July 14 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication

July 14 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication
1 Kings 8:22-66. 2 Chronicles 6:12-42.

There are two things that leap out at me as I read this prayer of dedication.  First, Solomon had asked for wisdom and this prayer shows that he has been given that many times over.  He knows about the sins his people will commit in the future.  That wisdom also allows him to recognize that people need a physical focal point to worship, pray to, and offer atonement to a non-physical God.

Secondly, this temple has been an incredible experience for the entirety of the region, not just Solomon and the leaders of Israel, but for all of Israel and for the peoples that surround it.  There are a lot of expectations placed on that altar along with the sacrifices.

Each paragraph of this prayer acknowledges a point when people will need to hear from God.  He pleads with God to hear from heaven and forgive the repentant hearts.  He knows that God can not be contained in all of earth and heaven, much less a temple that he built, but he prays “May your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, this place of which you said you would put your Name there. May you hear the prayer your servant prayers toward this place. Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive.” (1 Chronicles 6:20-21)

Solomon then begins to list sins that will cause the Lord to become separate from his people.

When a man wrongs his neighbor.  When your people Israel have been defeated by an enemy because they sinned against you. When there is no rain because your people have sinned against you.  When famine, plague, blight, mildew, locusts or enemies besieging any cities, when disaster comes – and any one of your people comes before you. When the foreigner comes because of your great name. When your people go to war against enemies. When they sin against you and you are angry. When they are held captive in a foreign land.

When any of these things happen and your people ‘pray toward the land you gave their fathers, toward the city you have chosen and toward the temple I have built for your Name; then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their pleas, and uphold their cause. And forgive your people, who have sinned against you.’ (2 Chronicles 6:38b-39)

I will remind you that in the New Testament, we are called the temple of God.  As you read through this passage, consider how this looks in your personal life. Solomon’s plea is still applicable, even though we don’t pray toward Jerusalem.  He tells us to pray toward the temple … pray within your heart.  Sacrifice whatever it is that God requires of you to bring repentance and a return to the relationship that he wants with you. God will hear from heaven and uphold your cause. He will forgive you … even you who have sinned against him.