The ark of the covenant was brought from the city of David. Solomon’s Temple was on Mount Moriah and was located to the north of the city of David which is Zion – Zion was later used to refer to the entire city of Jerusalem and also to the heavenly abode of God.

The passage lists the various aspects of the temple as part of this pattern that God had given him. Therefore, the pattern for Solomon’s temple comes from God and must have special spiritual significance.

The day of redemption for Israel will be a day of refreshing from the Lord (v.1), a day of removal of false prophets (v.2-5), a day of remembrance of the rejected shepherd (v.6-7), and a day of refining for the remnant of the people (v.8-9). It is the day when the people of Israel will say, “The LORD is my God.” We can all rejoice in what a day that will be!

In this chapter, both Sarai (Sarah) and Abram (Abraham) are impatient and cannot wait for the Lord to fulfill His promise of a son. Sarah offers her handmaid Hagar to Abraham as a means to a son and Abraham quickly accepts the offer. Their refusal to wait on the Lord results in additional trials and sorrows. It has always been and will ever be so.

Adonijah desires to usurp the throne of David, but the throne was to be Solomon's. Adonijah received news that Solomon had been anointed and he ran for his life.

Most people will not slow down to understand difficult passages like this. It deals with the architecture of Solomon’s Temple and uses unfamiliar words. But, for most of us, the passage is no more difficult than a description of a modern building by an architect. We would have to work to understand that as well. Be willing to look up some words and take time to understand the structure. Realize also that you will not be able to answer all your questions. However, your efforts will be rewarded. And your increased understanding of the Temple will prepare you to receive spiritual truths behind the physical structure. May the Lord help you in this special study.

Solomon began to build the temple for which he is famous. Here we learn of the general dimensions, the coverings, the cherubim, and the pillars. Most people tend to see portions of scripture like this as difficult and boring. However, many hidden treasures are reserved to those who take the time to look for them.

Abner had killed Joab’s brother, Asahel, in battle. Joab cannot wait for the Lord but must exact his own vengeance.

Samuel’s rule as judge was not without its problems. His sons fell short of Samuel’s example and the people demanded a king.

God has started speaking again and He has placed His hand on the youth Samuel.