Solomon Prays in a Way That Get’s Results

II Chronicles 7:1–22
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The Lord has been present, he has heard, and He answers twice, once immediately and again later. The Lord sent down fire to consume the sacrifices that were prepared (v. 1). The answer to prayer was the fire. The people fell to their faces acknowledging the Lord’s faithfulness (vv. 2-3). This answer of prayer caused the assembled people to offer more sacrifices. Solomon alone offered 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats (vv. 4-5). In praise the priests and Levites played their musical instruments (vv. 6-7). For seven days the sacrifices went on (v. 8). On the eighth day, which followed the feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:36). The people came together once more just before returning to their homes (v.  9). At this point Solomon sent everyone home praising the Lord because of all the good things the Lord had done (v. 10). Solomon’s prayer was specific in which he was asking what God wanted Him to ask. 

The Lord appeared to Solomon and assured Him that his work on the temple and its dedication pleased Him (v. 11-12) (details are given on the actual construction in I Kings 7:1-12). Obedience was the key to God’s Blessing. God encouraged Solomon by His promise that if His judgment (by drought, locusts, or a plague) should fall on the nation for their sin, they need only turn in sincere humility and repentance to the Lord (vv. 13-22). Then they would have forgiveness and restoration (v.13-15). This promise given, in answer to Solomon’s prayer (6:26-31) was because God’s presence among His people Israel is eternal. (v.16). The covenant promise comes through clearly in the Lord’s declaration that if Solomon would obey Him (v.17) he could be assured of God’s blessing (v. 18). Conversely, if Solomon and the nation should fall away from the Lord and serve other gods they would be exiled, and the temple destroyed (v:19-20).

Application

One of my weaknesses is praising others publicly as much as I should. It is so easy to be critical of others when I should be looking for ways to praise them. I also need to praise the Lord more.