Read 1 Kings 8:22-66.
What a powerful scene this is! The Temple
was breathtaking. God displayed His
presence and stopped the celebration.
Then, the king of the most powerful nation stood, stretched his hands
out toward heaven and publicly prayed.
There is so much in this prayer about Solomon's
understanding of who God is and how the LORD works in the lives of people. Here are just a few of those:
-God keeps His promises.
-God shows steadfast love "to your servants who walk
before you with all their heart" (v.23).
-God raises up leaders by Divine appointment. In Solomon's case it was in accord with the
promise made to David.
-God hears our prayers and forgives sin. Such prayer and forgiveness is repeatedly
coupled with the people turning from their sin.
-God knows and responds to individuals according to each
one's heart (v.39).
-God knows there is no one who does not sin (v.46).
What is the overriding purpose of this Temple , its dedication, and Solomon's prayer?
"That all the peoples of the earth may know that the
LORD is God; there is no other. Let your
heart therefore be wholly true to the LORD our God, walking in his statutes and
keeping his commandments, as at this day" (vv.60-61).
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