Day 147 One Year Bible Read Along

2 Chronicles 1-3 Summary, Key People/Places/Events, and Questions to Consider

The first three chapters of 2 Chronicles focus on the early reign of Solomon, his prayer for wisdom, and the beginning of the construction of the temple in Jerusalem.

In Chapter 1, Solomon, having ascended to the throne, goes to the high place at Gibeon to make a sacrificial offering to God. That night, God appears to Solomon in a dream and asks him what he wants. Solomon requests wisdom to govern the people of Israel effectively. Pleased with this request, God grants Solomon not only wisdom but also wealth and power.

Chapter 2 begins the preparations for the construction of the temple. Solomon assembles a massive workforce of Israelites and sends a letter to King Hiram of Tyre, asking for materials and skilled labor. Hiram responds favorably, providing Solomon with the needed supplies and craftsman.

In Chapter 3, Solomon begins the construction of the temple on Mount Moriah. The chapter provides detailed descriptions of the temple's dimensions, materials, and furnishings, including the Holy of Holies.

Key people include Solomon, King of Israel, and King Hiram of Tyre. Key places include Gibeon, Jerusalem, and Mount Moriah. Key events are Solomon's prayer for wisdom, the assembly of the workforce for the temple, and the beginning of the temple's construction.

Questions to consider might include: How does Solomon's prayer for wisdom reflect his character? What is the significance of the location of the temple on Mount Moriah? What can the preparations for building the temple tell us about the scale and importance of this project to Solomon and Israel?

John 10:1-23 Summary, Key People/Places/Events, and Questions to Consider

John 10:1-23 contains the teachings of Jesus as he uses the metaphors of the shepherd and the gate to explain his relationship with his followers.

Jesus starts by stating that anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate but climbs in some other way is a thief and a robber, whereas the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. He further declares himself to be the gate for the sheep; those who enter through him will be saved. He contrasts his care for the sheep with that of a hired hand who abandons the sheep at the sight of a wolf.

Jesus also claims to be the good shepherd who knows his sheep and lays down his life for them. His teachings create division among the Jews, with some asserting that he's possessed or insane, and others arguing that his teachings are not those of a demon-possessed man.

The key figure in this passage is Jesus, with other groups including his followers and the divided Jews. The key event is Jesus' discourse on the shepherd and the gate.

Questions to consider include: What is the significance of the metaphors of the gate and the shepherd that Jesus uses? How do these metaphors contribute to our understanding of Jesus' role and mission? Why do Jesus' teachings create such division among the Jews, and what does this tell us about the challenges Jesus faced in his ministry?