READING FOR AUGUST 20, 2025: 2 CHRONICLES 2, LUKE 12, PSALM 84 2 CHRONICLES 2 This chapter is the Chronicler’s (likely Ezra’s) perspective of Solomon’s inter- action with Hiram (here called Huram) that we first encountered two days ago in 1 Kings 5. Again, Ezra’s interest was in giving those returning to Israel from exile in Babylon an idea of how the Temple first came to be. This would provide context for the rebuilding of the Temple.
In comparing the two texts, one notices that the number of supervisors listed in the two accounts differs: 2 Chronicles says 3,600 and 1 Kings as 3,300. They can’t both be correct; one represents a scribal copy error. This writer votes for 2 Chronicles as being correct because 3,600 is mentioned in vs 2, vs. 18, and calculates correctly when the entire foreign workforce as counted in vs. 17. It is unlikely a scribe would make the same mistake three times in a row.
One other difference is that Solomon gives Huram a much more detailed account of all the activities to take place in the Temple: burnt fragrant incense, showbread displays, burnt offer- ings every morning, evening, sabbath, and festival day. Again, these would be key reminders for the returning exiles. In fact, Ezra mentioned that Solomon did not think these should ever end, suggesting that even a 70-year exile to Babylon must not stop these activities from quickly resuming. One particularly endearing statement by Solomon speaks to his appropriate humility regarding this great task: “Who is able to build a house for Him, since the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain Him? And who am I, that I should build a house for Him” (vs.6). Not every leader today would be that vulnerable in front of a fellow head of state.
Another difference from the 1 Kings account is the additional information coming from Huram or Hiram. He makes this shockingly true statement in verse 12: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth.” Sadly, there are “Christian” ministers today who would not claim that the God of Israel, the God of the Bible, is the one creator of heaven and Earth. They might say that Christians believe this, but others from other traditions are not wrong to believe differently. Huram is not so squishy and neither is Jesus: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me”’ (John 14:6).
We also learn interesting facts about God-given talent. In verse 7 we see Solomon wanted the most skilled person possible to lead in all the artistic work for the Temple. Both he and Hiram knew that person was not an Israelite. Instead, it was “Huram-abi, a skilled man, endowed with understanding, the son of a Danite woman and a Tyrian father” (vs. 13). Huram-abi was not given one of the gifts of the Spirit, as are listed in 1 Cor. 12. He was a recipient of what can be called God’s common grace that benefits all people (Matt 5:45). This kind of grace given to non-believers is the theme of the thought-provoking movie and play “Amadeus.” Let’s thank God for Mozart.
READING FOR AUGUST 20, 2025 CONTINUED: LUKE 12, PSALM 84 LUKE 12 So many people came to see Jesus that they were trampling each other. At this height of popularity, Jesus warns about the leaven of the Pharisee, meaning their hypocrisy. Let’s all guard against this evil that so easily spreads. Know that all our words and thoughts will be public record one day. Notice the context of God knowing the number of our hairs and our great value compared to swallows: It’s that we don’t have to fear death. Surprised? Notice also that God wants us to actively confess Jesus in front of others. But what if we would like to keep our beliefs private? Seems like Jesus then won’t vouch for us in Heaven. The context suggests that not trusting the Holy Spirit to confess Jesus in front of others is unforgiveable.
Here is something we shouldn’t pray about: a bigger share of the inheritance. That’s greedy. Also greedy is a rich person seeking more. All he needs is his daily bread. Instead, downsize and give more money to the poor. Then focus upon kingdom of God priorities. That’s deferred income way better than any 401K. Speaking of the coming kingdom, we need to shift our focus to getting ready for heaven, not retirement. If we are serving Him when he comes or takes us home at our death, He will reward us with responsibility. If not? “Then the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect, and at an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in two, and as- sign him a place with the unbelievers” (vs. 46). Of course, the Lord knows about our physical limits.
Are those words above motivating or disturbing? Truth is true regardless of our reaction. Unfortunately, Jesus says that not everyone in our families will always believe His truth. This sadly creates division. What can be done? Eph. 6:4 says dads should instruct the kids; 1 Cor. 7:14 says believing spouses somehow sanctify their unbelieving spouse; and 1 Pet. 3:1 says wives can win their husbands to Jesus through their behavior. This is our most crucial mission field! Finally, Jesus tells us to judge. The context of this kind of judging seems to be a dispute between two parties that could be decided without going to court.
PSALM 84 Verses 1, 3, 5, and 8 all address God as Lord of Armies. HE WINS. He’s also called living, my King, my God, God of Jacob, residing in Zion, a shield, a sun, giver of grace, of glory, and all good things. Let’s reflect with the Psalmist on all that God is—each virtue, each meta- phor. Pray that we would yearn in our hearts for this many-dimensional God of the Bible, not a flat God of our own creation. He’s much greater than we’ve thought. That’s why Israel should obey all God’s commands His way. That’s why we should seek first the kingdom of God instead of our retirement recreation. We won’t be sorry for walking with the Lord! “He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity...Blessed is the person who trusts in You!”
