Wednesday, October 2 – 2 Chronicles 6, 7 – Additional Reading: Prophets and Kings, Chapter 2, “The Temple and Its Dedication”

1. What promise did Solomon invoke in his inaugural speech for the Temple? (2 Chronicles 6:4-6)

2. If God cannot dwell in a house made by human hands, what is the purpose of the Temple? (2 Chronicles 6:18-20)

3. Could foreigners come to the Temple to pray? (2 Chronicles 6:32-33)

4. How did God manifest His presence and approval at the Temple’s inauguration? (2 Chronicles 7:1-2)

Commentary and Reflection:

We are reading parallel passages in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Regarding the chosen site for the Temple, Prophets and Kings comments: 

“The spot on which the temple was built had long been regarded as a consecrated place. It was here that Abraham, the father of the faithful, had revealed his willingness to sacrifice his only son in obedience to the command of Jehovah. Here God had renewed with Abraham the covenant of blessing, which included the glorious Messianic promise to the human race of deliverance through the sacrifice of the Son of the Most High. See Genesis 22:9, 16-18. Here it was that when David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to stay the avenging sword of the destroying angel, God had answered him by fire from heaven. See 1 Chronicles 21. And now once more the worshipers of Jehovah were here to meet their God and renew their vows of allegiance to him.” (Prophets and Kings, p. 37)

“The account of the rites connected with the dedication of the Temple constitutes one of the outstanding chapters of the Bible. The narrative is one of great beauty and deep spiritual significance. In it leaders of the church have found words of inspiration and encouragement throughout the centuries for the consecration of houses of worship.” (Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, 1 Kings 8:1)

In this ceremony, we see Solomon acting as a head of state and the nation’s spiritual leader. He did not perform priestly functions that were not his to carry out, as Gideon and Saul had done before. As king, Solomon recognized God’s calling for him and the nation. Likewise, wherever we may be called to work, whatever role or function we fulfill in the family, beyond daily tasks and responsibilities, we must recognize God’s call and always be mindful of the spiritual dimension of our lives.

It is clearly established in Solomon’s prayer of dedication and God’s response that one of the Temple’s important purposes was to be the prime place for prayer. Important religious ceremonies, sacrifices, and feasts were held in the Temple, but it was also intended to be a place of communion between God and His people.

“And may You hear the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and when You hear, forgive.” (2 Chronicles 6:21, NKJV)

They were to pray in times of confession, defeat, drought, economic hardship, plagues, epidemics, sickness, war, and conversion. In summary: 

“Now, my God, I pray, let Your eyes be open and let Your ears be attentive to the prayer made in this place.” (2 Chronicles 6:40, NKJV)

As Jesus said, quoting the prophet Isaiah, the House of God was to be “a house of prayer for all nations” (Matthew 21:13, NKJV).

In the covenant God made with Solomon on this occasion, He gives this precious promise: 

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NKJV)

Even today, one of the great purposes of God’s convocations for His people is communion with God in prayer.

Regarding the number of animal sacrifices made at this celebration, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary says: 

“According to 1 Kings 8:63 this was a “sacrifice of peace offerings.” Peace offerings were sacrificed on festive occasions, when priests and people united together in seasons of holy joy, giving thanks to God and praising Him for His goodness and blessing. The greater part of the animal sacrificed as a peace offering was eaten by the offerer, his family, and his friends.” (Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, 2 Chronicles 7:5)

May we renew our appreciation for the convocations that God calls His people to, for the praises and prayers that rise to His throne in the heavenly sanctuary.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV)