1 Kings 8:31-66
Q.1. Under what circumstances could God’s people appeal to Him for forgiveness? For whom was forgiveness available? – (1 Kgs.8:31-53)
In his request to God, Solomon covered virtually all the fears, trials, and failures of people. Israel’s economy was based on agriculture, with each family farming their own part of their inherited land. Solomon called on God to respond to the circumstances, in line with Deuteronomy chapter 28 – (i) Judging between the wicked and the righteous (1 Kgs.8:31-32); (ii) Forgiving sins that brought defeat in battle (1 Kgs.8:33-34); (iii) Forgiving sins that brought drought (1 Kgs.8:35-36); (iv) Forgiving sins that brought national calamities (1 Kgs.8:37-40); (v) Extending mercy to God-fearing foreigners (1 Kgs.8:41-43); (vi) Granting victory in battle (1 Kgs.8:44-45); (vii) Granting restoration after captivity (1 Kgs.8:46-53). Solomon understood that the biggest threat to Israel was their own inclination to sin. He accepted that this would bring chastening– When they sin against You (for there is no man who does not sin) – (1 Kgs.8:46). However, it was not just for Israel whom he prayed. He included the foreigners who took refuge amongst them, and who trusted in the God of Israel (1 Kgs.8:41-43). Solomon pleaded from a position of Israel’s Covenant with the Lord –… they are Your people and Your inheritance (1 Kgs.8:51). He pleaded – 52 May Your eyes be open to the supplication of Your servant and to the supplication of Your people Israel, to listen to them whenever they call to You 53 You have separated them from all the peoples of the earth as Your inheritance, as You spoke through Moses Your servant, when You brought our fathers forth from Egypt, O Lord God (1 Kgs.8:52-53).
Q.2. On what basis, and for what reason did Solomon offer his prayers to God? How did he close the dedication prayer? – (1 Kgs.8:54-61)
Solomon rose to bless God’s people (1 Kgs.8:54-55). He praised God as the promise keeping God – 56 “Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He] promised through Moses His servant (1 Kgs.8:56). Mostly, he called on God to act as a witness to the nations – 60 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no one else (1 Kgs.8:60 c.f. 1 Kgs.8:43). He closed his prayer by charging Israel – Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the Lord our God to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments (1 Kgs.8:61).
Q.3. How did the people indicate their sincerity in the Temple dedication? What feasts did Israel observe? – (1 Kgs.8:62-66)
Though the main player was Solomon, the priests and the people joined in – Now the king and all Israel with him offered sacrifice before the Lord (1 Kgs.8:62). They sacrificed an unbelievable number of peace offerings, totalling twenty-two thousand oxen and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep. Those numbers would never be repeated. The whole court before the temple had to be consecrated as well, in order to deal with the animal and grain offerings (1 Kgs.8:64). The dedication lasted seven days. It was followed by the seven-day feast of tabernacles, which was observed throughout the towns and villages (1 Kgs.8:65). This feast was always a joyous family week of camping in booths. It united the people with their Lord and their king – They went to their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the Lord had shown to David His servant and to Israel His people (1 Kgs.8:66).