Godward Thoughts

Prayer went up, fire came down, and glory moved in. Could you ask for more?

David was known for his battles, Solomon for his buildings. It was a time of peace, so the opportunities and resources for building were available.

It is disappointing that Solomon married a foreign woman who could not be identified with the Lord’s throne. God wants each home to be a tabernacle (Isaiah 4:5–6); He wants His children to enjoy His presence (2 Corinthians 6:4–7:1). Apparently in this decision, Solomon was concerned more about politics than about piety.

Solomon was faithful in his public worship despite these inconsistencies in his life, and he continued to increase the wealth of the nation. But the people were not growing in the things of the Lord. Alexander Whyte wrote that “the secret worm . . . was gnawing all the time in the royal staff upon which Solomon leaned.”

The most important part of your life is the part that only God sees. Are you concerned about character—or reputation?

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!