1 Kings 5-7 tells about the building of the temple as well as other great projects of Solomon. 1 Kings 8 (and 2 Chron. 6) describe the dedication of the temple, including the great prayer of Solomon in seeking the LORD to show His grace and mercy to Israel because of the temple.
The temple was a beautiful place. But in Israel it was not a “temple” until the
Ark of the Covenant was in its place (8:1-13).
The Mercy Seat was God’s resting place.
It’s interesting that Solomon did all this during Succoth, the Feast of
Tabernacles. They celebrated a
double-feast, going for two weeks rather than just one (v65).
Let’s note some highlights in this prayer.
·
v23-26: God’s immanence. God deals with men, He
is near. Specifically, God was keeping
the covenant He made with David. Solomon
was the first Davidic son to rule. The
Davidic Covenant is fundamental to what Solomon asks for in dedicating the temple.
·
v27: God’s transcendence. God deals with men; yet He cannot be confined
to a temple. Nevertheless, the prayer is
that He would pay attention to what goes on at this temple. And what is the primary
need? FORGIVENESS. Remember that the
temple was where the altar of sacrifice was located, where the daily sacrifices
were offered morning and evening.
o
v31-32: when sin is personal, neighbor to neighbor.
o
v33-34: when Israel is defeated by an enemy.
o
v35-36: when there is a drought
o
v37-40: when there is any kind of plague. You alone know the hearts of men
(v39).
o
v41-43: when foreigners worship at the temple. The
reason is that they too will fear God!
o
v44-45: when Israel goes out to battle. Note: the
idea was that they could turn toward the temple. Wherever!
o
v46-53: when Israel is carried off captive. Wherever they were and whenever they wanted
they could call to the LORD! Daniel prayed
from Babylon toward the temple when there was no temple (Dan. 6:10). v46: there
is no one who does not sin. v51: they
are Your people and Your inheritance.
·
v54-61: conclusion of the prayer. Blessings on
Israel were called for through the “God of the temple.”
o
v58: a fundamental request is that the LORD may
incline our hearts to Himself.
o
v59: Israel can receive as each day requires.
Prayer is daily. From wherever you are. Not just at specific feasts. Of when
you are at the temple.
o v60:
The purpose of the temple included an evangelistic theme, that all the
peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other!
In my brief lifetime it has become clear that
our society doesn’t understand forgiveness.
For some, forgiveness is bad politics.
One of our former presidents, Bill Clinton, never understood “confession”
or even “apology.” He recently claimed
to be the victim in the “Lewinsky affair.”
Public apologies in our world are usually “IF I have done anything to
hurt someone I’m sorry.” That is
empty. Years after the events, some of the
women involved seemed either bitter or happy to have the press coverage.
There was another story in the news. A professional quarterback, Michael Vick, was
charged with animal cruelty, having dogs that he used in illegal dogfights. He confessed his wrong, and served
significant time in jail, paying for his crimes. When he was released from prison people still
treated him as a criminal, even though he showed a lot of evidence of having
been truly contrite.
Take time to meditate on Solomon’s prayer and the
important thoughts in it. We want God to
hear our prayers and forgive us. Jesus
said we experience God’s forgiveness when we practice God’s forgiveness (Matt.
6:14-15).
No comments:
Post a Comment