It is party time in Jerusalem. The Temple iscomplete. The Ark and some of the vessels are now in their new (hopefully)permanent home in the Temple. Shlomo composes an epic prayer asking God tolisten…
In chapter six, the texts states that the building of the temple took seven years. According to chapter 7, Shlomo took 13 years to build his palace. The commentators are almost unanimous explaining…
Four hundred and eighty years after the Israelites left Egypt, Shlomo begins to build the Temple. Back in Exodus, God was very clear with Moshe about the plans for the Tabernacle. “and let them make…
He was the wisest of all men: [wiser] thanEthan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Chalkol, and Darda the sons of Mahol. His famespread among all the surrounding nations” (verse 11) (וַיֶּחְכַּםמִכָּל־הָאָדָם…
David was king over Judah, then all of Israel, but it never seemed like he had steady control over the many tribes. Shlomo sets up a sophisticated administrative state with prefects sent out to each…
Chapter 3 details the famous story of the two women fighting over a baby. After an introduction highlighting Shlomo’s wisdom, the chapter jumps directly into the story as the ultimate example of…
To the best experience possible reading chapter 2, one needs to play Nino Rota’s famous score for The Godfather in the background. With all the transitions in leadership in Tanach, there are actually…
The books of Kings opens with a continuation of the political intrigue that plagued the latter part of David’s reign. David is old and weak, and requires the assistance of a young maiden to keep him…
According to chapter 24, God looked for a way to punish the people by enticing David to conduct a census. Counting the nation is against the will of God, unless God is the one officially mandating the…
Chapter 23 continues the summation of David’s rule. After another brief mini prophecy/prayer, the chapter goes on to list the many warriors who aided David across his life. Prior to this chapter, only…
