Solomon's temple

Yesterday I read about the temple that Solomon built for the Lord. I let my mind soar thinking about its grandeur and opulence as I read its description in 2Chronicles 3. I read of the 23 tons of gold used to overlay the rooms of cypress. Each gold nail weighed 20 ounces and the walls of the upper rooms were also overlaid with gold. At the entrance of the Most Holy Place was a fine linen curtain decorated with blue, purple and scarlet threads and was embroidered with figures of cherubim. There were two carved cherubim overlaid with gold placed standing side by side in the Most Holy Place that had a total wingspan of 30 '. I read of the 30' bronze altar, the great bronze basin called The Sea that was 7 1/2 ' deep and 45' in circumference placed on a base of 12 bronze oxen and yet these are only some of the lengths to which Solomon went to build a temple befitting God Almighty.

King David had wanted to build the temple but his son Solomon was the one chosen, so with all his God-given wisdom, he did everything in his power to honor God with his efforts. It was public, grand scale, no holds barred adoration and honor he was giving to the Lord. The Lord blessed his works and the temple was completed, a true wonder of the world.

Solomon's prayer of dedication begins by acknowledging God's omnipotence and His faithfulness to those who walk before Him in wholehearted devotion. He calls on the Lord to keep His eyes and ears attentive to all the prayers made to Him in the temple and invites the Lord to enter the temple and dwell there. Offerings are given and sacrifices are made.

Fire flashes from heaven burning up the offerings and sacrifices, and the Lord comes. The priests couldn't even enter the Temple because the presence of the Lord filled it.

"When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the glorious presence of the Lord filling the Temple, they fell down on the ground and worshipped and praised the Lord saying, "He is good! His faithful love endures forever." 2Chron 7:3

The Lord responds to Solomon's prayer of dedication, accepting the temple as a holy place for sacrifice to Himself. In His accepting response, the Lord speaks some familiar, loving and comforting words to His people, to us. He tells us that when we have troubles, when we have heartbreak, when we are plagued by physical and emotional famine, He is there. When we are on the bottom of the bottom, when we have parched, thirsty souls, when there is no way left but up, He says,

"Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." 2Chron 7:14

We are safe. We are well-cared-for children of the Lord. His eyes are open, His ear attends to our cries. He will restore us. He is good! His faithful love endures forever.

Suz