Godward Thoughts

The beautiful temple was empty until God’s throne was put in place (2 Chronicles 5:2–10) and God’s glory filled the house (2 Chronicles 5:13–14). When Moses dedicated the tabernacle, the glory came in when the work was finished (Exodus 40:33–38). It was the song of praise that brought the glory into the temple. When you worship with God’s people, does your praise increase His glory in the assembly?

The tables of the Law were still in the ark (2 Chronicles 5:10), but the pot of manna and Aaron’s rod were no longer there (Hebrews 9:4). Some things God does are temporary, and we must not make permanent institutions out of them.

David had carefully organized the priests and Levites, but that order was forgotten as they led the worship on that holy day (2 Chronicles 5:11). There are times when the Spirit of God ignores our plans and procedures and reveals God’s glory in a new way. Let Him do it! We are not to worship organization; we are to worship God.

In his dedication address and prayer, King Solomon looked in five different directions. He looked back (2 Chronicles 6:1–11). He recalled how God chose him to build the temple. He looked up (2 Chronicles 6:12–21). He asked God to fulfill the covenant promises He had made with David. The covenant included the coming into this world of the Son of David, Jesus Christ, who was born of the house of David.

He looked ahead (2 Chronicles 6:22–31). Solomon asked God to help His people in various trials of life, particularly to forgive them when they sinned. Coming to the temple, or looking toward the temple, and praying to God would bring them forgiveness. In this chapter, there are numerous references to prayer.

He looked around (2 Chronicles 6:32–35). The king called on God to help the Gentiles. The temple was to be “a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7); God’s desire was that Israel bring blessing to all the world (Genesis 12:1–3).

He looked within (2 Chronicles 6:36–40). He ended his prayer by pleading for forgiveness for sinning Israel. His words must have been very meaningful to the Jews taken captive to Babylon four centuries later.

The temple is gone, but the record of that great day of dedication remains to encourage and bless God’s people. Read the chapter again, and note the promises you can claim today. In his closing prayer (2 Chronicles 6:41–42), Solomon asked God to bless everybody present: the priests, the people, and himself as God’s anointed king. But any blessing that came would result from God’s mercy and His promises to David. David could not build the temple or attend the dedication service, but he was there just the same!

A disappointed heart (1 Chronicles 28:2). Instead of complaining because he could not build God’s house, David began preparing to help Solomon do the job. David served his own generation and generations to come because he unselfishly served the Lord. When disappointments come into your life, how do you handle them?

A loyal heart (1 Chronicles 28:9). Solomon had all that he needed for building the temple, but the most important thing only he could supply: a heart loyal to God. His motives had to be right, or his work would not be blessed.

A generous heart (1 Chronicles 29:9, 17). The people joined their king in generously giving to the Lord. Of course, whatever we give Him, He has first given us (1 Chronicles 29:11–15). There were even gifts from the past, from Samuel, Saul, and Abner (1 Chronicles 26:28).

A devoted heart (1 Chronicles 29:17–18 ). In his latter years, Solomon’s heart turned away from the Lord (1 Kings 11:3). That can happen to any of us, so we must heed Proverbs 4:23. Why should we generously give to the Lord? David’s song of praise in 1 Chronicles 29:10–15 presents some reasons: God is great (1 Chronicles 29:10–12); God deserves glory (1 Chronicles 29:13); God has given so much to us (1 Chronicles 29:14); life is short and we must make it count (1 Chronicles 29:15). Take comfort in this truth: “He that doeth the will of God abideth forever” (1 John 2:17).

A beautiful and costly temple is a waste of money unless ministry is going on for the good of God’s people and the glory of God. So, before he died, David organized the temple workers and put them under proper leadership: “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).

The work of the Lord called for dedicated service from many kinds of people: priests, Levites, musicians, treasurers, gatekeepers, soldiers, and state officers. Each of us has a calling from the Lord and we must be faithful to take our place and do our job. We are helping to build the church, and we must give God our best (Matthew 16:18 ; Ephesians 2:19–22).

Being a musician himself, David was no doubt especially concerned that the music in the temple be the finest available. God gave him people who were skillful and trained (1 Chronicles 25:7), but their task was not to magnify their talents: they were to glorify their Lord (1 Chronicles 25:3). Do you open and close each day with praise to the Lord (1 Chronicles 23:30)?