In January, I started The Bible Recap. Follow the link to learn more. One reading brings me to 1 Kings 7 and 2 Chronicles 4. Details of the house of Solomon are descriptive enough to make one know the elaborate structure it was. Fine workmanship with precision created a work of art. Careful consideration was given to designing and building the house.
There is a corresponding podcast that goes along with The Bible Recap. Again, links provided here. Tara-Leigh Cobble shares insight for the daily readings. She and her team provide additional resources within the notes of each podcast. Notes linked to two videos containing examples of temple structures. If you are interested in the videos, Model of Solomon’s Temple and A’in Dara Temple in Syria, click the links.
Interestingly, the subject of these specific structures is not what brings me here today. Our current time in history is what brings me here. Before I opened these readings and viewings, I opened social and news media to see if I had missed anything overnight. Just so you know, I didn’t see anything that caused me anymore concern that what was there yesterday. But I did see more destruction of structures and lives.
The second video mentioned above, shows archaelogical remnants of an ancient temple that was recently further damaged by human hate. As I watched the video of pre- and post- photos of the temple site, I considered our recent events. The video’s narrator gave me pause to consider how history helps us see into past mistakes and provides insight into what works and what doesn’t work. Destroying relics can destroy the history lesson those relics hold.
At different points along the Israelites’ journey, stones would be erected. These stones served as markers of where they had been. Structures placed in strategic locations to remind of past situations. Structures placed to remind of what had been and how things may need to be done in the future. Structures to remind of lessons learned.
Throughout history, humans have continued the tradition of erecting structures as reminders. When these structures are destroyed, when history is erased and forgotten, we forget. I know all too well how the erasing of history can cause a repeating of mistakes. That reminder may be painful to view or just ugly to consider but it is worth leaving it in place to remember.
Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12 (NASB)
