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By the time the Israelites had their third king, the nation split into two groups: the 10 tribes in the north, forming the Kingdom of Israel, and the remaining two tribes in the south, forming the Kingdom of Judah. The Lord called a mighty prophet, Elijah, to remind His people of their true King: Jehovah (Jesus Christ). Elijah testified to the people that their idol worship was taking them farther away from God.
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.