Week 14 from Pentecost

Weekly Summary

Of the Civil Magistrate WCF 23 OT: 2 Chronicles 8-9, Song of Songs NT: 1 Corinthians 1-6 Psalm 55-60

Daily Schedule

Sun	Of the Civil Magistrate WCF 23
Mon	OT: 2 Chronicles 8 NT: 1 Corinthians 1 Psalm 55
Tues	OT: 2 Chronicles 9 NT: 1 Corinthians 2 Psalm 56
Wed	OT: Song of Songs 1-2 NT: 1 Corinthians 3 Psalm 57
Thurs	OT: Song of Songs 3-4 NT: 1 Corinthians 4 Psalm 58
Fri	OT: Song of Songs 5-6 NT: 1 Corinthians 5 Psalm 59
Sat	OT: Song of Songs 7-8 NT: 1 Corinthians 6 Psalm 60

Reading Notes

The Old Testament readings in 2 Chronicles 8-9 conclude the account of Solomon’s reign by highlighting the Solomon’s commitment to the proper Temple worship, as David had prepared for, as well as Solomon’s influence and renown.  The Chronicler is reminding his post-Exilic readers of the grandeur of Solomon’s reign to spur them toward rebuilding the Temple and the nation.  Although the Chronicler is emphasizing the positive, this picture of Solomon’s reign is a taste of the influence that Israel had to a limited degree and could continued to have had the nation remained faithful to God.  It shows that God does reward even the imperfect faithfulness of his people. 

As a segue from the conclusion of Solomon’s reign this week’s readings also include the entirety of the Song of Songs, traditionally credited to Solomon.  This is not a post-Exilic book, and most likely was written during the period of Solomon’s reign, while the kingdom was still united.  Typically thought of as love poetry, the Song of Songs is wisdom literature, and as such, is therefore appropriate to be associated with the conclusion of Solomon’s reign.  A separate posting will provide an introduction and overview to the Song of Songs.

The New Testament readings on in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.  Paul founded the church in Corinth on his Second Missionary Journey, after his stay in Athens.  The Corinthians proved to be a particularly difficult congregation for Paul to deal with.  The letter itself was probably written in about AD 55, during Paul’s Third Missionary Journey toward the end of his stay in the city of Ephesus.