First Kings

First Kings

Chapters Eight and Nine: The Consecration of the Nation

(part 1)

Jim Bordwine, ThD

Introduction

Consider for a moment the most effective leaders you’ve known in your life. There are a number of qualities that distinguish truly good and effective leaders. I would suggest that genuine concern for those who are depending on you has to be among the most important.

So far, in our study of king Solomon, we have concentrated primarily on his personal experiences as he went through the death of his father and the attempted coup by his brother, Adonijah. Solomon has quickly moved into his role as leader of the nation.

The passage we are going to begin considering this morning reveals Solomon’s sincere compassion for his people. We will see a man obviously concerned more for the nation than himself. Solomon provides a wonderful example of godly leadership. He displays much wisdom as he addresses the people and challenges them to walk honorably before the LORD.

01. Solomon’s Blessing (8:54-61)

54 When Solomon had finished praying this entire prayer and supplication to the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread toward heaven. 55 And he stood and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice, saying: 56 “Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant. 57 May the LORD our God be with us, as He was with our fathers; may He not leave us or forsake us, 58 that He may incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His ordinances, which He commanded our fathers. 59 And may these words of mine, with which I have made supplication before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, that He may maintain the cause of His servant and the cause of His people Israel, as each day requires, 60 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no one else. 61 Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as at this day.”

Take note of the steps Solomon is following. He rightly spoke to the LORD in prayer, seeking His favor for the people, before he exhorted his subjects. He can speak to them now with hope and confidence. He knows what will have to happen for the nation to remain safe and prosper. Solomon’s example reminds us that prayer should always be followed by sincere effort on our part. We seek God’s help, and then we do all within our power to bring about what is needed.

Sometimes, you hear people talk about praying for this or that and being frustrated or bewildered because their prayer has not been answered. Part of the issue might be their lack of engagement after seeking God’s help. That is not a problem with Solomon, however. Having interceded for the nation, the king is prepared to speak boldly to the people and explain what God requires of them in the days to come.

I also want to draw attention to Solomon’s posture. Throughout the Old Testament, we find examples of how God’s people manifested their reverence for God in their physical movements, as well as in their words. This is a principle shamefully absent from the contemporary Church. In Jewish culture, the whole man, so to speak, was involved in the relationship with Jehovah; they gave visible expression to their joy and agony. Likewise, in times of petitioning the LORD, they took care to acknowledge His holy nature.

Therefore, quite often we find examples like the one here. Kneeling is universally recognized as a sign of great respect and reverence. The spreading of the hands toward heaven represents worshipful petition. The apostle Paul, as a matter of fact, commends this very kind of gesture for men who lead in public prayer (cf. 1 Tim. 2:8). Those of us in the more traditional camps of the modern Church have severely restricted such bodily manifestations largely because of the association of this kind of activity with bad theology and unbridled emotionalism found in some parts of evangelicalism. Clearly, however, kneeling in prayer and raising the hands toward heaven while praising or petitioning God are Biblically acceptable.

In v. 55, the writer tells us that Solomon stood to bless the people and from that position, with a loud voice, he spoke a wonderful blessing. I want to say a quick word about the term translated “loud” as in “loud voice.” We immediately assume this means that Solomon raised the volume of his voice in order to be heard. That certainly is part of the meaning of this term. Interestingly, however, the word also conveys a sense of greatness or distinction. The writer may be indicating that Solomon’s voice was not simply raised in volume, but also bore the character of authority. We’ve all heard men speak who command respect due to the tone of their voice and their delivery. I wonder, therefore, if this notion is behind the writer’s choice of this particular Hebrew word.

As we consider Solomon’s blessing, I want to break it into its several components. First, the king acknowledges the LORD’s kindness to Israel. The LORD “has given rest to His people,” the king declares. The present prosperous state of the nation was a result of God’s favor; this is a fact the wise king wants to establish from the very beginning. If the people were allowed to think they were responsible for the nation’s prosperity and safety, that would soon mean disaster. Solomon knows precisely why Israel has reached this point where the people have given abundantly, even beyond what was needed, for the building of God’s place of worship in Jerusalem—this is the larger context, you’ll recall, for this blessing from the king. He is determined, therefore, to emphasize God’s grace lest anyone begin thinking of the nation as great apart from the LORD.

Second, notice that Solomon ties the present blessedness to God’s promises made in the past. Here he introduces a decidedly covenantal perspective. God made promises to the patriarchs and Israel’s present peaceful state is evidence that God has kept His promises. He vowed to bless the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and He has done so. He delivered them from captivity in Egypt and eventually established them in a new land. There, the LORD caused them to overcome their enemies and grow—often in spite of the people’s spiritual dullness.

Solomon underscores the aspect of God’s covenant faithfulness when he adds that “not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant.” This is, therefore, the perfect foundation on which to bless the nation. They are God’s people, they are objects of His marvelous grace; they are where they are not because of their ingenuity or good luck, but because God chose to favor their forefathers and is now showing that favor several generations later. These first few sentences from Solomon are a marvelous reminder concerning how God deals with the line of His elect through history. They know His favor, generation after generation, because of His choice of them and that is the only reason.

When you consider how God continues to watch over, provide for, protect, and lead His people even today, even after all this time, the idea of grace should overwhelm us! What did you do to inherit membership in the household of God? What made God orchestrate your salvation? Why are you included in the body of Christ when someone else is not? God’s covenant faithfulness, from one generation to the next truly is an amazing testimony to His grace; in fact, it explains what grace is to a large degree. Grace is God’s unmerited favor.

Solomon voices his desire that God would continue to be with the people and “incline our hearts to Himself.” (vv. 57, 58) Here, then, is a third aspect of this blessing: Solomon, as I mentioned before, understands the responsibility that rests with the nation. The people must make every effort to walk honorably before God. He will continue to keep them and bless them, but they must obey His law and live according to God’s standards. Grace does not mean that we may live as we please and be assured of God’s continuing goodness. Grace, as Paul tells us, is greater than our sin, but it is not a license to sin!

Please take note of the last portion of v. 59: “ . . . which He commanded our fathers.” I call attention to this phrase because it reminds us of yet another significant truth in God’s relationship with His people. Those in a covenant relationship with God are always instructed in and urged unto obedience. From the very beginning of God’s association with Israel, which began back when God talked with Abraham, God has always taught that His people must live by His standards if they are to remain in covenant with Him.

This present generation of Israel is not hearing about obedience for the first time, as if God never mentioned this requirement before! They are being reminded that lawful living has been a constant element in the relationship between God and the people. That’s what we are—the latest in a long line of obedient worshipers! It is our obedience that distinguishes us. Fallen man has no desire or ability to obey God. When you see a line of people who are marked by fidelity to the Word of God, then you know something unusual is going on. Joyful conformity to the Scriptures, therefore, is one of the most obvious marks of true faith in a fallen world.

When I was a kid, although my parents were not, at that time, much more than nominal Christians, they did show a genuine concern for their children’s moral development. This meant that we were sent to Sunday School frequently even if mom and dad didn’t go. I didn’t like going to Sunday School; it was an activity for which I had no interest whatsoever. On top of simply not wanting to go, I had some experiences in Sunday School that made me even less interested.

One Sunday morning, for example, I was sitting in a boys’ class and the teacher was asking us to name our favorite Bible verse. I didn’t have one and had to admit that when my turn came. The teacher was very gracious and tried to help me by naming a few familiar verses to see if I might recognize one. I didn’t recognize any of them! Finally, while the other boys were snickering, the teacher said, “What about John 3:16?”, and he smiled because he assumed everyone knew that verse—but I didn’t. At that time, he might as well have spoken to me in a foreign language. I had no idea what John 3:16 said. Of course, this made the other boys even more talkative. I left that class that day swearing to myself that I would never set foot in it—or any other Sunday School classroom—again.

For the next several years, I had no real interest in church. I didn’t hate God and I never used His name in vain, but I didn’t know Him either. My whole perspective changed, of course, when I was converted at age 19. After that, I couldn’t get enough of the Word. For many months after my conversion, I sat up most of the night simply reading the Bible. And I quickly developed a desire to be what the Bible said I should be as one of God’s people. That dramatic change in me is tied to what Solomon is talking about—obedience, joyful obedience will always be a prominent mark among those who know and love the LORD. But it takes that supernatural regeneration of the heart to free us so that we can love and obey God with gladness.

By the way—going back to that episode in the Sunday School class where I was greatly embarrassed by my lack of knowledge, I knew that the Bible said “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son . . .” I just didn’t know that verse was John 3:16!

As we continue with Solomon’s remarks, in vv. 59 and 60, he expresses his hope that the relationship between Israel and the LORD will, indeed, be one of peace and greatness. He hopes that the words he has spoken thus far remain “near to the LORD our God day and night” so that God will not forget about His people, but will “maintain the cause of His servant and the cause of His people Israel.” Again, Solomon reveals his intense awareness of how Israel’s future may be one of joy—the LORD must remember them and keep them and defend them. And through this relationship, Solomon adds, as God demonstrates His special regard for this nation, other nations will take notice and see that the God of Israel is unique (cf. v. 60). One of the benefits of Israel living rightly before the LORD will be the glory associated with His name as others witness His power and compassion.

And again, Solomon returns to the core issue of this blessing, which is the necessary faithfulness of the people: “Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as it is this day.” (v. 61) As we noted before, the obedience of Israel will be key in determining their future. This is so because God controls their future. His pleasure with the nation will bring His blessing, all those things Solomon has desired for the people. But just as surely, unfaithfulness and a lack of love for God alone will bring His displeasure. The people will know peace only if God is pleased with them; that’s why Solomon has emphasized the issue of faithfulness so strenuously.

Application

Let’s consider a few of the lessons we should take with us from this portion of Scripture. First, this passage reminds us of our responsibility when seeking God’s help through prayer. To the degree we are able, we are to work to bring about the change we are asking. Solomon petitioned the LORD on behalf of the people, but then he exhorted the people regarding the very things he had put before God. Solomon wanted the people to be distinguished by righteous living in the years to come. He asked God to cause that to happen, but he also told the people of their duty to live rightly before the LORD.

This is a pattern to keep in mind when you pray. Suppose you pray and ask God to help you with some habit or practice that you know is not according to the Word. Should you then simply continue with that habit or practice waiting for the LORD to “zap” you out of it some day or should you fight to break the habit or end the practice with whatever strength and determination you have as you wait up God’s assistance?

By all means, we should call upon the LORD for all of our needs, but we should also be diligent in using the resources God has already given us to remedy the situation. I think God is pleased with us when He sees us genuinely struggling with a matter while seeking His aid.

Second, consider again the issue of how Solomon appeared before the LORD in prayer. He was on his knees with his hands stretched out toward heaven. I speculated a bit about why we are not comfortable with this kind of physical expression when we find it repeatedly in Scripture. My aim here is not to compel you to raise your hands during prayer or worship; that should be, I think, a complete spontaneous gesture. My aim is to say that it is perfectly acceptable to raise your hands toward heaven in prayer and praise. Even Reformed Presbyterians may do this!

A third lesson made so very plain in this text is one found throughout the Bible—namely, God has sole responsibility for our redemption. In his words, Solomon noted that the LORD had given rest to His people and was blessing them “according to all He promised.” Israel existed in this present condition because God kept His promise to Abraham and his descendents. He caused those descendants to grow strong on the earth and now they were a great nation with enormous potential to serve God and bring blessing to the world. All of this began, however, with God’s choice of them.

We do well to remember how we became members of God’s household. Such remembrance always produces two things in us: one, thanksgiving, which the Scripture commends as right and good and pleasing to God; and humility, because we realize we owe everything to God and cannot claim the least responsibility for our salvation or any of the blessings associated with it.

Giving God glory for what He has done for you will always be the right course to follow. Daily contemplation of His grace can only bring you comfort and encouragement. You will never have to deal with a negative consequence of thanking God for His kindness! When you consider your life and the lives of those in your family, do what Solomon did—begin by recognizing God’s marvelous grace that has brought you to this place; that kind of beginning will definitely shape your perspective and ensure that your petitions are pleasing to God. The simple truth is that the thought of God’s unmerited favor toward us should overwhelm us and fill us with great confidence when we come before Him in prayer.

A fourth application comes from the condition of the nation at this point in history. Israel was at rest and at a place where the future was bright. As Solomon noted, God had given the people rest; the nation was strong and had a good leader in Solomon. There was great potential for the days to come. From that point, two possible paths were before the people. The first path was a continuation of God’s pleasure and blessing with them. That path would require faithfulness. The second path was one on which they would be chastised and know the judgment of God. That path would be the one of unfaithfulness.

I would suggest that Israel is a picture of sorts of our experience. As I said many times, obedience to the will of God is key. Israel’s future depending largely on the people’s reaction to Solomon’s exhortations regarding faithfulness. We know, of course, that the coming years are going to be a mixture of blessing from God and chastisement from God for this nation. The people are not going to be marked by a consistent faithfulness. But at this particular point, the situation of Israel is a powerful reminder to us regarding the importance of own conduct. Those who are truly born again are in no danger of losing their standing among the redeemed, but a careless or disobedient Christian can certain experience a lifetime of misery by living contrary to God’s standards.

We are not saved by our good works—we all know that. But if we are saved, good works will follow—we should all know that, too. And in this world, living according to God’s will is not without challenge. It is a struggle, one that requires constant vigilance and constant submission to the Word. But it’s not impossible. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking the best you can do is minimize your sin in this world! No, the best you can do is fight every day to live according to what the Bible teaches.

Related to this notion is the truth that joyful conformity to the Scriptures is one of the most obvious marks of true faith in a fallen world. When you can be glad in living according to a standard that is at odds with the norm of this place, then you are on the right track, indeed. And that is what we want—we want to be happy in our walks before God. We don’t want to be worried and troubled all the time. But clearly this requires more than our effort alone; it requires what Solomon’s words illustrate—it requires humble submission before God and hopeful petition for His help. This is the kind of prayer that should be routine in every believer’s life.

And we must never forget that our ability to be part of such a relationship—one in which we seek to please God and He blesses us and gives us peace—has nothing to do with our personal worthiness. We find ourselves in this loving and secure relationship with God thanks only to our Savior. In Him, we are loved by God our Father; in Him, we stand to inherit eternal life and blessedness; in Him, we are allowed to come near to God and put our most pressing needs at His feet. Everything we have and everything we are is grounded in Jesus Christ.

As I urge you to live according to God’s will, therefore, I do so with this great truth in mind—we belong to Christ and His work in us is one of perfecting us for that final day when we appear with Him before the Father. Our hope for a life of faithfulness, therefore, is not simply a pious wish, it is a certainty. God saved us in Christ and one aspect of that salvation in this life is the manifestation of good works.

One of the most helpful things you can do for yourself when it comes to your desire to live honorably before God is to remind yourself of who you are and where you stand, as it were. You are not a stranger to God, you are one of His own children, a member of His own household. His Son paid for your sins so that you could inherit this wonderful position. How can you do anything, how can you desire anything other than to live for His glory?

Prayer

Hymn for Communion

Conclusion

I emphasized your standing in the household of God. When we end our worship each week with this sacrament, we do so because it confirms what you have been hearing. Only those who do belong to God have a place at this table. When you receive the elements, you are receiving what belongs only to the children of God. You should be greatly encouraged, therefore, as our time of worship closes in this way.

And, of course, as you receive the elements, it is a perfect time to seek God’s forgiveness for sins. Here you are, in His house, being reminded of what His Son did for you; what better time than this to confess sin and enjoy His ready forgiveness?

This isn’t a time to withdraw from God; it is a time to come near to Him, as a child confidently draws near to his father for comfort and assurance. And this is a time for rededication, if necessary. Here is a plain declaration of Christ’s death in your place. Now is the time to thank Him and call on Him for the strength you need as you contemplate returning to your normal duties this week.

Matt. 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”