The pinnacle of Solomon's reign is a beautiful picture of success as well as an impending disaster. He finishes the Temple, the Ark is transported inside, the priests worship and the glory of God fills the Temple.
2 Chronicles 7:1–2 (ESV) As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 2 And the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD’s house.
If we remember that this book is written to returning exiles being instructed on how to be God's people once again we should take note that at this time in the text, the pinnacle of their history is coordinated around the glory of God in the Temple. They were learning where to put their hope. Not in the king or palaces but in the presence of the Lord who dwelt among them.
2 Chronicles 7:11–12 (ESV) Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD and the king’s house. All that Solomon had planned to do in the house of the LORD and in his own house he successfully accomplished. 12 Then the LORD appeared to Solomon in the night and said to him: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice.
At this point, we come to a famous stipulation on God's part concerning His people. They will enjoy His favor and blessing but they will also be punished for disobedience should they reject Him.
2 Chronicles 7:13–15 (ESV) When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, 14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.
We often use verse 14 as a sort of universal promise for God's people everywhere... that if the Church can just pray, fast, and repent, their nation will suddenly be turned around. Christians in pagan societies throughout history would beg to differ with that interpretation. The fact is, this promise is for the Kingdom of Israel in regards to their land and prosperity in it.
What we learn from this passage is that God indeed keeps His promise. Israel would fall away and be exiled - that's the bad part. But Israel would be restored and return - that's the good part. Not only do they return in the scriptural record, but they also return in the historical record. Devout Jews made it their goal to establish themselves back in the land in the latter part of the 19th Century. Today, they thrive on that very land once again.
We see God's faithfulness active among His chosen people today and that should bring great comfort to His adopted people - Gentile Christians. The promises God has made to us in Christ are sure, they are yes and Amen in Christ Jesus. He will never leave us, He will come again for us, He will take us to be with Himself.
Our hope is not in civil governments, presidents, kings or leaders. Our hope is in the promises and presence of God.
Comments
Post a Comment