Intelligence is questioning

Truth is only available to those who are willing to question what they think they know

I agree with this statement, it is essential for the pursuit of truth in these times.

Blessings,

I had to question Solomon's 666 connection 1 Kings 10 and Rev 13. The Bible has many subtle connections to this and points in the direction of God revealing something. I am not good with computers but I wanted to point this out. I also counted the names minus repeats and Solomon's name is listed 666th.

i see you are new, so welcome and God bless you.

just a word of caution, be very careful with Biblical numerology.

I get it. This is more the result of studying things elsewhere. Read Psalm 73 and 74, Psalms just after Solomon's inaugural Psalm. Why were synagogues being burned and why would the Psalmist speak against "the generation of God's children?" What about Psalm 50? Why wasn't it grouped with the other of Asaph's Psalms. Solomon is in the spotlight here as the reigning monarch. There is a lot of circumstantial evidence that can change our view on Solomon and its all in God's word including his allegiance with the King of Tyre mentioned in Ezekiel 28. Hope you can reply, Why didn't Solomon ever offer a sin offering always a peace offering. There is a lot of Bible verses on this it seems. I am actually glad to share this with a senior member first and I respect your opinion.

to be honest, i have never done a deep dive on Solomon.

my method of study is to read the Bible all the way through, over and over again. been doing this since'99.

so, i really cannot engage in a deep discussion about him, and i do not do Biblical numerology at all.

no disrespect intended....

No that's ok. I'm sure God is working through you. It is just that I believe God wants to have great Bible studies with us. What's more he shows us he is responding by showing the excellence of his word in ways that haven't been considered seeing man's corruption and being able to comment on it in real time. It isn't so much about Solomon, as it is that God identifies his feelings as very close to the situation in real time in his word. Kind of like Ezekiel 8 where God suffers abuse from in and around his Temple and God sees it. We can see the types of things that are valuable and interesting from God's perspectives. By revealing mysteries God shows the excellence of his word and how things pertaining to his word influence today's world.
I do understand the connotation of the numerology thing, I guess what I'm saying is that these things being revealed isn't coming from any old book, rather it is here for us in the word of God. If you were really interested in what Asaph was feeling you could just take a chance and read it in light of what God showed us in Rev 13. I never saw this till it was pointed out to me and now I understand Asaph's pain a little better. We've all felt that way some times.

To question, or not to question:

1.) To doubt everything blindly, for no reason, is just as unwise as to believe everything blindly, for no reason.

2.) We should learn scripture, and learn critical thinking, so we can "test" all things, as scripture commands.



1Th 5:21 but test everything; hold fast what is good.



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Hope there is no math on the test.

Er, you do know the number of the beast is "666" and that the text states, "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding COUNT"




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Jesus counts sheep. Good enough for me. That, or count blessings.

Yes. After counting the names minus repeats I found Solomon's name to fall under 666th which means that he probably instructed the scribes for it to fall that way, and was likely a secret reference of his own choosing.

Isaiah 65
11 But ye are they that forsake the Lord, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.
12 Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.

I guess Solomon did choose that number for himself.

I've found that listening for the voice of God is better than questioning. When I question all the time I find my head gets clogged up with my own thoughts. I've experienced a lot more spiritual growth just being still and asking Him to show me what He wants me to know today. Sometimes He reveals something new; other times He just says keep doing what you're doing. Either way it's His call, not mine.

This is true. I pray that you will experience God the father teaching you. This is scriptural and is the best way to learn. You probably have experienced this anyway, since your post explains this. I hope you continue to experience that miracle.

Intelligence is not defined as "knowing everything" having said this, if you do not possess knowledge it is not really possible to challenge what you know.

I would say one must be willing, along with investing the huge amount of time, to verify the information to see if it is factual or accurate.

Agreed. And because much time is involved in such study it is wise to consider if a given area of study is even worth our time to study and discuss. I suggest limited study to subjects of eternal importance.

Good comments on this topic. It was nice reading them.
I also want to add that intelligence is also a form of humility if you are not an ego-driven person.
Studying the world around us is a form of humility which leaves you with more questions and awe and appreciation for God so you can then drop to your knees and say "Thank you God for the lesson".

Decartes said, I doubt therefore I think.

Tell me who you are so I can say it is you.
-Eli1