v5 "like a lily blossom" Pretty imagery.
v17 This is a very cool bit of detail as far as the actual process is concerned. They cast the metal objects in the clay of the ground. I'm picturing them making an impression in the ground, and then pouring the molten bronze into that.
v1 That must have been a fulfilling day.
v13 It was the trumpet, singers, cymbals, and instruments, playing in unison and praising His name that invited the presence of the Lord to enter the house.
Next time I'm singing in church with the rest of the local Body, I'm going to imagine the building filling with the cloud of His presence, invited by the sound of our voices and instruments--with such weight that I can't even stand. That is so powerful. If I knew how to write songs, I would write one about this.
v1-11 Speeches like this one are valuable. To build on your ability or willingness to trust God, start by remembering how He has already been faithful to you. How He has kept promises, and has taken care of your needs through the years. Make a list. Put it somewhere you can see it all the time. Trust comes more easily through remembrance.
v14 When I first started reading this prayer of dedication, I thought, Man! Solomon is a little bossy with the God of the Universe! But all of the things that Solomon asks of Him are things that God has promised--faithfulness, listening to prayers, forgiveness... These are also actions that a king might decide he is qualified to carry out. Through his words, Solomon is dedicating this place as God's to reign.
v40 "Now, Oh my God, I pray, let Your eyes be open and Your ears be attentive to the prayer that is offered in this place."
Wouldn't that be a beautiful way to start off a prayer session?
Next time: II Chronicles 7-10
Comments