Solomon Pronounces The Benediction

I Kings 8:54–66
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

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

Solomon praised the Lord and prayed for the people while showing his desire to do God’s will in everything. His prayer is a good model for me to use in my praying.