Solomon prays a remarkable prayer today. I wouldn’t have thought he had it in him. He’s not just a walking ego, intent on glorifying himself and his kingdom, he has a genuine relationship with God.
Solomon reminds God of his promises
1 Kings 8:22-26, 2 Chronicles 6:12-17
He pleads for forgiveness
1 Kings 8:27-30, 2 Chronicles 6:18-21
He prays for God’s justice
1 Kings 8:31-32, 2 Chronicles 6:22-23
He prays for mercy
1 Kings 8:33-40, 2 Chronicles 6:24-31
He asks God to answer to foreigner’s prayer
1 Kings 8:41-43, 2 Chronicles 6:32-33
Prayer for victory
1 Kings 8:44-45, 2 Chronicles 6:34-35
Prayer for Israelites
1 Kings 8:46-53, 2 Chronicles 6:36-39
His final petitions
2 Chronicles 6:40-42
Solomon’s blessing and exhortation
1 Kings 8:54-61
Solomon’s prayer is mightily impressive. Not in the way that everything else about this day is impressive. Everything else about this day might be taken as Israel’s self-aggrandizement, but not this prayer. In these words, Solomon demonstrates that he truly has a relationship with God, that he isn’t just a good statesman and a powerful magnate, he is a servant of the living God.
In these words, Solomon acknowledges that it will not always be like today, that there will be difficulties and tribulations ahead. His repeated request is “Hear from heaven.”
In other words, keep listening to us, God, don’t turn your back on us. No matter what we’re like, if we let you down, if we forget you, if we give in to temptation, then as soon as we come to our senses, give us another chance. Keep faith with us, even if we struggle to keep faith with you. It’s a human prayer, and genuine prayer, and a humble prayer. Chronicles adds to Solomon’s refrain, “your dwelling place” to make it “Hear from heaven your dwelling place,” emphasising that the Temple is not where God is, heaven is where he lives.
Chronicles has an eye for the future for what the Temple is going to turn into for the Israelites - a talisman, even an idol. Perhaps, as with Deuteronomy, some of the concerns of future generations are projected back into this prayer. That doesn’t matter, because this is a prayer for bad times as well as good, which makes it so powerful and surprising.
Today I’m more convinced about Solomon’s sincerity than I ever have been before.
Reading Solomon's prayer and the dedication of the Temple always reminds me of how important the Temple was - the meeting place of heaven and earth, where God's glory dwelt...no wonder exile was such a gut wrenching experience.
ReplyDeleteWow, I never thought of Solomon that way, although I must admit I haven't read much about him yet.
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