Page 225 - Part One

2 Chronicles 5:1 to 7:11. Read the parallel account of the dedication of the Temple, noting
down all that the Lord shows you.

Day 4

1 Kings 9:1-9 and 2 Chronicles 7:12-22. Here is God’s answer to Solomon’s prayer. In the
chapter from 1 Kings we read how Solomon was warned that disobedience to the terms of the
Covenant would result in captivity and the destruction of the Temple. Remember what is
written here. Sadly, it came to pass in later years. The chapter in 2 Chronicles contains the
promise of redemption if Israel returns to God even from captivity in foreign countries. If
God were to cast them aside they would be prey to their enemies and the entire world would
ask why God had done this to His people. His people would be exiled so that their desire for
God would be renewed and so that they would turn to Him in confession and repentance.
This passage was given directly and specifically to Israel in answer to Solomon’s prayer. It is
such a compelling prayer that many Christians want it to be true for their own nations. 2
Chronicles 7:14 is often considered to be a promise to Christians. Whilst we know that God’s
answer to Solomon conveys understanding of His heart for Israel, and thereby shows
something of His heart for believers in the Gentile world, we must be careful not to take the
prayer out of its context. We live in a troubled world where end time prophecies are being
fulfilled. Israel is returning to its ancient land after 2000 years of the diaspora and the nations
of the world are being led by people who have no close relationship with the God of Israel.
The antichrist is rising up to take control of the gentile nations. It is a time for us to study the
Scriptures carefully and ensure we know both the context and the intent of God. This answer
to Solomon’s prayer is extremely relevant for Israel today, just as it was for Israel nearly
3000 years ago. Note the details well.

Psalm 127. This Songs of ascents was written by Solomon. Picture the Temple and the City.
Recall the extent of the planning and of the work accomplished to establish Jerusalem as the
chief City of Israel. Picture the worshippers processing up to Temple Mount for sacrifice and
worship. Solomon knew that all this depended on the Lord, and could not be accomplished
without Him. Watchmen might be put on the walls but the city was not safe without God’s
protection. This principle is relevant to all nations today. We are gradually moving to a time
when His protection is being removed as a response to our apostasy and sinfulness. Solomon
also knew that a city is not measured by the extent of its buildings. A city is defined by the
people who live in it. A nation is built up through strong families. This is why the second half
of the Psalm focuses on the blessing of a family that is built up with the help of the Lord.

Day 5

1 Kings 9:10 to 10:29. Here is an account of the establishment of Solomon as a great King
and of Israel as a nation at peace. It is a short account of a significant period of history.
Solomon dealt peacefully with Hiram despite some difficulties. He established store cities
and chariot cities, and he built ships that traded across the world. He become rich and his
fame spread across the entire world. The visit of the Queen of Sheba was on account of his
fame and she visited him to confirm all that she had heard about his wisdom and prosperity.
Take careful note of all the details.