Solomon's Prayer of Dedication
As the opening ceremonies of the Temple reached their
climax, King Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in front of the entire community of Israel, and he lifted his hands
in prayer. Then he knelt in front of the entire
community of Israel and lifted his hands toward heaven. He prayed, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God
like you in all of heaven and earth. You keep your covenant and show unfailing
love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.”
The prayer that follows is one of the most heartfelt compilations
of praises and petitions in the entire Bible. Solomon’s prayer culminated with
this request, “O
my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to all the prayers made
to you in this place.”
Solomon
longed for this Temple to be a place that was alive with the presence of the
ever-living God. A place where people could connect with God. A place where
prayers would be heard, people would be healed, sins would be forgiven, and
lives would be changed. He desired that “God’s house” would be the center of community
and national life for all of Israel.
Can you picture it? The political and military leader of
the nation bowing in deep reverence with words of praise unto the Lord. Solomon’s words ring true today just as they
did that day. There is no God like Yahweh. He is the only true and living God.
No matter how far you go – throughout heaven and earth – or how intently you
search, you will never find anyone even remotely like Him. He is a God of His
word – who always keeps His promises and covenants. He does this because of His
“steadfast love” for His servants – those who have bowed the knee to Him as
their Master and Lord.
What an amazing day this was. One of the highlights of
human history for sure! And what an amazing God we serve! There is no God like Him in
the skies above or on the earth below, who unswervingly keeps covenant with his
servants and unfailingly loves them while they sincerely live in obedience to His
ways. Praise be to God!
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