Page 53 - Old Testament Survey Student Textbook

just? After David’s death, Solomon is established 4x, eliminating internal foes and establishing an
external treaty. Like his father, Solomon’s rise reveals cracks in his armor, signal of trouble power and
politics, no explicit sign God’s ordination characterization, 2 Sam 7, 2 Chr. 1

1 Kings 3-10 focuses on Solomon’s wisdom, wealth, wonder. This section is bracketed by divine dreams,
promised provisions (3-4, 9-10), centering on temple’s construction and dedication (5-8). As Solomon
sacrifices at Gibeon, God offers to grant a request. When Solomon asks for hearing heart, God promises
wisdom, wealth and wonder! Examples are immediately offered: wisdom (babies, districts, knowledge)
wealth (land, tribute, horses), wonder (surpassed, fame, nations) To fulfill YHWH’s promise to David,
Solomon builds a temple- 7 yrs. time, size, order of palace complex? YHWH stresses prerequisite
obedience (6:11-13). With return of the ark, God’s presence returns! In his prayer, Solomon stresses
YHWH’s foremost supremacy, Israel’s failed obedience and future hope in repentance (8)! After a
second dream warning Solomon to obey covenant (9), further examples are given of wisdom (Sheba),
wealth (golden era), wonder (excelled)- cracks?

On the next page are charts showing the different Kings, prophets/prophetesses, and
comparisons to activities in the book of 1-2 Kings.

11
Figure 1.1.7
DIVIDED KINGDOM “SCORECARD” (1-2 Kings)

ISRAEL JUDAH
9 Kings 19 Kings, 1 Queen
9 Ruling dynasties (families 2 Ruling Dynasties (families)
7 Assassinations 5 assassinations
1 suicide 2 Striken by God
1 Striken by God 3 exiled to foreign lands
All judged “evil” by the Kings Historian 8 judged “good” by the kings historian

Figure 1.1.8
12

Baal (of the Canaanites) vs. Elijah and Elisha (of Yahweh)

Baal, as storm-god, controls rains Elijah commands drought (1 Kings 17:1)
Baal ensures agricultural fertility and bountiful Israel experiences famine and drought, yet Elijah
harvest and Elisha provide grain and oil miraculously (2
Kings 4:1-7, 42-44)
Baal controls lightning and fire Elijah commands fire from heaven in the name of
Yahweh (1 Kings 18:38; 2 Kings 1:10-12; 2:11)
Baal controls life and death Elijah and Elisha raise the dead in the name of
Yahweh (1 Kings 17:7-24; 2 Kings 4:8-37; 5:1-20)

11 Ibid, P. 290. Figure 1.1.7 summarizes the Divided the kingdom, e.g. number kings\queens, ruling dynasties,
assassinations, suicides, etc.
12 Ibid, P. 292. Figure 1.1.8 is a short summary of battles between Baal and Elijah and Elisha.
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