Dedication of the Temple

June 15, 2020

June 12, 2020

We will now begin to look at two different versions of the construction of Solomon’s Temple in 1 Kings 6. Four hundred and eighty years after the Exodus the work begins. We are given a detailed description of this structure.

Once again, however, there is a message from Jehovah that contains an “If” clause. They must obey everything He has commanded if they wanted Him to continue to abide there. No matter how beautiful the building, for God to stay, we must follow his instructions for our lives. Even if we take seven years or more for the construction.

Fire comes down from Yahweh in 2 Chronicles 7. After the Lord consumes the first sacrifice that is offered, many others are presented. This was just the start of the two-week party.

Solomon hears from Jehovah a second time. The blessings and the curses that were given to Moses are given to the King. He is told to follow God’s laws and his throne will be established. It ended at his death. We will look at the transgressions that caused this later.

We thank Jehovah in Psalm 136 for His goodness, creation, mercy, and miracles. His power and glory are great. His love endues forever, and we should thank Him for that.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger

The Ark goes to the Temple

June 15, 2020

When King David tried to bring the Ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, he encountered problems. In 1 Kings 8 they move it and the tent of meeting to the Temple area. The excitement of the event brought so many animals for sacrifice that they could not be numbered. The cloud of the presence of Jehovah filled the new Temple and the priests had to leave.

Solomon’s speech and prayer emphasized his father’s role in the construction of the building. He also enumerated all the things for which it would be utilized. His charge to the people to follow Yahweh’s commands and decrees ended the prayer. The two-week celebration ended with feasting and sacrifice. Like many of our Christian churches, no celebration is complete without food.

Another version of the Ark being transferred to the new Temple of the Lord is in 2 Chronicles 5. It was placed in the Most Holy Place where it would remain until to destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. Do you remember the Psalms of Asaph? He was present at this event. He, Heman, and others provided the music. As before we are told the presence of The Lord in a cloud forced the priests out.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger

Furnishing the Temple

June 14, 2020

Seven years for Jehovah’s Temple and Thirteen for the King’s palace according to 1 Kings 7. Does this sound lopsided? Not when you look at the size of the structures. If you build a house, you need furniture.

Let’s look at what was made for the Temple of the Lord. The massive sea that was used for ceremonial cleansing. Ten wheeled stands, bronze basins, pots, shovels, and sprinkling bowls were also created by Huram. Many other items are also listed. Tomorrow we look at 2 Chronicles.

2 Chronicles 4 begins with the bronze altar, and then lists the items from yesterday. Included in the list are the ten lampstands and the ten tables. Here we read of some gold wick trimmers, tongs, lampstands, lamps, wick trimmers, dishes, and censers. Each item had their specific purpose in the Temple.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger

Building the Temple starts

June 14, 2020

Hiram who was the King of Tyre sends word to Solomon after he becomes king of Israel in David’s place. In 1 Kings 5 he is willing to provide all the cedar and other wood needed for the Temple when the new king of Israel asks him. The quantity needed is very large and the craftsmen of Israel work with his men to float the logs to Solomon and prepare them for the work. The cost of everything needed is covered by taxes from the Israelites just like in our time. The stones had to be cut and made ready to be put in place at the building site.

We will now begin to look at two different versions of the construction of Solomon’s Temple in 1 Kings 6. Four hundred and eighty years after the Exodus the work begins. We are given a detailed description of this structure.

Once again, however, there is a message from Jehovah that contains an “If” clause. They must obey everything He has commanded if they wanted Him to continue to abide there. No matter how beautiful the building, for God to stay, we must follow his instructions for our lives. Even if we take seven years or more for the construction.

Preparations for building the temple that was planned by David is given in 2 Chronicles chapter 2. Building materials included wood, stone, gold, and silver. The materials are not the only things needed to build such a magnificent structure.

Craftsmen were required. Carpenters, stone masons, gold and silver smiths are just the start. A trade is made. The work would need unskilled laborers. For this he chose those who were not Israelites but lived in the country. There were 153,600 foreigners who were drafted to cut stone and carry it to the site. This may have been a violation of the law to treat outsiders as the Jewish people themselves.  

Our second account of the Temple being built is in the book of Second Chronicles in the third chapter. Here we are informed that the location Is on Mount Moriah at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. This is the location of the sacrifice that David made to stop the destruction of the people because he had violated God’s word and conducted a census.

The description of the structure is the same, but we are told the names of the pillars that were on the north and the south. Jakin means “He establishes” and Boaz is interpreted as “In Him is the strength.” Interesting names for posts, don’t you think?

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger

Humility is the fear of the Lord

June 14, 2020

Proverbs 22 tells us that humility is the fear of the Lord. We need to remain faithful to Him to show our children what is correct. The results of this are shown later.

Verse six is the one many quote about children that are raised in the fear and admonition of God. Many believe that their children will never rebel. This verse does not say that. It tells the parent that eventually they will return for permanently.

Diet is dealt with in Proverbs 23. Dining with the wealthy requires some discretion to prevent health problems. If you eat too much, it may be held against you. Drinking too much is also discouraged.

Moving boundary lines is also warned against. Promises of good fortune for the obedient are also given.

Wickedness and wisdom are two recurring themes in Proverbs and chapter 24 is no exception. Don’t envy the wicked because they are trouble-makers. Foolishness and scheming go hand in hand. The wicked will be snuffed out. Don’t worry about them.

A house is built by wisdom. The wise will prevails. The foolish do not understand God’s wisdom. Wisdom is like honey. Practical wisdom is discussed. An honest answer is like a kiss. Do your outside work first and then work inside. This is what we call common sense.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger

Are you married to a leaky roof?

June 13, 2020

Have you read any of these Proverbs that you do not agree with? Chapter 19 verse four says, “Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.” This the kind of action by the Jewish community that is condemned in the Prophets. The mistreatment of the poor is condemned. Often in these verses, we are told that the unrighteous will reap appropriate punishment.

Wives are complimented and insulted both in these proverbs? A quarrelsome wife is like a leaky roof. A prudent one is from the Lord. Shame and disgrace are brought upon a child that treats their parents with less than respect.

Do you need a reason not to drink? Proverbs 20 says that wine is a mocker and beer makes you a brawler. Most of us know this is true because we have seen others react these ways after a few.

Do you have an insight given by Jehovah? If so, you have the discernment to help determine what lies in the hearts of others. Your spirit may be the lamp of the Lord.

Leaders are given advice in Proverbs 21. The Lord can channel good things to the people. Pursue righteousness and love and find life, prosperity, and honor.

Justice is more important to God than our sacrifices. Our gifts to God should be done for the correct motive. Turning our back on the poor will come back on us. Do not use this verse as saying that you should give something to everyone who claims they are in need. The wise person gives only through organizations that do the most for the indigent. Read Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Man With the Twisted Lip” for more on this.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger

Love and faithfulness are Jehovah

June 11, 2020

We all believe that what we do is correct, but Proverbs 16 tells us that Yahweh looks at our motives. He judges us by them. He does not care about superficial actions or Religious actions and preferences.

Love and faithfulness will atone for our sins. When He sees these, He takes pleasure in us and protects us. Our trust in Him brings blessings. A last verse deals with using a device to gain knowledge of what is the desire of God.

Proverbs 17 asks if we listen to liars. Wisdom will prevent this problem. We are instructed to refrain from quarreling. This will lead to peaceful lives with our family and friends. Verse eight reminds me of the quotation “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.”

Are you an unfriendly person? Proverbs 18 tells us that they pursue selfish ends and start quarrels. Many comparisons are made between the foolish and the wise. “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower.”

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger