Day 13: I Kings 8:1-9:9
As King David grows old and nears his death, his son Solomon takes over the throne. He was probably only about 20 years old and was doubtless overwhelmed at the prospect of leading an entire kingdom. So when God graciously offered to give him anything he desired, he didn’t ask for wealth or power - he asked for wisdom. God was pleased with this request and gave him wisdom, and he also gave him what he had not asked for in riches and power and wealth.
Then, several years into wise King Solomon’s reign, he fulfilled his father David’s initial plan and built a temple for God, a permanent dwelling where his presence could reside. Solomon’s prayer of dedication is worth savoring. In front of the whole kingdom, Solomon declares, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below - you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. You have kept your promise to your servant David my father” (8:23-24). Once again, God’s faithfulness in keeping his promises is on full display.
Solomon then continues, “But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!” (8:27). Solomon is under no false pretenses that this elaborate building of wood and gold, built by man, could actually contain the full glory of the God of the universe. Rather, this temple would be the focal point of worship for the God of Israel. His presence was manifest there in the Ark of the Covenant and in the Most Holy Place, but he certainly wasn’t confined by walls or buildings. Solomon was amazed that God would even dwell among his people at all!
The rest of his prayer acknowledges that the people will sin, and that there will be trouble and hurt and pain throughout the kingdom. But when these things happen, Solomon prays that God will hear the cry of his people and turn and forgive them. Solomon also prays that no matter what, God’s name will be made great among the nations and that the people of Israel will commit their hearts to the Lord. God responds by reaffirming his promise to David’s son, just as he had done generations earlier to Abraham’s son.
Looking forward, the temple does not last forever. The people do not remain committed to God. His name is not revered among Israel and among the nations as it should be. Many years down the road, the symbolic presence of God will even depart from this temple, indicating that God is temporarily leaving his covenant people to their own sinful ways (Ezekiel 10). And yet, God’s promise to David and then to Solomon remains.
In the New Testament, the bodies of Christians are called the “temple of the Holy Spirit” (see I Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20). Just as the eternal and uncontainable God condescended to have his presence reside with Israel in the temple built by Solomon, so we too have the presence of God residing with us. May we never take this lightly!
Questions for reflection and discussion: If you were in Solomon’s position, do you think you would have asked for wisdom? What elements of wisdom and justice can you see in these chapters of Solomon’s reign? How are Solomon’s temple and our own bodies related, and how might this affect our lives?
