Learning from Solomon's prayer

When I think of King Solomon I think of:
1. Wisdom and knowledge - his wise ruling on the dispute between two prostitutes both claiming to be the mother of a baby (this story has come to be known as the Judgement of Solomon - recorded in 1 Kings 3:16-28). The bible described this about his wisdom:
"God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom." (1 Kings 4:29-34) He was also one of the authors of what is now known as the Wisdom Literature.
2. Humble beginning - the second son of Bathsheba (his older brother died as a consequence of King David's sin against Uriah), he was nearly killed by his brother Adonijah who declared himself to be the king instead of him.
3. Wealth - Solomon was possibly the richest man on earth at the time. This bible study described his "net worth"!
4. Many wives - according to the Bible, "King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh’s daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. They were from nations about which the Lord had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.” Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray." (1 Kings 11:1-3) The only wife mentioned by name is Naamah, who is described as the Ammonite. She was the mother of Solomon's successor, Rehoboam.
5. Building of the temple - the construction of the temple in Jerusalem was described in great details and can be found in 1 King 6 and 2 Chronicles 2-5. It took him 7 years to complete the project (1 King 6:37-38). Of interest it took him 13 years to build his palace. (1 Kings 9:10 - you can do the math)
6. Queen of Sheba - this is a fascinating story in itself. But what the Queen said to Solomon before she returned home says it all: “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe what they said until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me; you have far exceeded the report I heard. How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on his throne as king to rule for the Lord your God. Because of the love of your God for Israel and his desire to uphold them forever, he has made you king over them, to maintain justice and righteousness.” (2 Chronicles 9:5-8) If only it was true for his entire lifetime!
7. Early devotion to God but turned to idols later in life - a real lesson for me! What are my idols??

Now comes the prayer which I read this morning. It is called "Solomon's Prayer of Dedication" which he prayed before the whole assembly of Israel after he had completed the building of the temple. (2 Chronicles 6:14-42) I have put down what I have learned as it is relevant to me today:
1. God fulfilled His promise in the past, e.g. His salvation to me (vv. 14,15)
2. Therefore I can trust Him for His many more promises to come true (vv. 16,17)
3. The temple (for us today it's the body of Christ - His church) is the physical reminder of this covenantal love  (vv. 18-21)
4. At the temple God will show His justice (vv. 22,23)
5. At the temple God will bring about victories against our enemies (vv. 24-25)
6. At the temple God provides all my sustenance (vv. 26,27)
7. At the temple we find forgiveness (vv. 28-31)
8. At the temple we invite all people of this earth so they too may know Him (vv. 32,33)
9. We need God to uphold us when we are away from the temple (vv. 34,35)
10. God will bring us back even if we have fallen away but have come to repentance (vv. 36-39)
11. Now God listen to our pleas (vv. 40-42)

When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying,

“He is good;
    his love endures forever.” (2 Chronicles 7:3)

Now help me remember to say this for the rest of my life!