Proverbs 8-10

Proverbs 8 - the narrative point of view switches to "wisdom" herself talking. Wisdom says she is more valuable than money and was created by God before God created the natural world. Taken together with the prior verses that God is the source of wisdom, I think this means that wisdom is in essence part of the mental processes of God.

Proverbs 9 - the narrative point of view shifts to the second and third person to lay out a few instructions. The wise are teachable and correctable while the wicked (foolish) scorn it. The narrative shifts again by discussing a character named "Folly". Folly encourages people to steal. This leads to death.

Proverbs 10 - finally, a listing of proverbs begins. This chapter is 32 verses, each of which contains an individual proverb which makes the chapter extremely dense. The common themes are laziness, money, slander, lies, and contrasting wickedness with godliness. The one that made me pause in reflection the most was that wise harvests during the summer and the one who sleeps through the harvest is a disgrace. (v. 5)

It reminded me of the months between December 2011-March 2012 where my work hours were crazy and that had to be a priority. Those few months were my own "harvest" season with lots to do, but also came with it lots of opportunities to gain experience and demonstrate my capabilities to my coworkers. So, I worked that period of harvest. But I think the principal applies to all jobs - there are seasons of harvest and if you harvest during those seasons, it pays off. If you don't work during harvest season, the opportunity and reward will pass by.

Proverbs 5-7

Proverbs 5 - basically, avoid prostitutes and go back to your wife. Let her breasts satisfy you. (5:19).

Proverbs 6 - don't guarantee a friend's loan (and they had the jubilee debt forgiveness going on too), don't be lazy, no sex with another man's wife, and 6, no 7 things God hates.

Proverbs 7 - Solomon watches a young man meet a married woman in the streets and gors home with her.

Proverbs, generally

Proverbs is interesting because it seems to be the only book (to my knowledge) that is written as a conversation with the reader. Solomon employs the first and second person to speak intimately and personally with the reader.

Proverbs is famous for its proverbs, i.e., words of wisdom. It has pithy pearls of wisdom, but it also contains Solomon's distinct personality in a way that Psalms reveals David as an individual.

So, what can we say about Solomon as the author of Proverbs? He recognizes his wealth, power, and success comes from God. I also think that the conversational tone of the book reflects an awareness of him that he is renowned for wisdom. He has a special gift and he knows it. He knows he has a lot to say, more than anyone else. So, he takes on the persona of father (a wisdom father) to speak to his children (his wisdom children/students).

Proverbs 1-4

There are a lot of nuggets in them. What stands out to me:

1. fear of the Lord is the foundation of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline (1:7). Relatedly, God is the source of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. (2:6).

2. Part of wisdom is seeking wisdom.

3. The first listed advice after listening to God/your parents is to not commit murder

4. A lot of the opening chapters of proverbs focus on listening to your parents and humility to God,

5. If we honor God with the best of our material possessions, God will bless us with material possessions. (3:9-10).

1 Kings 4; Psalms 72 and 127

1 Kings 4

Solomon has a massive empire and peaceful borders. Word of his wisdom and knowledge spread. Countries from abroad send him ambassadors to meet with him. He also spends his time writing proverbs and studying he natural world.

This is the Golden Age of ancient Israel.

He even wrote a few psalms:

Psalm 72 - Solomon prays for blessings on the king. The psalm asks for many of the blessings that Solomon had, so I wonder if this was intended to be a prayer/blessing for his heirs.

Psalm 127 - Solomon analogizes about construction and guarding cities to psalm reflects a trust in God as well as the futility in not trusting in God. He also discusses the importance of having children.

1 kings 10; 2 chronicles 8-9

These cover Solomon's immense wealth and the visit by the Queen of Sheba.

1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5-6

These cover corresponding (somewhat duplicative) accounts of the dedication of Solomon's temple.

It is the Festival of Shelters. All Israel comes to Jerusalem and begins sacrificing countless animals. Solomon has the ark brought into the temple. Levites place the ark in between the two cherubim of the inner sanctum.

Joyous music, worship, and prayer breaks out. Then, a thick cloud fills the temple, which is reminiscent of the events of Sinai. Actually, I don't think we have seen God take cloud form since the 40 years of wilderness. The cloud is so thick that the priests cannot continue their duties.

This prompts Solomon to do a long prayer of dedication of the temple. What stands out to me in it is that he anticipates foreigners coming to see the temple of God and praying.

Solomon then offers up 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep. This is their first Festival of Shelters with the temple. So, I wonder if the temple becomes the permanent location for it.