Solomon – Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

There is nothing new under the sun

August 8, 2025

This statement is made in the book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament of the New International Version of the Bible. This is one verse that many say is not one hundred percent true. We all know that since this was written, many new things have come about. Or have they?

We have recorded history that tells of the technological progress that we have had in the last five hundred years or more. Over two thousand years ago there was no electricity, gasoline, steam power, or so many of the things that even our great grandparents had.

No indoor plumbing. Fireplaces heated homes and were used for cooking. They had not improved much from the previous two thousand years in the necessities of life. Animal power had been the modern technique to travel and farm or move equipment.

The problem is that we only have records of how things were in the last four to six thousand years. We are told our world is millions of years old. Is it possible that other cultures progressed to where we are today and then were destroyed? We have theories about what happened to certain types of animals that no longer exist.

Some say a worldwide flood. Others believe there was a catastrophic collision with a comet or meteor. Still others have speculated that civilization collapsed due to other circumstances. I would like to look at possibilities to see if the flood is a possible explanation.

The Old Testament of The Bible says that Jehovah asked a man named Noah to build a boat. He wanted all the land and air creatures to survive this flood. Stop and think about it. If there was even only one type of dog, cat, horse, cow, bird, or other animals that we currently have, the size of the vessel to transport a pair of animals is huge.

Today we know how to do this. Who is to say that at some point in the past we have not progressed as far as we have in the last few thousand years. Prehistoric may not mean that there was no technology. Things may have caused us to start over again.

I personally wonder about where the pyramids and many other structures that were built which archeologists can’t explain how they were created at that time. Easter Island and other ancient structures seem to have been created by someone who knew things that were only learned a few hundred years ago.

Some scientists believe that ancient astronauts came here and made these areas. I think if they did, we would have found proof of this somewhere in our universe. My theory is that all the flood stories in all the cultures in our world must have a common source. This event caused us to start over again at least once in all those unrecorded years.

Solomon could be correct in his assertion that there is nothing new under the sun. If they made it to a point where Noah or some other ancient man could build a ship to survive a devastating flood, what was destroyed by that tragedy? Don’t discount the Biblical account just because you don’t want to believe in a creator God. Use the brain you possess to decide if this could be possible, even if He did not give that mind to you.

Who is Agur the psalmist?

June 25, 2020

Who is Agur in Proverbs 30? I don’t know. If you do, comment below. Despite being down on himself, as many of us are from time to time, he knows the Lord is in control. He asks for only his daily bread. That is what we should desire as well. He gives us the reasons.

Those who are pure in their own eyes, see no reason to improve. This reminds me of the Pharisees in Jesus’ day. We misunderstand the same things he does. Especially a man with a woman. No matter how many years we have been married, we still don’t fully understand them.

In Proverbs 31 we have another writer that we know little about. There are no Israelite kings named Lemuel. These are instructions from his mother. She warns him against women, alcohol, and encouraging him to speak up for the poor and needy.

These last twenty-two verses are some of the most often read in Proverbs. They are especially used on Mother’s Day. Women are encouraged to follow this lady. Her husband is confident in her because she is good, wise in business, hard-working, and respected in the community. Even though nothing is said about her looks, she is beautiful on the inside.

Solomon’s reign ends

June 24, 2020

The relationship between King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba is told in 1 Kings 10. She comes all the way from her country, which is now known as Ethiopia. She arrived in Jerusalem with a large convoy and much to trade. Solomon gave her a personal interview and answered all her questions. She concluded that what she had heard in her own country was only half of what was told about the Israeli King’s true wisdom.

The wealth and magnificence of Jerusalem and Israel during this time was not to be compared with any other nation at that time. This was in response to what Jehovah had promised Solomon when he had requested wisdom instead of wealth or fame.

We also have the story of the Queen and Solomon in 2 Chronicles 9. The stories are mostly the same. The difference from First Kings and Second Chronicles is that Chronicles story ends with the death of Solomon. The books listed that tell of the other exploits of the third King of Israel are probably combined in all or part for the material in First Kings.

Remember when I said we would read about the reason why Solomon did not receive the same promise that his father, David, did? 1 Kings 11 tells us why Israel splits from Judah. We begin with all the women that became wives of the King. Seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. Imagine having sex with one thousand women.

This alone is a violation of the law of Jehovah. Most Hebrew men of that day would marry as many women as they could afford. The usual excuse is to have children to keep their flocks and maintain their property. Trading daughters to be wives of other rulers is to prevent wars.

The main sin listed here is the accommodation of the religions and gods of all these women. A place to worship Egypt’s deities and all the gods of the nations around them are also created by Israel’s King.

Before the death of Solomon is told, we read about the enemies of Israel including Jeroboam who will lead the ten northern tribes away from Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. This split is the end of the dynasty of King Solomon.

No one does not sin

June 24, 2020

Wisdom is the focus in Ecclesiastes 7. Many of the verses are repetitions from Proverbs. Not all of them are. “Death is better than your day of birth.” It is better to mourn than to feast. He advocates frustration over laughter.

Jehovah is the main thought after verse thirteen. Good and bad happens to everyone. An error is made by attributing evil to God. He may allow events that we view as less than ideal, however the sin in our world is responsible for the evil actions of others. Satan is also working freely on people.
If you respect Yahweh, you will avoid the extremes. Verse twenty has a New Testament concept. No one on Earth never sins. Solomon’s chauvinism is seen when he says that there is one righteous man among a thousand, but he has not known one good woman. If I had to please a thousand women, I would feel that same way.

Does it surprise you that in Ecclesiastes 8 the King says we should obey the King? One thing he says is that the sentence for a crime should be carried out quickly. He has seen one thing that perplexes him. The righteous being treated like the wicked should be. This makes him not understand what happens.

We must agree. Whose fault is it? Ours. If humans do not obey the Lord and treat others with love, how can we expect things to get better. Isn’t it hypocritical of the King to brag about everything he did? If he had not been so tied up in his own goals, he could have helped others’ lives not be so meaningless.

Everyone has the same future according to Ecclesiastes 9. We will all die and after that there is nothing else. Solomon has forgotten that Jehovah promised His people life with Him forever. He also warns us that we never know when our end will come. Solomon tells us to enjoy life with the wife that we love. With all the wives that he had, I wonder how many he loved.

Have you wondered why politicians are referred to as right and left? Ecclesiastes 10 may have the answer in verse two. Calmness is also praised. Pits, walls, stones, logs, and axes are also discussed. When he says, “fools multiply words” we need to make note and watch our speech.

Prejudice rears its ugly head when Solomon once again criticizes Kings that are not of royal lineage. Has be forgotten his own father had been a Shepard? “Money is the answer for everything” seems also to be an error on the part of the King.

Diversifying investments is encouraged in Ecclesiastes 11. Some of these wise sayings seem to be common sense. One of these is understanding what Jehovah does. Enjoy all your days, but don’t forget the bad ones, also seems to be common sense. God’s judgment will come.

Remembering Yahweh in our early years is a way to prevent a bad attitude in later years is in Ecclesiastes 12. Solomon has apparently reached this point because he declares everything as meaningless. The editor has added praise for the King’s wisdom. He and I have differing opinions.

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.

Trust in the Lord

June 15, 2020

Do you praise the Lord with your hands lifted high? The Psalmist who wrote the 134^th 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.

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?

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.

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.

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.”

Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Walk With a Servant

Tag: Solomon