The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 147: Temple Worship (2025)
Release Date: May 27, 2025

Introduction

In Day 147 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Father Mike Schmitz guides listeners through pivotal chapters that highlight the construction and consecration of the Temple in ancient Israel. Utilizing the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, Fr. Mike delves into 1 Kings Chapter 5, 2 Chronicles Chapters 6-8, and Psalm 66, providing insightful commentary, reflection, and prayer to deepen the understanding of God's presence and worship in the biblical narrative.

Scripture Readings

1 Kings Chapter 5: Preparations and Materials for the Temple

Fr. Mike begins by reading 1 Kings 5, which details King Solomon's preparations for building the Temple. Solomon seeks assistance from Hiram, King of Tyre, to procure cedar and cypress timber essential for the Temple's construction. The collaboration between Solomon and Hiram underscores the significance of international alliances and the resources needed to honor God’s plan.

Key Points:

• Solomon requests cedars of Lebanon from Hiram, emphasizing the importance of quality materials.
• Hiram responds with enthusiasm, praising Solomon and reinforcing the strong relationship between the two kings.
• Solomon organizes a forced labor levy from all of Israel, mobilizing 30,000 men alongside 70,000 burden bearers and 80,000 stone hewers.

2 Chronicles Chapters 6-8: The Consecration of the Temple and Solomon's Reign

Moving to 2 Chronicles 6-8, Fr. Mike reads about the consecration of the Temple, where Solomon prays, and God's presence manifests powerfully:

"When Solomon had ended his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering. And the sacrifices and the glory of the Lord filled the temple." (2 Chronicles 7:1, [00:04])

This divine affirmation signifies God's approval and the Temple's role as the epicenter of worship and divine-human interaction.

Highlights:

• Solomon’s Sacrifices: Solomon offers vast numbers of oxen and sheep, symbolizing the grandeur of the event.

• Divine Promise: God appears to Solomon, reaffirming the covenant made with David, stressing the importance of unwavering faithfulness:

  "If my people who are called by my name, humble themselves and seek my face, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14, [Timestamp Approx. 12:30])

• Solomon’s Achievements: Chapter 8 chronicles Solomon's extensive building projects, including the construction of fortified cities and the expansion of his kingdom, showcasing both his wisdom and the prosperity under his reign.

Psalm 66: Praise for God's Goodness

Fr. Mike reads Psalm 66, a heartfelt hymn of praise celebrating God's mighty deeds and unwavering support for His people. The psalmist invites all earth to join in worship, acknowledging God's power and mercy.

Key Verses:

"Come and see what God has done. He is awesome in his deeds among men." (Psalm 66:5)

"Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his merciful love from me." (Psalm 66:22)

Reflection and Insights

Chronological Narratives: 1 Kings vs. 2 Chronicles

Fr. Mike highlights the narrative differences between 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, noting that while both books cover similar events, they do so from different chronological perspectives. 1 Kings recounts Solomon's efforts to prepare for the Temple, whereas 2 Chronicles focuses on the Temple's consecration and Solomon's subsequent reign.

"First Kings are a little bit behind Two Chronicles. They're a little bit ahead, and they're looking back over this history and recounting what had gone down then." (Reflection, [Timestamp Approx. 25:45])

This distinction helps listeners understand the continuity and depth of the biblical story, emphasizing the Temple's central role in Israel's spiritual life.

The Centrality of the Temple

Fr. Mike underscores the Temple's significance as the dwelling place of God’s presence and the focal point of worship:

"The Temple is essential because God's presence would abide there." (Reflection, [Timestamp Approx. 30:10])

He elaborates that the Temple was not just a physical structure but a symbol of the covenant between God and His people, a place where worship and obedience were manifested through sacrifices and communal gatherings.

Solomon’s Achievements and Shortcomings

While acknowledging Solomon’s wisdom and accomplishments in building the Temple and expanding his kingdom, Fr. Mike delves into Solomon's spiritual vulnerabilities:

"Solomon will not. In fact, in chapter 8... Solomon is doing what he was warned not to do. To not gather to themselves horses and chariots and horsemen..." (Reflection, [Timestamp Approx. 38:20])

Fr. Mike points out Solomon's deviation from God’s commandments, particularly his marriage to Pharaoh's daughter and his accumulation of military assets, which were contrary to the divine instructions given to avoid idolatry and maintain spiritual focus.

"He is not willing to be obedient. Maybe that's one of our downfalls as well. When we are like, oh, no, no, no, I know, I know... I just don't want to do what God wants." (Reflection, [Timestamp Approx. 42:35])

This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising faith and the importance of obedience as expressions of love and commitment to God.

Lessons on Obedience and Faithfulness

Fr. Mike draws parallels between Solomon's struggles and the modern believer's journey:

"If we want to love God, we have to be obedient to God. There's no real other way to love God than to obey him." (Reflection, [Timestamp Approx. 45:50])

He emphasizes that true worship goes beyond rituals; it requires a heart aligned with God's will, demonstrating that obedience is a vital component of a faithful relationship with God.

Conclusion and Prayer

Fr. Mike concludes the episode with a heartfelt prayer, seeking God's assistance in fostering obedience and faithfulness among listeners. He acknowledges human imperfections and the constant need for divine grace to remain steadfast in following God's commandments.

"Father in heaven, we give you praise. You do hear our prayers, God... we thank you for being able to hear through all the noise, cutting through all of the distraction..." (Closing Prayer, [Timestamp Approx. 50:15])

He invites the community to support each other in their spiritual journeys, reinforcing the collective nature of worship and mutual encouragement in the faith.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Fr. Mike Schmitz at [00:04]:

   "When Solomon had ended his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering. And the sacrifices and the glory of the Lord filled the temple."

2. Fr. Mike Schmitz at [12:30]:

   "If my people who are called by my name, humble themselves and seek my face, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

3. Fr. Mike Schmitz at [25:45]:

   "First Kings are a little bit behind Two Chronicles. They're a little bit ahead, and they're looking back over this history and recounting what had gone down then."

4. Fr. Mike Schmitz at [30:10]:

   "The Temple is essential because God's presence would abide there."

5. Fr. Mike Schmitz at [38:20]:

   "Solomon is doing what he was warned not to do. To not gather to themselves horses and chariots and horsemen..."

6. Fr. Mike Schmitz at [42:35]:

   "If we want to love God, we have to be obedient to God. There's no real other way to love God than to obey him."

7. Fr. Mike Schmitz at [50:15]:

   "Father in heaven, we give you praise. You do hear our prayers, God... we thank you for being able to hear through all the noise, cutting through all of the distraction..."

Key Takeaways

• Temple as the Heart of Worship: The Temple served as the central place for God's presence and worship, emphasizing the importance of dedicated spaces for spiritual practices.

• Solomon’s Dual Legacy: While celebrated for his wisdom and building projects, Solomon's eventual drift from obedience serves as a reminder of the necessity to maintain faithfulness.

• Obedience as Worship: True love for God is manifested through obedience, highlighting that actions aligned with divine commandments are essential for a faithful relationship.

• Community and Reflection: The podcast encourages communal learning and personal reflection, fostering a deeper connection with Scripture and one another.

Final Thoughts

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines scripture readings with profound reflections, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the Temple's significance and the delicate balance between wisdom and obedience. As the journey continues towards completing the Bible in a year, Day 147 serves as a pivotal moment to contemplate the foundations of worship and the enduring call to remain faithful to God's covenant.