OneLife Nashville: Rare but vital conversations about Jesus

In this episode, we explore the significance of the moment when God raises up a rebel from within Israel’s own ranks—Jeroboam, a man from the tribe of Ephraim—to challenge the power and legacy of Solomon. Through the prophetic word of Ahijah the Shilonite, God announces the tearing away of ten tribes from Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, marking the beginning of Israel’s divided kingdom. But this is no or...

In this episode, we examine a curious detail tucked into the final chapters of Solomon’s story in 1 Kings 11:14–25: the sudden introduction of adversaries—foreign “satans”—raised up by God as instruments of discipline and judgment. Strangely, these figures are never mentioned during the development or height of Solomon’s reign, even though one, Hadad the Edomite, had been active from the beginning...

In this episode, we examine the tragic unraveling of Solomon’s reign in light of the laws for kings outlined in Deuteronomy 17:14–20. These divine guidelines—prohibiting the multiplication of wives, accumulation of wealth, and reliance on military power—were designed to keep Israel’s kings humble, dependent on God, and faithful to the covenant. But Solomon, in direct defiance, broke all of them. M...

In this episode, we explore the striking contrast between God’s vision for kingship in Deuteronomy 17:14–20 and the way Solomon ruled as described in 1 Kings 10:14–29. Though Israel’s kings were commanded not to multiply gold, horses, or military power, Solomon does all three—lavishly. We examine how his accumulation of wealth and chariots not only breaks covenant commands but also reveals a deepe...

What kind of king does God desire? In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked laws for Israelite kings found in Deuteronomy 17:14–20 —a passage that sets radical boundaries on the power and prestige of the King of Israel. Unlike the kings of the surrounding nations, Israel’s king was to submit himself to the law, avoid the accumulation of wealth, weapons, and women, and live humbly among his...

In this episode, we explore the mysterious account of the Queen of Sheba’s visit to King Solomon in 1 Kings 10:1–13. At first glance, her appearance in the narrative seems unnecessary—after all, Scripture has already told us that kings and nobles from all over the world were regularly coming to hear Solomon’s wisdom and bring him gifts. So why does the Bible pause to highlight this specific encoun...

In this episode, we trace the subtle but steady descent of King Solomon into apostasy, as recorded in 1 Kings 9:10–28. At first glance, these verses seem like a mere travelogue of Solomon’s building projects and international diplomacy—but a closer look reveals these events to be a list of infractions and fragrant violations of God's law and intentions for Israel. We uncover how Solomon’s acti...

In this episode, we explore a pivotal moment in the biblical story—God’s second appearance to Solomon in 1 Kings 9:1–9. At the height of Solomon’s success, after completing the temple and his royal palace, God delivers both a promise and a warning. If Solomon walks in faithfulness, the Davidic dynasty will endure. But if he or his descendants forsake God, the temple will be destroyed, Israel will...

What does it mean for God’s name to dwell in a temple—when even the highest heavens cannot contain Him? In this episode, we explore part of Solomon’s dedication prayer in 1 Kings 8:26–30, where the phrase “the name ” appears 14 times in the chapter. In the prayer, Solomon acknowledges a paradox: though God is infinite and uncontainable, His name—His revealed presence—chooses to dwell in the temple...

In this episode, we take a closer look at Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple in 1 Kings 8:46–53—and what it reveals about the forgiveness of sins. Surprisingly, the majority of Solomon’s seven requests center on one theme: asking God to forgive Israel’s willful, intentional sins . These aren’t accidental lapses or unintentional failures—the kind the Levitical sacrifices were designed...

In this episode, we explore another request in Solomon's prayer as he dedicates the Temple in 1 Kings 8:41–43, and the words he speaks to Israel after his prayer in 8:54–61. In both portions, Solomon reflects growing awareness of Israel’s calling to be a light to the nations. Unlike earlier parts of Israel’s story, Solomon’s prayer and his exhortation to the people reflect a maturing vision th...

In today’s episode, we keep exploring Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple in 1 Kings 8:37-40. Solomon’s Temple marks a major development in the story of the Bible: God anchors Himself even more deeply into the life of Israel, placing His Name at the Temple in Jerusalem. In his prayer, Solomon lays out seven scenarios where he pleads for God to hear and answer the prayers of His people...

In this episode, we explore Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple in 1 Kings 8:22-30—a monumental moment in the story of the Bible. The construction of the Temple marks a major development in how God chooses to dwell with His people, not just identifying with Israel as a nation, but also with the city of Jerusalem and the Temple itself. Yet even as Solomon celebrates this, he acknowledg...

In this episode, we explore the overlap between the language used to describe Solomon’s temple and the language used to describe parts of the human body in the Hebrew Bible. Drawing from 1 Kings 6:15–16, we highlight how specific Hebrew words—sela (rib), debir (speak), yamin (right hand), and semol (left hand)—reveal a symbolic connection between the structure of the temple and the structure of th...

In this episode, we explore the connections between 1 Kings 8:1–13 and Ephesians 2:17–22, tracing the story of God's dwelling place from Solomon’s temple to the household of God built on Christ, and the apostles and prophets. We begin by reflecting on Solomon as a man of peace who, at the height of Israel’s unity and prosperity, brings the ark of the covenant into the Holy of Holies during the...

In this episode, we continue to explore the connection between King Solomon—whose name means "peace" and whose reign was marked by the absence of war (1 Kings 5:1–12)—and Jesus Christ, who is declared in Ephesians 2:14–16 to be our peace . But this passage in Ephesians is not just about the absence of external conflict; it’s about the internal transformation that had to occur first in Je...

LISTENER WARNING: There is a clip of more graphic explanation of circumcision so you may not want to listen in with your children. In this episode, we explore the unique way King Solomon is portrayed in 1 Kings 5:1–12 as a man of peace —not merely in terms of foreign diplomacy, but as someone internally at rest, in contrast to his father David, who is remembered as a man of war . While Solomon’s p...

In this episode, we explore the theme of rest through the figure of Solomon, whom God calls a Man of Rest in 1 Chronicles 22:5-10. Unlike his father David—a man of war, conflict, and tension—Solomon’s identity as a man of rest uniquely qualified him to build the temple, the place where God's presence would dwell among His people. This connects to Deuteronomy 12:1-11, where God promises Israel...

In this episode, we explore the unparalleled wealth, wisdom, and international influence of King Solomon as recorded in 1 Kings 4:20-34. Under Solomon’s reign, Israel’s prosperity reached its peak—not through military conquest but through diplomatic agreements. Surrounding nations entered into peace treaties and vassal relationships with Israel, paying tribute in exchange for protection and trade....

In this episode, we dig into 1 Kings 4:1-19, where Solomon establishes a highly organized bureaucratic administration over Israel. We notice that this leadership structure lacks prophetic influence and instead prioritizes efficiency, specialization, and centralized power. One of Solomon’s most striking administrative decisions was his reorganization of Israel into 12 districts, which did not align...

Solomon’s reign began with great promise, but the seeds of his downfall were sown early. In this episode, we explore 1 Kings 3:1-15 , where Solomon's initial steps as king reveal both his wisdom and his subtle missteps. We begin by examining three early warning signs that forecast Solomon’s later failure: A Political Marriage with Egypt – Solomon’s alliance with Pharaoh through marriage signal...

This is the first episode of our new series on The Rise and Fall of King Solomon. In this series, we explore how Solomon’s life serves as an archetype—not only for the development of human nature and leadership but also for God’s vision for Israel and the nations. In this episode, we begin with Solomon’s birth and the significance of the two names he receives—one from his father, David, and anothe...

In this episode, we explore Psalm 72, a royal psalm that captures David’s heartfelt prayer over his son Solomon, asking God to make him a righteous and just king. But this psalm is more than a simple prayer—it reveals God’s own vision for justice, leadership, and how Israel could be a blessing to the nations. One of the most remarkable aspects of Psalm 72 is how it establishes justice for the poor...

In this episode, we explore the final recorded words of King David in 2 Samuel 23:1-7, where Israel’s greatest king reflects on his life and reign. At the end of his journey—after the sins of Bathsheba and the turmoil with Absalom—David ensures that one message remains clear: God Himself declares that the way a king rules is through justice and the fear of the Lord. But this divine decree isn’t ju...

In this episode of our series on the life of David, we sit down with our teammate Dustin from OneLife Church to explore how David’s journey resonates with his own life and ministry. From facing and overcoming giants to expressing his heart through music and poetry, Dustin shares how he connects with David’s story in a deeply personal way. We also dive into how Dustin experiences God in nature, par...