Zach McClure

Going from tabernacle to temple was a big deal for the Israelites. So big, in fact, that even those building the temple had to be worthy of the task. David’s sin in his lust for Bathsheba disqualified him to build the Lord’s house, resulting in his son Solomon completing it. For building the temple with a pure heart, the Lord promised Solomon that so long as he kept the commandments, “I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people” (1 Kings 6:13).

The story of David versus Goliath teaches many important principles, with one being that if we try our best and have real faith in God, He will help us make the most of our efforts. Though an army was present and he was offered the king’s armor, David brought his sling and his belief that the Lord would prevail through him. It was enough: “the Lord saveth not with sword and spear” (1 Samuel 17:47) but with trust and hope.

Have you ever been jealous of your neighbor? The Israelites sure were. They wanted a king to rule over them as other nations had, believing that life would be better and more secure. However, when Israel’s prophet prayed about having a king as a leader, the Lord responded that the people’s jealous desire was actually a rejection of Him as their true King: “they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them” (1 Samuel 8:7). Their need for what others’ possessed had decreased their faith in Him.

The Lord loved His people, the children of Israel. We read in Ruth that His love wasn’t just for the nation as a whole, but for each person individually who kept their covenants. Ruth is an example of a convert to the faith who trusted in the Lord to keep her and her mother-in-law safe during a famine. Ruth’s loyalty to God helped her see His blessings in her life and trust that even in an uncertain world, good things would come.