2 Chronicles 6
-Solomon’s prayer of dedication at the Temple site on the
bronze platform (2 Chronicles 6:13) is power packed with praise, adoration,
great theology, and instruction for all God’s people who had gathered and for
the future generations and ages. He recounts the promises to his father David
and emphasizes the heart, which should always be wholly after the LORD in all
ways (2 Chronicles 6:14, 30, 38). God has chosen Jerusalem that His Name might
be there, and He has chosen David who was a man after His own heart (1 Samuel
13:14, 2 Chronicles 6:6, Acts 13:22). There are vivid reminders that the LORD
cannot be contained in a building of man, that He is incomprehensible and fills
more than the Heavens (2 Chronicles 6:18). God hears from Heaven and will never
be restricted to this man-made Temple (2 Chronicles 6:21, 23, 25, 30, 33, 35,
39). This is only a place where worship of the One-True Living God can be
purely reflected upon and emphasized. Solomon makes sure that the people should
understand this, which should keep the Temple from becoming an idol itself.
This is tremendous theological truth that should not be missed in this passage.
-We also see the character and attributes of God displayed
in Solomon’s dedication. God speaks into
His desires and they are fulfilled (2 Chronicles 6:4, 8, 10, 15-17). God fulfills
all of His promises and is faithful (2 Chronicles 6:4, 10, 14-17). We see throughout
this passage that God responds to His creation who cries out to Him for forgiveness,
grace, and mercy no matter what their disobedience or struggle (2 Chronicles 6:19-42).
The fear of the LORD and walking with Him in His ways is again emphasized as in
so many places in Scripture (2 Chronicles 6:31). Solomon is teaching them from the
wisdom he had received from the Almighty. These principles would be applied in the
future as the nation developed and was taken into captivity. These principles still apply
today for Jewish people and Christians alike.
-*Application* So much of the emphasis we see in this passage
revolves around focused prayer and supplication before the LORD. When we remember
His glorious Temple, we should think of His presence, which indwells us and is a
sacred abode within our being thanks to the New Covenant. Remember that you are
“clothed with salvation,” God’s “resting place” is within you. The “promise (covenant)
of His might” empowers the believer. All of the LORD’s “Godly ones can rejoice in
what is good (2 Chronicles 6:41, Psalm 132, Galatians 3:27, Ephesians 6:10, Philippians
4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 1 Peter 3:13).”
Verses to Memorize: 2
Chronicles 6:6, 14, 41-42
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