(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Kings 8:22-53)

As Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, he prayed to the Lord, the God of Israel. This was a prayer of supplication for the people, with Solomon standing in a priestly manner between the people and God.

There is power, wisdom, and promise in this prayer. In fact, if we find a quiet place and read this prayer to ourselves, or even out loud, I cannot imagine any believer reading it without being deeply moved, perhaps even to the point of tears.

Again and again, Solomon prays for a repentant people. He prays that when they turn toward the temple built for the Lord’s name, the Lord would hear their prayer and supplication in heaven, forgive His people who have sinned, and show them compassion.

Even when the people, because of their sin, have been taken away from the land of promise, there remains a promise of compassion and forgiveness if they return to Him. Here is a portion of Solomon’s prayer of dedication,

48 If they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies who have taken them captive, and pray to You toward their land which You have given to their fathers, the city which You have chosen, and the house which I have built for Your name; 49 then hear their prayer and their supplication in heaven Your dwelling place, and maintain their cause, 50 and forgive Your people who have sinned against You and all their transgressions which they have transgressed against You, and make them objects of compassion before those who have taken them captive, that they may have compassion on them.

This is my prayer as well for all who are willing to return to the Lord in humility and repentance. Though we no longer pray toward a physical temple, we come through Jesus Christ, our greater King, Priest, and Mediator, trusting in the same mercy and compassion of God.

If Your people return to You with all their heart and with all their soul, hear their prayer and their supplication in heaven. Forgive Your people, and make them objects of compassion.

May we never doubt Your willingness to forgive those who truly repent, nor Your power to restore those who return to You.

Amen.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: 1 Kings 8