Message to Kings - A Biblical History of Man

Before we transition away from the deep character development of David and Solomon, we take a break and discuss the upcoming two kingdoms, some podcast extras, personal reflections and just speak to the audience of Message to Kings. www.messagetokings.com

At the end of King Solomon's life, most scholars believe he wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes. Though Solomon still had the gift of wisdom, he suffered from the effects of excessive idol worship. In this episode, we cover the death of Solomon, his legacy and his final words in the Book of Ecclesiastes. 1 Kings 11:41Ecclesiastes 1-12Romans 11:291 Chronicles 12:32Nehemiah 13:26www.messagetokings.com

As Solomon bows his knees to every god around, his economy begins to decline and enemies arise up to challenge Israel. Three distinct enemies arise to challenge Israel. Two of them directly and the other indirectly are funded and supported Egypt. In this episode, we discuss the birth of Israel's future enemies and the prophecy of Ahijah. 1 Kings 11:14-36www.messagetokings.com

At the height of Solomon's power, it stated every man owned his own fig tree or vine. By the end of his reign and after his death, Rehoboam, Solomon's son, is confronted with these words “your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” In this episode, we discuss how this could have happened, the economic aspects, Solomon's failures and practical applications of economic downturns. 1 Kings 12:4Proverbs 14:34John 15:1-2www.messagetokings.com

Once Solomon completes his palace, something triggers inside of him and over the course of time and through persistent disobedience and foreign marriages to idol worshipping women, his heart is turned away from God. While King David stayed home in the Spring when the kings go to war, Solomon loved many foreign women. In this episode, we cover Solomon's fall from grace and his disastrous marriages and sins. 1 Kings 11:1-13Proverbs 4:231 Kings 18:212 Chronicles 9:13www.messagetokings.com

The Bible is full of type and shadows of things to come. At the height of King Solomon's power, he is a picture of the Lord's Reign at the end of the age. In this episode, we discuss King Solomon at his greatest, we cover basic eschatology, the mountain of God and the last two chapters of the Bible. Micah 4:1-4Revelation 21:1 - 22:5www.messagetokings.com

After thirteen years of construction, King Solomon has completed his palace. The palace was a magnificent structure with three rows of fifteen cedar columns. It housed the king's quarters, his throne and outside colonnade. One of the first scenes after the completion of the palace was the visitation by a foreign queen - the Queen of Sheba. In this episode, we cover Solomon's palace, the visitation of the Queen of Sheba and we discuss her potential identity and conclude with her incredible new testament reference by Jesus. 1 Kings 10:1-9Matthew 12:38-42www.messagetokings.com

While King Solomon's palace was being built, he continued to strengthen the walls of Jerusalem, trade horses, accumulate treasure, exchange riddles with foreign kings and establish new cities. One of these cities was at the extent of his kingdom in the heart of Syria called Palmyra. In this episode, we discuss the significance of Palmyra and its impact on the world and speak to the current Syrian refuge crisis. 1 Kings 10:26-29www.messagetokings.com

In addition to his assistance with craftsmen and timber for the Temple of Jerusalem, King Hiram of Tyre partnered with Solomon to build ocean going fleets for both the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans. The Bible recounts three year trading fleets returning with Baboons, Apes, Monkeys, Peacocks and Gold from foreign lands and Josephus confirms India as one of the destinations. In this episode, we cover the trading fleets of Solomon and the importance of a gentile ruler such as Hiram, King of Tyre. 1 Kings 9:26-282 Chronicles 9:21www.messagetokings.com

In Matthew 22:34, an expert in the law asked Jesus a question. He asked Jesus what was the greatest commandment. Jesus responded "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." How is this commandment possible? The only way for us to truly love God is for us to have to intimacy with him and have his love and to give it away to others. In this episode, we discuss the Song of Solomon and the concept of intimacy and the love with God, Biblical marriages and how to love others like Jesus commanded. Song of Solomon 1-8Matthew 22:34-40Luke 10:25-37www.messagetokings.com

Most of the Book of Proverbs was most likely written or compiled in King Solomon's first twenty years before his palace was completed. In this episode, we cover the historical setting, its contents and practical applications of the Book of Proverbs today. Proverbs 1-31www.messagetokings.com

The grand opening of Solomon's Temple was fantastic! When the Ark was placed in the Holy of Holies, the Glory of Lord began to fill the temple preventing the Levites from conducting their sacrifices. Beneath the Glory Cloud, Solomon steps up and prays for himself, his nation, his people and intercedes on behalf of his descendants. Once Solomon has completed his prayers, he calls upon God to come and fill and rest in the Temple and God's response was fire from heaven that consumed the sacrifices and later Solomon's second encounter. 1 Kings 8 - 1 Kings 9:92 Chronicles 5-7Proverbs 16:10www.messagetokings.com

In the fourth year of his kingship, Solomon laid the foundation stones for the Temple of Jerusalem. Taking a total of seven years, Solomon built one of the most artistic, creative and expensive objects ever created by mankind. In this episode, we cover the Temple of Jerusalem and how this relates to New Testament believers today. 1 Kings 61 Kings 7:13-511 Corinthians 6:19Genesis 2:7Ecclesiastes 3:10John 7:38Isaiah 60:1www.messagetokings.com

As the legend of Solomon grows, the prosperity of Israel only increases and nations come to meet this man full of wisdom and honor. The treasury expands daily in great measure and Solomon fame increases as he reorganizes the Kingdom of Israel and the Bible gives extensive detail as to his relationship with Hiram, King of Tyre, and Solomon begins the temple project, one of the most expensive buildings ever built. 1 Kings 4:20 - 1 Kings 5Psalm 72Psalm 104:16www.messagetokings.com

Immediately after Solomon asks for wisdom, the Bible has the account of Solomon and the two Harlots. In one of the greatest judicial rulings in world history, Solomon showed there was a God in Israel and he spoke through their king. 1 Kings 3:16-28Hebrews 4:12Deuteronomy 30:19Proverbs 29:2Proverbs 14:34www.messagetokings.com

After a few years as King of Israel, Solomon begins to feel the weight of the kingship and struggles with administering justice to the people. With this heavy heart, Solomon conducts a pilgrimage to Gibeon and offers a thousand burnt offerings. After the long day of religious duties, Solomon went to sleep. In the night, in his sleep, Solomon encountered God in a dream. In this episode, we cover Solomon's dream encounter with God and the Spirit of Wisdom. 2 Kings 3:4-13James 1:5Jeremiah 33:3www.messagetokings.com

King Solomon walks into an immediate two-fold blessing as king of Israel. These blessing are hidden in his two names. The name Solomon means Peace, yet Solomon is also called Jedidah by God in 2 Samuel 12. Jedidah means God's Beloved. The blessing of God's beloved is evident in the romantic Song of Songs and the man of peace will be evident in his blessings and the Book of Proverbs. In this episode, we cover King Solomon - God's Beloved and God's rules for Kings and his heart for his children. 2 Kings 3:11 Kings 9:16Deuteronomy 17:16www.messagetokings.com

After the failed coup of Adonijah, David gave Solomon very specific orders on how to deal with his internal enemies. His orders were a very distinct departure from the mercy David displayed throughout his life. In an apparent contradiction, we see a type and shadow of the end of the age and the Great White Throne of Judgment. 1 Kings 2www.messagetokings.com

Before we advance into the story of Solomon, we are going to set aside some time to discuss some of the supernatural aspects of Biblical History and possibly how it intersects with science and history and the Awesomeness of our God. www.messagetokings.com

Join us on this program as we have a talk history episode and discuss the intersections of Egyptian History to the History of God's people - the Israelites. In this episode, we pull from multiple resources like David Down's works, answersingenesis.com and the recent documentary Patterns of Evidence Exodus to setup the kingdom time period of King Solomon and his connections with Egypt.Co-Host: Brant Frostwww.messagetokings.com

After David falls ill and he appoints his son Solomon to be king after him, he assembles all of the leaders of Israel and gives his final speeches. Amongst the piles of cedar logs and storehouses of gold and precious gems and treasures stockpiled for the enormous temple project, David gives his final words to the leaders dictating detailed building plans and instructions for after his death. In this episode, we discuss David's final words to the leaders of Israel and his son Solomon and take time for personal reflections upon this great man of God. 2 Samuel 23 1 Chronicles 22 - 29 www.messagetokings.com

King David falls ill and the Bible says that he cannot keep warm, even without covers. The king's failing health inspires dark motivations in Adonijah, the fourth son of David. Adonijah, with the support of Joab and Abiathar, calls himself king. In reaction to this, Nathan the prophet and Zadok the priest and Benaiah and David's guard come to the aid of David, who is petitioned by Bathsheba to announce the kingship of Solomon. In this episode, we discuss the succession of crisis of David and the intercession of Bathsheba. 1 Kings 1www.messagetokings.com

In one of David's final actions before his death, he commands Joab to take a census of the fighting men. Joab and the army commanders refute David's command, but David persists. As the results of the census come in, David is convicted of the sin of pride and possibly greed and as a consequence of this sin, a plague strikes Israel which only David's intercession upon the future temple mount could atone for. 1 Chronicles 212 Samuel 24Numbers 1:2 Numbers 26:2Exodus 30:11www.messagetokings.com

After the death of Absalom, David struggles for power and Joab invites further judgment even as another full blown rebellion occurs, whose bloodshed is only averted by an unnamed woman who intervenes and whose actions are symbolic of the future teachings of Solomon. 2 Samuel 18:19 - 20:26Proverbs 1:20 - 1:23Proverbs 3:1 - 3:20www.messagetokings.com

Like a political and spy drama, intrigue unfolds in the city of Jerusalem as Absalom is given wise and false advice regarding his next actions. In the end, David's prayer was answered and Ahithopel's advice was turned into foolishness. Absalom gathering the regular army of Israel and those that would follow him and marched to fight David at Mahaniam. The result was the Battle of Ephriam Wood and the end of the rebellion of Absalom and we conclude this episode with a look at the legacy of Absalom. 2 Samuel 17 - 2 Samuel 18:18www.messagetokings.com

Once Absolam goes to Hebron and declares himself king, his rebellion increases in strength and numbers and David has to evacuate Jerusalem. Upon his evacuation from Jerusalem, David and his court and his mighty men marched for two miles to and up the Mount of Olives. The two mile march is filled with weeping and mourning and prophetic symbolism. In addition, the psalms written during or about this time period express the true heart of David. The mourning and sadness of the march combined with the prophetic gift of worship touch the heart of God to such proportions that psalms 22 and others speak of the future suffering of Jesus upon the cross and the forgiveness of all sins on the cross at Calvary. 2 Samuel 15:13 - 2 Samuel 16:14Psalms 3, 55, 38, 42 and 22www.messagetokings.com

Taking a break from our normal timeline, we put on a dramatic audio presentation look at David's troubles from 2 Samuel 11 compared to the courage and bravery and boldness demonstrated by his men in the gigantic battle at the Gates of Rabbah from 2 Samuel 10. 2 Samuel 10 - 11Special Thanks:Jason Watson www.nightwatch.squarespace.comCharacters:King David: Jason Watson Bathsheba: Jessica WatsonUriah: Jason WatsonJoab: Eliot ShipmanAbishi: Ian ShipmanSoundfx: www.freesfx.co.uk

After Amnon's rape of Tamar, the Bible says that King David was furious, but it does not state he disciplined his son. The lack of detail implies King David did nothing, which fueled the hatred between Absalom, the brother of Tamar, and Amnon. After two years, Absalom killed Amnon to avenge the rape of his sister. After the murder of his brother, Absalom fled from Israel and is allowed back into Israel after three years, but not allowed to see the king for another two years. Five years of not seeing his father and the rejection of his father led Absalom to full-blown rebellion. In this episode, we discuss the rebellion of Absalom and the spirit of rejection. 2 Samuel 13:23 - 15:12www.messagetokings.com

Temporary self-satisfaction and sin always has long-term consequences. While God forgives, consequences for our sins still have long ranging consequences. The seeds of sin that David committed with Bathsheba have not yet born fruit, until now. Amnon, the eldest son of David, falls in love with Tamar, the daughter of David, and he commits a heinous crime against her. In this episode, we discuss the horrible crime of rape and the spirit of self hatred. 2 Samuel 13:1-22Ephesians 4:11-12Leviticus 18:9Deuteronomy 19:15www.messagetokings.com

The Wars with the Philistines are not over. Goliath still has four brothers and they challenge Israel. In this episode, we present a fictional perspective from 2 Samuel 21 and the challenges waged against Goliath's brothers. 2 Samuel 21:15-20www.messagetokings.com

After David's sin with Bathsheba and repentance, a famine hits the land. David inquired of the Lord and God said the famine was the result of Saul genocide of the Gibeonites. David, in turn, went to the Gibeonites and asked what may I do to make atonement. The Gibeonites asked for the death of seven of Saul's descendants. In this episode, we discuss what David does to atone for the sin of Saul. 2 Samuel 21:1-14Genesis 4:9Hebrews 11:4Exodus 34:6Matthew 5:7www.messagetokings.com

After David sins, God sends Nathan the Prophet to confront David regarding his sin. Nathan tells David a story of a shepherd who entertains a stranger, but he refuses to kill one of his many lambs to feed the stranger, but instead, he seizes an only lamb from a neighbor to feed the stranger. When David declares this man should pay back fourfold what he took, Nathan points straight at him and says "you are the man." In this episode, we discuss David repentance and the immediate and future judgment that awaits him for his sin and we cover what we do when a Man of God sins. 2 Samuel 12Proverbs 27:5www.messagetokings.com

In the Spring when the kings go to war, David stayed home and enjoyed the comforts and luxury of his capital and his palace. One day when David was on the top of his palace, he saw a woman bathing and summoned her to his bed chamber. In this episode, we discuss the lustful sin spiral of David and his sins of adultery, murder and betrayal. 2 Samuel 11John 2:16Matthew 5:8Matthew 6:9www.messagetokings.com

Following the First Aramean War, the Ammonite king died. Hanun, the new king, severely mistreats King David's ambassadors provoking David to war. David sent Joab and Abishai to swiftly punish the Ammonites, but the Army of Israel walks into an ambush.In this episode, we discuss the Second Aramean War and the climatic moment when Joab and Abishai are surrounded and David's army faced possible annihilation. 2 Samuel 10www.messagetokings.com

King David, the benevolent monarch, sits in his palace and declares these words: “is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” Then, David learns that Jonathan, his best friend, has a surviving son named Mephibosheth, who is lame in both feet. Mephibosheth goes to the king assuming his life was going to end because he was the surviving grandson of the previous King Saul, but instead King David does something, again, that is way beyond his time and shows the heart of God towards his children. 2 Samuel 9Matthew 25:34

Over a two year period, David takes his army and defeats the Philistines, the Moabites, the kingdom of Aram and Zobah and the Edomites. When it is over, the territory conquered was in fulfillment of the land promise to Abraham from Genesis 15. In this episode, we cover the military campaigns of David to arrive at this high watermark for Israel. 2 Samuel 8Genesis 15:18Psalm 18www.messagetokings.com

Once the Ark of the Covenant is brought back to Israel, David places the Ark in a giant tent. He assigns Asaph and nine of his associates to worship before the Lord continually. In this episode, we discuss the significance of what became known as the Tabernacle of David. 1 Chronicles 16Amos 9:11Acts 15:13John 4:21www.messagetokings.com

After the Ark is transported to Jerusalem, it is placed in the Tabernacle of David. David sees the Ark resting in a tent and he tells Nathan, the Prophet, he desires to build a temple for the Ark. Nathan agrees with his idea, but in the night, God speaks to Nathan and declares David cannot build the temple, but instead gives him an eternal promise. In this episode, we discuss the eternal promise of David. 2 Samuel 7:1-291 Chronicles 22:8www.messagetokings.com

The Ark of the Covenant remains at Obed-Edom's house for three months and Obed-Edom household becomes so blessed it draws the attention of King David. King David decides to give it another go. He brings all of Israel to Obed-Edom's house to bring back the Ark of the Covenant. In this episode, we discuss David's actions and the Spirit of Worship. 2 Samuel 6:12-23www.messagetokings.com

Once Jerusalem becomes Israel's Capital, David and Israel go to the House of Abinadab to retrieve the Ark of the Covenant and take it to to Jerusalem. Instead of triumph and a glorious march to Jerusalem with the Ark, tragedy strikes. In this episode, we discuss the causes of this tragedy and the spiritual concepts at work in this account. 2 Samuel 6:1-11www.messagetokings.com

After David takes Jerusalem and establishes it as his capital. Hiram, the king of Tyre, brings gifts to David and assists in building David a palace and Jerusalem is fortified and built up. Once the Philistines learn of David's establishment and the unified threat to their east, they rally and bring about two successive battles in the Valley of Rephaim, yet it was the Lord of the Breakthrough which showed himself in the Valley of the Giants.2 Samuel 5:11-25www.messagetokings.com

Once David is officially king over all of Israel, he wastes little time. With the assembly of the allegiance of the Northern Tribes, David marches on Jebus, the impregnable Jebusite fortress in Southern Israel. In this episode, we cover the capture of Jebus, to be renamed the City of Jerusalem, and parallel it with the capture of Jerusalem by the Israeli army in the Six Day War of 1967. 2 Samuel 5:6 - 5:10

After Abner is assassinated, Ish-Boseth is assassinated as well. David's treatment of the assassins is a classic of justice. Did the murderers of Ish-Boseth not know what David did with Saul's assassin? Upon Ish-Boseth's death, all of Israel comes to Hebron to crown David king. Over 300,000 able bodied men arrive and bring him gifts and swear their loyalty to him. In Hebron, God fulfills the word that David would be king over all of Israel. In this episode, we discuss the arrival of David at this place of promise and purpose and after a three day party, he presents his soldiers with their first assignment - the taking of the hilltop fortress called Jebus, later to be called Jerusalem.

The war between House of David and the House of Saul lasted a long time. It was Abner, the commander of Ish-Boseth's army, who decided to surrender the cause and make peace with David. David approves of Abner's actions and received peace overtures from Abner, but when Joab discovers the actions of Abner, there will be a dreadful action taken at the gates of Hebron, a city of refuge.

With David established as the King of Judah and Ish-Boseth as the King of the rest of Israel, their military commanders, Joab and Abner, choose to fight and they meet at the Pool at Gibeon. What appears to be a honorable duel of champions turns into a battle, which only leads to bitterness. In this episode, we cover the action at the Pool of Gibeon and the concept of unforgiveness, which builds to hate in the heart of Joab.

After waiting fifteen years from the original anointing by Samuel, David marched into Hebron and is crowned king of Judah. In this episode, we take a creative look at David visiting the Cave at Machpelah and a visit to the city of Jebus and the future city of Zion.

While David is fighting the Amalekites, Saul and the Army of Israel faces off against the Philistines at Mt Gilboa. Saul takes his forces up a mountain to take away the advantage of the Philistine horseman and chariots, but is quickly overwhelmed and surrounded. In this episode, we cover the battle and the last actions of Saul and the immediate fallout of the battle.

Even as Saul is terrified of the huge Philistine army and he visits the witch of Endor, David is commanded to join the Philistine army by Lord Achish of Gath, who David has befriended and faked an alliance with for over a year. Before David can put a plan into action, he is commanded to return to Ziklag by the other Philistines who do not trust David. Upon his return to Ziklag, a very large Amalekite army had overtaken Ziklag and had taken hostage the women and children of David's men and burned Ziklag. In this episode, we cover the detailed historical account of Josephus as David comes upon and surprises the Amalekites and fulfills the Lord's word to pursue, overtake and rescue the families and possessions and all that had been lost in David's season of fear.

Four armies are marching in the region of Israel. The Philistines have assembled to destroy King Saul and his army. David was called upon by King Achish to march with the Philistines. Saul assembled all of Israel to oppose the Philistines at Mt. Gilboa. In addition, there is a nomadic Amalekite army about to raid Southern Judea and Philistia, including Ziklag. When Saul sees the hordes of Philistines, he is terrified and when he fails to obtain counsel from God, he calls upon someone to find a witch to help him. The result is Saul and the Witch of Endor.

What the enemy could not do in the natural, he successfully achieved in spirit. According to 1 Samuel 27, David thought to himself 'one of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me anywhere in Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.' A single lie of fear broke into David's heart and was believed. In this episode, we discuss how David stepped out of God's will as he made a decision based upon fear.