1 Kings 8:23-53

SOLOMON’S PRAYER OF DEDICATION, 1 Kings 8:23-53.

This prayer “is one of unprecedented length, and remarkable as combining the conception of the infinity of the Divine presence with the hope that the Divine mercies will be drawn down on the nation by the concentration of the national devotions, and even of the devotion of foreign nations, towards this fixed locality.” Stanley. It is reproduced in substantially the same language and order in 2 Chronicles 6:14-42, and is a model most appropriately read and followed in the dedication of houses of Christian worship. It consists of three parts:

1.) Adoration for the fulfilment of the promise to David. 1 Kings 8:23-24.

2.) Prayer for its continued fulfilment, (1 Kings 8:25-26,) and for blessings upon the concentration of worship at the temple. 1 Kings 8:27-30.

3.) Supplication for specific blessings, (1 Kings 8:31-53,) namely, in cases of trespass, (1 Kings 8:31-32;) when smitten before enemies, (1 Kings 8:33-34;) in times of drought, (1 Kings 8:35-36,) famine, or plague, (1 Kings 8:37-40;) for the devout stranger, (1 Kings 8:41-43;) for success in battle, (1 Kings 8:44-45;) for deliverance from captivity, (1 Kings 8:46-53.) These prayers for specific blessings are seven, thus corresponding in number with the seven petitions of the Lord’s prayer.

25. So that thy children take heed Better, only if thy children, etc., as in the margin. The Divine promises can be fully realized only on conditions of righteousness in the people. They comfort those who “walk uprightly.”