Verse 40
j. Conclusion of Solomon's dedicatory prayer:
"Now, O my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attentive unto the prayer that is made in this place. Now therefore, arise, O Jehovah God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O Jehovah God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness. O Jehovah God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember thy lovingkindness to David thy servant."
The theology of this prayer is glorious indeed. (a) God dwells not in any earthly place, "the heaven of heavens cannot contain him." (b) Forgiveness of sins is available only for those who repent (turn again), confess, and pray. (c) The blessing of God is not for any race alone, not even for Israel; but it is also for those who are not of Israel. (d) All have sinned. (e) Disasters of various kinds come upon men because of their wickedness. (e) The great need of every man is forgiveness. Note how often the plea for God to forgive is uttered. (f) The omniscience of God who knows the hearts of all men, etc.
No fault may be found in this magnificent prayer. It probably represents the very zenith of Solomon's spiritual life. What a pity that the great man who prayed this prayer became the prime builder of pagan temples in his generation! We shall not attempt to make excuse for Solomon's disastrous failure, other than to point out that the ancient proverb, namely, that POWER CORRUPTS; AND TOTAL POWER CORRUPTS TOTALLY, was amazingly verified in the life of Solomon.
As we have already pointed out, these chapters are virtually identical with the account in First Kings, where what comments we have on this are written.
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