Today’s Bible Reading

September 9

Old Testament I
1 Kings 1
1 Kings 1 begins with King David, who is now old and weak. His son Adonijah, with the support of Joab the commander of the army, and Abiathar the priest, declares himself king. However, Nathan the prophet, along with Bathsheba, David's wife, and David's loyal supporters, recognize that Solomon, David's son by Bathsheba, is the rightful heir to the throne.

Nathan and Bathsheba approach David and remind him of his promise to make Solomon king. David then declares Solomon as his successor and has him anointed as king. Adonijah and his followers hear of Solomon's appointment and flee in fear.

David gives Solomon advice on how to rule justly and asks him to deal with Joab and Shimei, who had previously betrayed David. Solomon takes the throne and executes Joab and Shimei, as well as Adonijah's supporters who had not fled.

The chapter ends with Solomon consolidating his power as king and Adonijah submitting to him.

Old Testament II
Jeremiah 9
Jeremiah 9 is a chapter in the book of Jeremiah, which is one of the prophetic books of the Old Testament. In this chapter, Jeremiah laments the sin and disobedience of the people of Judah, and he pronounces God's judgment upon them.

Verse 1-2 describes Jeremiah's sorrow and anguish over the sin of his people, and his desire to escape from them.

Verses 3-9 describe the wickedness of the people of Judah, including their deceitfulness, oppression, and idolatry. Jeremiah notes that God will punish them for their sins.

Verses 10-11 describe the destruction that will come upon Judah as a result of their sin. Jeremiah mourns the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and he calls on the people to weep and mourn with him.

Verses 12-16 describe the reason for Judah's punishment: their persistent disobedience and refusal to turn to God. Jeremiah notes that God is a God of justice, and that he will punish the wicked.

Verses 17-22 describe the sorrow and mourning that will come upon Judah as a result of their sin. Jeremiah calls on the people to lament and mourn for the destruction that is coming upon them.

Verses 23-24 offer a glimmer of hope in the midst of judgment. Jeremiah notes that although the people of Judah are sinners, they can still know and understand God. He encourages them to seek God and to know him, and he notes that God delights in kindness, justice, and righteousness.

In summary, Jeremiah 9 is a chapter that laments the sin and disobedience of the people of Judah, and pronounces God's judgment upon them. It calls on the people to mourn and lament their sin, while also offering hope that they can know and understand God if they seek him with all their heart.

New Testament
Ephesians 3
Ephesians 3 is a continuation of the letter to the Ephesians, where the Apostle Paul emphasizes the mystery of Christ that has been revealed to him. In this chapter, Paul explains that he was given a divine revelation of the mystery of Christ, which was previously unknown to humanity. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Paul goes on to explain that this mystery was not made known to previous generations, but has now been revealed by the Spirit to the apostles and prophets. The purpose of this revelation is to make known the manifold wisdom of God to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

Furthermore, Paul expresses his desire that the Ephesians would comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge and be filled with all the fullness of God. He acknowledges that God is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.

In the final verses of the chapter, Paul offers a doxology to God, acknowledging His glory and power, and the work that He is doing in and through His church.