Solomon’s Prayer for the Temple

Day 340.

Then Solomon said, “The Lord has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. But I have built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.” Then the king turned around and blessed all the assembly of Israel, while all the assembly of Israel stood…

“Likewise, when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a far country for the sake of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm, when he comes and prays toward this house, hear from heaven your dwelling place and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to you, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house that I have built is called by your name. (2 Ch 6:1-3, 32-33 ESV)

Solomon has just completed the building of the temple. When David had the idea to build God a house, God told David that instead His son would build a house as God establishes David’s descendants on the throne forever. Solomon was the son of David that built the temple in which God would dwell, but the fuller fulfillment of this promise of God was Jesus building of the NT temple, made of living stones that are the people of God. This is where God chooses to dwell, in the midst of His people!

As Solomon prays, one of his petitions is for foreigners who might come into God’s house, that they be heard and answered. This shows the greater scope even in the Old Testament that God had in mind for the impact of His salvation. Israel was there for the nations, not just themselves, just as the church today exists to serve the nations in a priestly role, taking the good news of God’s salvation to the ends of the earth and praying on behalf of the world.

With God dwelling in your midst, for whom among the nations (i.e. outside the church) are you acting as priest (i.e. praying for them and communicating God’s truth)?

Ask God to bring to mind people who don’t yet know him that you can be praying for and commit yourself to pray for them.

McCheyne’s reading plan: 2 Ch 6, 1 Jn 5, Hab 1, Ps 116