The Kansas City sun. (Kansas City, Mo.) 1908-1924, 1915-07-24
LESSON FOR JULY rs
SOLOMON DELEGATES THE TEN
PIE.
TEXT Kings s:22-so.

~ t6aC0 Jnlb lesson properly reIeT-
ence must be made to the building of
the temple (ch. g., 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 it's 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 1907
OOO), and the skill and magnificence 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 ". So and
the condition of Solomon's heart ". 81
is seen in the multitude of his sacri.
fees. The temple marks the begin
ming of a new era in Hebrew history,
one of great outward glory, though
1t was not one of inward strength
as the speedy breaking up of the king
dom and the final captivities give evil
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 a sacred building its
equal for m~agnifcence or situation.
Read any good Bible dictionary for its
description. 1t is a type of the Chris
tian Il Cor. ~3:10-16).
!. Solomon's Veneration, w, 1924.
Solomon's temple was a place of sacri'
fce but more than all it was a house
Of prayer Matt. 21:13) and his dedi-
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 wherein lay the sacri-
flee (see Heb. 9:22; 1919. 20; John
1850, and even there he spread forth
his hands" in token of suppllcation,
alteration and worship. We car come
boldly to a throne of grace" and need
not priest or sacrament, for we have
ONE who ever liveth to intercede for
usI' Christ Jesus.
Eolomon's words of alteration are
deeply significant. There is reverent
pboldness and pious confidence in his
words. 1t Is a great blessing when
the leader of rEy people sets them a
pattern of uc'. Piety and prayer prov.
1880. In this Solomon is a type of
great Dayid's greater son." (Heb.
7:25). This prayer is twice recorded
(see 2 Chron. 6:13-42) and it begins
with an acknowledgment of Gods
new plea. In verse % two titles are
given God (see Elk. 24:10; l Sam. 1:17;
Ps. 41:S; lisa. 41:17; 45:3). God is
so great that there is non other with
whom to compare him.
II. Gods Word Verified, w. %, 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 anC
steadfast (Jer. 33:17-26) and Solomon's
use of Gods promise e Sam. 7:12-16l
Is an exhortation to US that we basC
our petitions upon some n of God'i
promises. Praying thus we can res
assured that our prayer is in the will
of God and therefore that 1t will b.
heard Il John 5:14. 15).
III. Gods Vision, w. 27-30. See ais
2 Chron. 1913, 1929; l Kings 9:1-9
AS the king concluded his prayer thu
cloud resting yer the holy of holiei
grew bright and dazzling and fire fel
upon and consumed the sacrifices; thu
priests stood without in awe ant
Amazement; the whole people fell upoI
their faces, and worshiped and praised
Jehovah. Even with all of this specia
manifestation Solomon did not con
ceive of Jehovah a local, triba
deity Earth could not contain him
nor the heaven and the heaven o
AGdNcnS w. az GOu HIS luS VIM
universe FPS. 129:7-16) yet he did an
does give US special local manifests
tions of himself. 1t is this same vas
God who dwelt fully in Jesus Chris
John TIA; Col. 2;9). will (such a
God indeed dwell on the earth?" H
who created the universe? Yet thi
God turned this vision towards tn
temple day and night" Solomon COY
eted such scrutiny for In that tempt
God had said: my name shall b
there" ". 29) and his nome is Love
q John AS; see also 2 Chron. 6:2t
400. This prayer is for US granted i
him whom the temple typiies, GU
Lord Jesus John 14:13, 14). The eye
of God are ever towards him an
ready to answer the petition made 1
his name. There is a great lesson fc
the Christian and for the Christian
special places Of worship, OF
churches. in this wonderful promise {
Jehovah regarding his name.
Accompanying this ceremony wa
the Feast of Tabernacles" wv. 6
90; 2 Chron. 7:411) which usual
lasted seven days but on this occasio
continued for fourteen days. 1t wa
a time of great JOY and gladness {
heart for all the goodness and nero
of the Lord (see | Kings S:65. S.;
Chron. 10, l0). Solomon assume