Click to read 1 Kings 8
Synopsis
The dedication of the Temple is recorded in this passage. Between the Tabernacle and the Temple, the Israelites see that their nomadic days as being over. The Tabernacle was a portable worship place for a wandering nation. The Temple was a permanent residence for God in an established kingdom. The Ark of the Covenant finally had a place of permanency.
What is important in this passage is the record of Solomon's prayer of dedication. Solomon was not merely dedicating the Temple; he was asking the people to rededicate themselves to the Lord. There is much to learn from his prayer.
Major Verses
V15-21 - For close to 500 years since the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, He did not asked for a temple to be built. God was present with His people during all those years. He emphasized His presence with them, rather than having a temple built. He also emphasized the need for good leadership amongst the people, which was deemed more important than a physical structure. Solomon reiterated this fact in these verses.
What I learn
God can use people (us) more than the building and structure built for Him. We must not build church buildings but forget about building leaders and servants for His kingdom.
V27 -Solomon declared wisely and reverently that even the highest heavens cannot contain God and yet He chose to dwell in that Temple. This showed how much God loves His children and as almighty as He is, He chooses to live in the hearts of those who love Him.
What I learn
God's love for us is simply amazing! He even sent His Son to die for us when we were yet sinners. Let's respond to His love by letting Him love us so.
V41-43 - It is interesting that Solomon should include foreigners in his prayer. In fact, Solomon specifically asked God to answer the prayers of the foreigners who would come to pray for His help. Solomon knew that God's love extended to all mankind and was not only reserved for the Israelites. He knew that God had chosen Israel to be a blessing to the world (Gen 12:1-3).
What I learn
God wants us to be a light and blessing to the world so that the unsaved may see His love for them. Let us be determined to be a channel for God's love to our family, neighbors, colleagues, friends and anyone that crosses our path. Ask God to give you the love and boldness to love for, and like, Him.
V56-60 - Solomon ended his prayer with these few meaningful and instructive verses. Essentially, he made 5 basic petitions; 1) for God's presence to be with them continually (v57), 2) for a desire to do His will in everything (V58), 3) for the desire and ability to obey God's commands (V58), 4) for help for each day's needs (V59), and 5) for His Kingdom to be spread to the world (V60).
What I learn
Solomon had taught us how to pray. His 5 basic requests are valid for us today too. Let us make it our prayer as well.
Summary
Solomon gathered the nation not just to dedicate the Temple. He did so to ask the people to rededicate themselves to God. v61 sums it up aptly, "And may you be completely faithful to the Lord our God. May you always obey his decrees and commands, just as you are doing today.” (New Living Translation). This is a call for each of us too!
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Up next ...
1 Kings 8 talks about God's response to Solomon. Coming up next week on 17th Dec .....
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