1 Kings 8:54-61

Solomon’s benediction on the people 8:54-61

This benediction began with a review of God’s past faithfulness (1 Kings 8:56). Solomon then voiced three wishes (1 Kings 8:57-59) with an explanation concerning his motive (1 Kings 8:60). He concluded with a challenge for the future (1 Kings 8:61). The three desires of Solomon’s heart were, first, that God would bless his generation with His divine presence (1 Kings 8:57). Second, he asked that He would give His people the will to walk in obedience to His covenant (1 Kings 8:58). Third, he prayed that God would keep Solomon’s requests dear to His heart (1 Kings 8:59). Solomon’s final appeal to the people was that they would devote themselves to Yahweh wholeheartedly and express that commitment by obeying His Law (1 Kings 8:61). Unfortunately Solomon himself failed to do this completely.