Solomon Pronounces The Benediction
April 9, 2021
Commentary
Solomon had been kneeling in prayer with his hands lifted toward heaven (v. 54). Now he arose and faced the people and he pronounces the benediction. In this he makes a threefold request:
1. He asked that God be with them as He had been with their fathers (vv. 57-58).
2. Then he asked that the people of Israel would walk in the ways of the Lord and remain close to the heart of God day by day (v. 59).
3. That He would care for them in such a way that the people of the world would know that “the Lord is God” (v. 60).
When Solomon finished speaking, “fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.” (II Chron. 7:1). This awesome display from heaven was followed by a response of worship from the people for 14 days.
The number of animals sacrificed (22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats) seems incredibly large (v. 63). However, there were thousands of priests who sacrificed on many altars and this celebration lasted for two weeks. It was appropriate that the temple should be dedicated at this feast since the permanent sanctuary now symbolized the end of Israel’s wandering. People came for this special event as far away as the Euphrates River in northern Israel and Egypt in the south (v. 65). On the 15th day the people returned home joyful and glad of heart for His goodness.
Application
Depending on Christian parents, church affiliation, baptism or just being good will never make me right with God. I am so thankful that my salvation comes only through faith in Christ and Him alone.
Philippians 3:1– 6 (NET)
1 Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! To write this again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.
2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh! 3 For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, exult in Christ Jesus, and do not rely on human credentials 4 —though mine too are significant. If someone thinks he has good reasons to put confidence in human credentials, I have more: 5 I was circumcised on the eighth day, from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. I lived according to the law as a Pharisee. 6 In my zeal for God I persecuted the church. According to the righteousness stipulated in the law I was blameless.
Illustration:
Will you be there…? Will you behold His final triumph over sin, death and hell? Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? Is he your confidence and trust? Have you committed your soul to His keeping? If you can answer yes, your eyes shall see Him in the day of His glory; nay, you shall share His glory and sit with Him upon His throne, even as He has overcome and sits down with His Father on His throne. May God enlarge your faith and strengthen your hope and inflame your love and make you ready to be made partakers of the inheritance of the saints in His light, that when He shall come with flying clouds on wings of wind, you may be ready to meet Him and may with Him ascend to gaze forever on the vision of His glory. (The benediction from Charles Spurgeon’s message)