Middletown transcript., 1915-07-24
LESSON FOR JULY rs
SOLOMON DELEGATES THE TEM-
PIE.

lisa. 56:7
To teach this lesson properly refer
ence must be made to the building of
the temple (ch. 81, to the building of
Solomon's palace and that for his
Egyptian wife (ch. y, and also to the
renewal Of the ark from the tent Of
meeting" in Zion, to its new dwelling
place in the temple. The time con-
sumed In erecting the temple (seven
years, l Kings 6:3S), the number of
men employed approximately $780,
OOO), and the skill and magnif1cence Of
the building Il Kings SD will serve
as an interesting introduction to the
dedication ceremonies proper. Those
present on this occasion are suggested
In verses two and three; the time
consumed was seven days ". 66) and
the condition of Solomon's heart ". 81
is seen in the multitude of his sacri-
hces. The temple marks the begin
ming OF new era in Hebrew history,
one of great outward glory, though
IL was not one of inward strength
as the speedy breaking up of the king
dom and the final captivities give evi-
dence. Professor Beecher sets the
date of this event as being about the
twelfth year of Solomon's reign-say
1912 B. c." There has probably not
been in all time sacred building its
equal for magnificence or situation.
Read any good Bible dictionary for its
description. 1t is type of the Chris
tian Il Cor. 3:1O-16).
!. Solomon's Veneration, w, 1924.
Solomons temple was place of sacri-
flee but more than all it was a house
OF prayer Matt. 21:13) and his dedl-
catory prayer is the longest prayer
recorded in the Scriptures. In it is
to be found no mention of the temple
as a place of sacrifice, yet no prayer
is heard apart from sacrifice. Each
article Of the temple furniture had its
special teaching but the greatest teach
ing Of all was that of Gods proximity
and his readiness to hear the petitions
of his servants. Solomon personally
brought his thanks and his petition
before the altar whereon lay the sacri-
fice (see Heb. 9:22; 1919, 20; John
1850, and even there he spread forth
his hands" in token of supplication,
alteration and worship. We can come
boldly to throne of grace" and need
not priest or sacrament, for we have
one who ever liveth to intercede for
US" Christ Jesus.
Solomon's words of alteration are
deeply significant. There is reverent
boldness and pious confidence in his
words. It is a great blessing when
the leader Of nEy people sets them a
pattern of Ic' riety and prayer (Prov.
14:S4). In this Solomon is a type of
great David's greater son." (Heb.
7:25). This prayer Is twice recorded
(see Chron. 6:13-42) and 1t begins
with an acknowledgment of Gods
new plea. In verse 23 two titles are
given God (see Ex. 24:10; l Sam. 1:17;
Ps. 41:3; lisa. 41:17; 45:3). God is
so great that there is none other with
whom to compare him.
II. Gods Word Verified, w. rs, 26.
Solomon repeatedly referred to the
fact that he has fulfilled Gods prom
ise to his father David in building
the temple. God is a covenant-keep-
ing God. Upon this fact Solomon
voices his plea for future blessings.
Every part of this prayer is worthy
of careful study. Solomon's there
fore" ". 25) reveals his acceptance
of Gods words to David (ch. 2:4).
This word of Jehovah is sure and
steadfast (Jer. 33: 1929 and Solomons
use of Gods promise e Sam. 7:12-16)
is an exhortation to us that we base
our petitions upon some one of Gods
promises. Praying thus we can rest
assured that our prayer is in the will
of God and therefore that 1t will be
heard Il John 5:14, 15).
III. Gods Vision, w. 27-30. See also
Chron. 7:1-3, 1922; l Kings 9:1.9.
AS the king concluded his prayer the
cloud resting over the holy of holies
grew bright and dazzling and fire fell
upon and consumed the sacrifices; the
priests stood without in awe and
amazement; the whole people fell upon
their faces, and worshiped and praised
Jehovah. Even with all OF this special
manifestation Solomon did not con-
ceive of Jehovah a local, tribal
deity" Earth could not contain him,
nor the heaven and the heaven Of
heavens ". 2T. God fills the whole
universe FPS. 129:7-16) yet he did and
does give us special local manifesto
tions of himself 1t is this same vast
God who dwelt fully in Jesus Christ
John 1:14; Col. 2:9). "Wtll (such a.
God indeed dwell on the earth?" He
who created the universe? Yet this
God turned this vision towards the
temple day and night" Solomon Gov
eted such scrutiny for in that temple
God had said: my name shall be
there" ". 29) and his nome is Love"
Il John AS; see also Chron. 6:20,
400. This prayer is for US granted in
him whom the temple typiies, our
Lord Jesus John 14:13, 14). The eyes
of God are ever towards him and
ready to answer the petition made in
his name. There is a great lesson for
the Christian and for the Christians
special places of worship, our
churches, in this wonderful promise Of
Jehovah regarding his name.
Accompanying this ceremony was
the Feast of Tabernacles" wv. 81,
So; Chron. T:4-11) which usually
lasted seven days but on this occasion
continued for fourteen days. 1t was
a time Of great Joy and gladness of
heart for all the goodness and mercy
Of the Lord (see Kings S:65, So; 2
Chron. 7:9, 10). Solomon assumed
that Israel would constantly be sim
ming wv "a &c 90 AZ AaN This