English: image of Solomon and the covenant of the ark, painted in 1747 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In chapter 6, the temple has been built, the ark of the covenant has been moved in, and now it is time for Solomon to dedicate it and offer his prayer to God. This was covered also in 1 Kings 8:12-50, but here in a post-exillic message, the Chronicler is less focused on the history of Moses and the Exodus and more so on the Davidic covenant.

The temple was a huge part of life for those who had remembrances of how things were before exile, and those whose relatives had passed that knowledge of that life. It was a representation of their heritage therefore, and it mattered a great deal – especially now that it was lost. The chronicler does a good job with delivering the message of the day in question. Solomon’s prayer is eloquent, and exceedingly respectful. He acknowledges that no structure made by man can contain God.

Still, the dedication ends with Solomon inviting God to come and dwell in the Temple.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 2 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.