Justin Houtz

1 Kings 10, Philippians 1, Ezekiel 40, Psalm 91

DateVersionReading Plan
October 7, 2024ESV (2016)M’Cheyne Plan 2024

1 Kings 10

The queen of Sheba, an unnamed Sabean monarch, heard of Solomon’s fame concerning the name of the LORD and came to test him. Solomon handily answered all her questions and she was taken aback by what she was shown, both of Solomon’s wisdom and the house that he had built. The queen blessed the LORD and understood that it was the LORD’s delight for Solomon that placed him on the throne that he may execute justice and righteousness. The queen’s glowing report of Solomon’s greatness and prosperity of his servants showed both God’s glory but also Solomon’s short-sighted misuse of the gifts he had been given. Solomon generously gave the Queen of Sheba all that she desired, indicating that “this was a diplomatic mission and that the two negotiated an agreement.” (FSB) Following the Queen’s departure, the chapter continues in description of the great wealth of Solomon; the many things of gold, horsemen, chariots and how Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.

Philippians 1

Paul addresses the saints at Philippi, a “city in Macedonia (northeast Greece, today); named after Alexander the Great’s father, King Philip II.” (FSB) He specifically references the overseers and deacons of the church, indicating that there was an emerging church structure. Paul is thankful to God in his prayers for the church and their partnership in the gospel, acknowledging their Christian character in joining in the support of gospel work. His prayer is that their love would abound all the more with knowledge and discernment, a love that is not merely a matter of emotions but of intentional service of the Lord. Paul then gives testimony that his imprisonment had really served to advance the gospel, to speak boldly of the word without fear.

He then draws a contrast between those who preach Christ with envy and rivalry with those who preach from good will. In speaking this, “Paul refuses to be downcast by the wrong motives of some. Christ is being preached by both groups, and that is for him a great cause for rejoicing.” (BBC). Paul knew that the prayers of the church coupled with the help of the Spirit would turn out for his deliverance. To Paul, the object of his life was to love, worship and serve the Lord Jesus. “If it is God’s will for Paul to live on a while longer in the flesh, then that will mean fruitful labor for him. He will be able to give further help to the Lord’s people. But it was a difficult decision for him—whether to go to the Savior whom he loved, or to remain on earth in the Lord’s service, to which he was also very attached. He did not know which to choose.” (BBC) Paul encourages the church to have the same self-sacrificial outlook, standing firm in one spirit and striving side by side for the sake of the gospel, not to shy away from the opposition they saw Paul endure.

Ezekiel 40

Ezekiel was brought in visions of God to the land of Israel where he was met by a man whose appearance was like bronze, having a linen cord and measuring reed in his hand. The man told Ezekiel to look with his eyes and hear with his ears all that he was to be told and shown as this was the reason he was brought there. What follows for the remainder of the chapter are the details of a new temple, with measurements of gates, rooms, vestibules, courts and the like. Chambers were designated for the priests, the sons of Zadok, who alone among the sons of Levi were allowed to come near to the LORD and minister to Him. The chapter ends with the description of the vestibule of the temple, its measurements, pillars and jams.

Psalm 91

“God will protect those that belong to him. If he is your refuge, then no harm can befall you. God will save us because we love him. He will answer our prayers.” (Bible: A Reader’s Guide)

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