Useful Bible Studies > 1 Kings Commentary > chapter 8
At the end of his prayer, Solomon gave reasons why God should answer that prayer.
Solomon knew that he, and Israel’s people, did not deserve God’s kindness. Like all people, they too were guilty of wrong and evil deeds (8:46). They had not earned God’s kindness by their gifts or their work to build the temple, the house of God. Rather, it was God who gave them the power to get that wealth and the strength to do that work (Deuteronomy 8:18; 1 Chronicles 29:12).
The real reason why God should answer that prayer, was for his own honour. It was God who chose Israel to be his own special people. God himself had rescued them from Egypt, where they had lived as slaves (Exodus 12:31-42). As workmen take iron from an extremely hot fire, so God had rescued them from there (Deuteronomy 4:20). Moses led them out of Egypt – but God himself rescued them.
Although they were often not loyal to God, still God declares himself to be their God. It is his delight to answer their prayers when they truly turn to him. It brings him honour to save them from their troubles. They give him honour – and people in all nations learn to respect God when they see his kindness to Israel’s people (Romans 11:12).
So Solomon prayed for the future age, when Israel’s people will be truly loyal to God (Zechariah 13:1). The whole world will know God then (Isaiah 11:10; Zechariah 14:9); and the purpose for which God chose Israel’s people will, at last, be clear to everyone (Romans 15:8-12; Genesis 12:2-3).
Next part: After Solomon's prayer (1 Kings 8:54-55)
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