Solomon’s Prayer
First Kings 8:12-66 and Second Chronicles 6:1 to 7:10
Now that ADONAI had taken up residence in His house (to see link click Bj – The Ark Brought to the Temple), Solomon responds in praise and prayer. His words fall into three categories: (1) Solomon’s Blessing (see Bl); Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication (see Bm) and Solomon’s Intercession (see Bn). The theme of the Temple as a house of thanksgiving and intercession clearly occupies a central place. These verses form a vital link between Chronicles two major words from ADONAI. Its foundation is God’s covenant promise to build a house for David (First Chronicles 17:10-14), and its development occurs in God’s promise about the Temple (Second Chronicles 7:12-22). It therefore shows how prayer plays a key role in the unfolding of God’s will for us.161
The theme of Solomon’s prayer is that as God has seen fit to honor His word up to that time, He will continue to do so, first of all in continuing the line of David, and second, in accepting the prayers of His people and in granting forgiveness. These prayers are seen as being directed to God through the Temple. Solomon prays, in effect, that Ha’Shem will always recognize the Temple as the way for humanity to approach a holy God.
At the conclusion of Solomon’s prayer, when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of ADONAI filled the house (Second Chronicles 7:-13). This response on God’s part was an awe-inspiring and unmistakable confirmation of YHVH’s commitment to the Temple as His residence among His people. When Solomon had finished his prayer of dedication, he rejoiced together with all Isra’el as they celebrated Sukkot. It was in itself a grand occasion for rejoicing and for a grand spirit of community among all Israelites. The dedication of the Temple made the occasion all the more joyful and memorable, and the time of celebration was suitably extended. When the people left, they went home rejoicing and fully satisfied in their realization that God’s blessing was on the king and on the nation as a whole.162
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