Solomon’s Prayer at The Temple Dedication

II Chronicles 6:12–21
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In the passage today God looks up (vv. 12-21). We are looking at a great prayer that Solomon gives at the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. This is a unique prayer from the Old Testament. It is, perhaps, the only passage in the Old Testament that is a formal prayer uttered at a great state occasion. The nearest thing we would have to this scene in America today would be the Inauguration of a President. The whole nation had gathered in the courts of the temple to dedicate the new building that Solomon had erected according to the plans that his father David had drawn, based on the structure of the tabernacle in the wilderness.

Solomon has united the people of Israel. Today we see as he leads the nation in prayer (record of this prayer is also given in I Kings 8:22-50). In adoration he says “there is no God like you anywhere.” A God who keeps His promises. Notice who God  shows mercy to (v. 14). His servants who walk before Him with all their hearts. Solomon has made a “Brazen scaffold” (platform) from which he addressed the people and offered his dedicatory prayer. As he prays with all these people, he realizes that God cannot be contained within the walls of the temple (v. 18). He will  live with men on the earth. He is interested in human affairs. Walls are important, but revival is more important. The last word in today’s passage points to the heart of this revival.

Application

I must confess that I have not been pleading with God for revival and we desperately need it. I don’t believe it is going to happen unless we desire it and plead for it and that begins with me.