Solomon – Page 2 – Be Still…

2 Chronicles 6:12-42 – Solomon’s Prayer

Read 2 Chronicles 6:12-42

Solomon mentioned us in his prayer! Somehow Solomon knew, in all his wisdom, that one day all people of the earth would come to know the one true God. Those that are wise enough to see the truth and sort through all the lies of the world using God’s word as a guide have head start.

In his prayer, Solomon speaks of promises, and justice, and forgiveness. It’s like Solomon was pleading our case before God centuries ago. What a timeless prayer! Solomon shows such honor by giving tribute to God as he does. We can glean so much wisdom from Solomon at this stage in his life.

2 Chronicles 6:1-11 – Praise to the Lord!

Read 2 Chronicles 6:1-11

I love how the Bible uses speeches like Solomon’s to testify to God’s movement among the people. Each time we recall what God has done and share that with others, we reveal God’s character to those who many not otherwise understand.

There may have been people present that day who didn’t realize what the LORD’s promise to David had been. Solomon was “catching them up,” so they would know that the construction of the temple was not just something Solomon arranged on a whim. The temple had been the desire of his father, David. Now that construction was complete, that dream was realized at last, and Solomon gave God the credit.

2 Chronicles 3:1-17 – That’s a LOT of Gold!

Read 2 Chronicles 3:1-17

What a majestic place! We can only imagine what the Lord’s temple looked like from these descriptions. Even more details can be found in 1 Kings 6 and 7. It seems the Chronicler wants to impress his readers with the sheer description, all the way down to golden nails weighing over one pound each! I understand the Chronicler is known to have exaggerated for effect.

Yet the description of the temple exudes opulence. Any structure covered in that much gold with jewels had to be amazing. I can’t even think of a place I’ve visited that would look anything like this. Have you?

2 Chronicles 2:11-18 – A King’s Reply

Read 2 Chronicles 2:11-18

King Solomon has now received King Hiram’s response to the letter we were privy to in the last reading. We learn a few things of note in Hiram’s letter of reply. What did you notice?

First and foremost, we learn that King Hiram has great respect for the God of Israel. Generally speaking, the people of Tyre were not Israelites and they did not worship God. They had many gods distracting them from the truth. Yet, King Hiram says very affirming things about our God. He actually shows a lot more reverence than most non-believers today.

2 Chronicles 2:1-10 – Let the Project Begin!

Read 2 Chronicles 2:1-10

Both King Solomon and his father had an ally in King Hiram of Tyre. In this reading, we’re given the privilege of seeing the royal correspondence sent to Tyre. That nation was known for having many gods, so Solomon’s message about his “awesome God” was quite a testimony of his faithful allegiance.

Solomon wastes no time in getting the temple building project underway. The details of the supplies needed as well as the number of workers to be employed seem daunting. Yet having these specifics helps us appreciate the magnitude and scale of this project.