February 6, 2013 – 1 Kings 14

Our first two kings are setting the bar very high. Both do evil in the sight of the Lord, building alters to false Gods and leading the people astray. I was surprised that the Temple was already sacked of its treasure this soon. I didn’t think that happened until Babylon comes. Obviously it wasn’t the destruction of the Temple that comes with the exile, but for them to attack enough that they were able to take the Temple treasure is pretty significant. Then again, maybe it wasn’t as guarded because the king wasn’t worshipping in the Temple but had moved to worshipping at the other high places he made.

The first king is told by the prophet that his line would be finished because of his acts, but then at the end of the story, his son takes over as king. I thought that was a little confusing. Perhaps it meant that it wouldn’t be a long succession and maybe we will see what happens to his son’s reign.

And why would she have to go to the prophet in disguise. I understand that he has set up his own high places, but that wouldn’t mean that people would think anything of him going to see the prophet, or maybe it would mean something. I just thought it was odd. I would have thought if she went to a soothsayer she would disguise herself, but maybe that was the open practice during his reign where seeing the prophet was not publicly acceptable.