God’s Renewing Word of Prayer
Introduction
2 Chronicles 6:1-11: Solomon succeeded his father, David, as king of Israel. Following the completion of the Temple and the housing of the Covenant Box in the Most Holy Place, Solomon speaks to the people. He tells them that the LORD has kept his promise in having Solomon build the Temple. (The construction of the Temple and bringing the Covenant Box to the Temple are described in 2 Chronicles, chapters 2–5).
Scripture Reading
Solomon’s Address to the People
(1 Kings 8.12-21)
1Then King Solomon prayed,
“Lord, you have chosen to live in clouds and darkness.
2Now I have built a majestic temple for you,
a place for you to live in forever.”
3All the people of Israel were standing there. The king turned to face them and asked God’s blessing on them. 4 He said, “Praise the Lord God of Israel! He has kept the promise he made to my father David when he said to him, 5‘From the time I brought my people out of Egypt until now, I did not choose any city in the land of Israel as the place to build a temple where I would be worshiped, and I did not choose anyone to lead my people Israel. 6But now I have chosen Jerusalem as the place where I will be worshiped, and you, David, to rule my people.’”
7And Solomon continued, “My father David planned to build a temple for the worship of the Lord God of Israel, 8but the Lord said to him, ‘You were right in wanting to build a temple for me, 9but you will never build it. It is your son, your own son, who will build my temple.’
10“Now the Lord has kept his promise: I have succeeded my father as king of Israel, and I have built a temple for the worship of the Lord God of Israel. 11I have placed in the Temple the Covenant Box, which contains the stone tablets of the covenant which the Lord made with the people of Israel.”
Today’s Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 6:11
[Solomon said:] “I have placed in the Temple the Covenant Box, which contains the stone tablets of the covenant which the LORD made with the people of Israel.”
Reflect
What was Solomon’s message to the people? What promises did he speak of? In what ways have you experienced fulfillment of God’s promises? The covenant mentioned in verse 11 refers to the covenant God made with the people of Israel on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17). How does your community of faith experience a covenant relationship with God?
Pray
God of promise, I praise you for your eternal love. May all my actions reflect your love and grace and be a sign of worship to you. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
2 Chronicles 6:12-21: Solomon prays on behalf of the people.