Solomon's Prayer over the Temple (1 Kings 8 & 2 Chron. 6:2-7:10)

The Temple was completed in the 8th month of the 11th year (1 Kings 6:38). There is an 11 month time gap where the furnishings recorded in chapter 7 were made. Then in the “7th month” the ark is moved to the Temple (1 Kings 8:1). There is significance to the 7th month; the 15th day of the 7th month was the Feast of the Tabernacle or Feast of Tents. This feast was to remind Israel of the time when they lived in tents in the wilderness; the tabernacle was His “tent,” His dwelling place and He lived in their midst during that time.

Solomon assembled the elders to move the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple’s Holy of Holies (vs. 1-7) Remember from 1 Kings 6: 27-29 and 2 Chron. 3: 12 there were 2 large cherubim in the Holy of Holies and under their wings is where the Ark of the Covenant is to be placed.

Solomon stood before the nation of Israel and proclaimed all God had done for them, then prayed for them (vs. 23-53). There are 2 words in regards to praying: “Prayer” is the general Hebrew word for speaking to God or making requests, while “supplication” is more specific for requesting kindness, mercy, or favor from Him. Solomon’s prayer and supplication included the following:

1. Praised God
• Acknowledged there is none like Him (vs. 23)
• The Lord’s attribute of One who keeps covenant
• His loving kindness - the act of kindness, love or mercy that is shown to someone usually reserved for close friends and family members
2. Proclaimed that Israel obey and walk in God’s ways so that there is a man on the throne of Israel (vs. 25). This was a prayer based on the promise God had given David and Solomon. He was praying God’s Words, we too should know God’s Word and Pray it.
3. Plead for God to listen to his prayer and supplications multiple times (vs. 29, 30 and 52). He asked for forgiveness (vs. 30) although no sin had yet occurred, but when these do…
• When man sins against his neighbor > God would judge, condemn (punish) wickedness & bring righteousness (vs. 31-32)
• When because of Israel’s sin they are punished (note these are foreshadows to what is ahead for Israel)…
• are defeated by their enemy - IF they turn, confess, pray THEN God would hear, forgive & bring them back to their land (vs. 33-34)
• have no rain - IF they pray, confess , turn THEN God would send rain (vs. 35-36)
• endure famine and sickness - IF they pray for that affliction THEN God hear, forgive and act accordingly (vs. 37-39)
• are delivered to their enemies and taken captive – WHEN they pray, repent, turn to Him with all their heart, God would hear, maintain their cause, forgive them, have compassion on them (vs. 46-50)
4. Asked God hear and grant the prayers of foreigners so that God would be glorified (vs. 41-43)
5. Asked for protection when Israel prays before going into battle (vs. 44-45)

We can apply this to our prayer life…(1) Praise God (2) Pray His Word in what you ask (3)Pray for Forgiveness (4) Pray God will be Glorified in what you ask (5) Ask for His Protection

After this prayer, Solomon rose and a fire from heaven came to earth, consumed the offering and the glory of the Lord filled the Temple (2 Chron. 7:1) in the form of a visible cloud. The cloud was a visible representation of the glory of the Lord, other scripture supports this: In Exodus 24:16-17 “the glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai in the form of the cloud. But to all Israel His glory on top of the mount appeared like a consuming fire.” When the LORD appeared to Moses in Exodus 34:5-7, He was in the cloud. There is a parallel between 1 Kings 8:11 and Exodus 40:33-38 concerning how the LORD’s glory filled it in the form of the cloud and when Jesus, became flesh, He was the embodiment of the glory of the LORD as His only begotten Son. (John 1:1-2, 14) He dwelt among men, just as God had in the tabernacle and in the temple.

When God’s presence came upon them, the people fell on their faces and worshiped God.  Solomon asked that the Lord be with Israel as He had been with their fathers and that the Lord not forsake them (vs. 57)Remember our bodies are the Temple of God, He dwells in us and He never leaves or forsakes us.

 Question to Ponder: Israel made sacrifices to the Lord, they blessed the king and went to their tents joyfully and glad of heart (vs. 62-66). They were living their lives according to God’s plan and they were full of joy. What needs to be different in your life so that you are full of joy?