June 8
1 Kings 3:3-4:34
Acts 6:1-15
Psalm 126:1-6
Proverbs 16:26-27
1 Kings 3:9 – May we pray for wisdom as well. Too often people pray for health, wealth, and prosperity, when God wants to give us all that – but first wisdom. And if we don’t walk in God’s ways – we’re not getting the fringe benefits. (1 Kings 3:14)
1 Kings 4:21 – Solomon’s reign seems impressive but – as Samuel warned in I Samuel 8:14-15 – he will take your fields, vineyards, olive groves, grain, vintage, and more! While prosperity is fun, it is also expensive (1 Kings 12:4).
1 Kings 4:25 – This verse is the first use of George Washington’s favorite phrase “every man under his vine and under his fig tree.” Professor Daniel Dreisbach has written extensively on this.
A preliminary survey of Washington’s papers reveals that he quoted this phrase on nearly four dozen occasions during the last half of his life. Most, but not all, references were made in private missives, anticipating a retirement to Mount Vernon, his beloved home on the south bank of the Potomac River. Washington, it should be noted, was not alone among his contemporaries in his attraction to this Hebrew blessing.4 Even Martha Washington borrowed the phrase in her correspondence.5
1 Kings 4:26 – Solomon is violating Deuteronomy 17:16.
Acts 6:10 – Stephen’s job description was to “serve tables” (Acts 6:2), but he spake with wisdom and the Spirit. They charged him (Acts 6:14) with the same charge they attacked Jesus with (Mark 14:58).
Psalm 126:1-3 – From Vice President Mike Pence:
It was an amazing moment I’ll never forget… when three Americans stepped onto the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews and gave me a signed personal note with Psalm 126 on the back.
“When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion… The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
To these men of faith and courage – God bless you and welcome home!
Psalm126:6 – Spurgeon has a great outline:
- A sojourning: “He that now goeth on his way.”
- A sorrowing: “weeping.”
- A sowing: “and beareth forth good seed.”
In the regress there are three opposites unto these.
- Returning: “He shall doubtless come again.”
- Rejoicing: “with joy.”
- Reaping: “and bring his sheaves with him.” –John Hume.
Proverbs 16:26 – From Barnes:
He that laboreth – literally, as in the margin, i. e., “The desire of the laborer labors for him” (or, helps him in his work), “for his mouth urges him on.” Hunger of some kind is the spring of all hearty labor. Without that the man would sit down and take his ease. So also, unless there is a hunger in the soul, craving to be fed, there can be no true labor after righteousness and wisdom (compare Matthew 5:6).
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