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10/2 Reading Portions: 1 Kings 4-5; Ephesians 2; Ezekiel 35; Psalm 85
1 Kings 5:7
As soon as Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the LORD this day, who has given to David a wise son to be over this great people.”
SERVICE
Solomon, as the son of David, presents a prophetic type of Jesus Christ, the Son of David (Matt 22:42), in many, many ways. David could not build the temple (1 Ki 5:5) because David had “shed much blood and [had] waged great wars” (1 Chron 22:8); and herein, was David a type of Christ, whereas Jesus shed His own blood on Calvary’s tree while waging the greatest war in history against the devil’s dominion. Now, since Jesus was crucified, had risen from the dead, and ascended into heaven, Solomon, is a type of the Lord Jesus Christ, who rules and reigns in the heavenly kingdom of peace (1 Ki 4:24); and Solomon, as king, builds the house of the LORD, just as Jesus, the King of kings, is building His church as…
…a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:22 (see also Matthew 16:18)
Hiram, therefore, becomes a type of believer in Christ. Hiram loved David (1 Ki 5:1), just as we love Christ Jesus through His atoning sacrifice to save us. When Solomon sent word to Hiram about building the house of the LORD (1 Ki 5:2-6), Hiram rejoiced. Likewise, you and I rejoice as the people of God just to be used in the service of Christ. Our joy is full (John 15:11) because we have the privilege of abiding in Christ (John 15:4) and in His love (John 15:9); and also, that we may be of service to Christ in His fruitful plans and purposes (John 15:5). Moreover, when we hear the words of Jesus with our spiritual ears, we rejoice greatly, like Hiram, and praise the Lord Jesus! Hallelujah! What a Savior!
As Hiram heard Solomon’s words,
His joy was great with praise;
Our joy is full because we serve
‘nd abide with Christ always.