Theological Commentary: Click Here
In this
chapter we get to hear the Lord’s response to Solomon. As we should expect, the Lord contains some
surprises. The first of the surprises is
that the Lord doesn’t particularly show any recognition of the splendor and the
sacrifices besides taking up residence within the temple. Certainly, God doesn’t scorn the temple or
the sacrifices. He doesn’t overtly
acknowledge them, either.
What does
God have to say to Solomon? God reminds
Solomon what is truly important. God
reminds Solomon that he has been charged with a higher purpose. What is important is what Solomon does from
this point forward. God wants Solomon to
know that He will stay with him so long as he continues to walk in the ways of
the Lord. God also wants Solomon to know
that should he choose to follow the desires of his own heart instead of the
ways of the Lord that God will no longer promise to walk with him.
This is
really important as we go back and reflect on the questions that we’ve been
pondering about the temple and the sacrifices.
The splendor isn’t bad, but it just isn’t terribly important. The sacrifices aren’t bad, but they aren’t
what captures God’s concern. God is concerned
with Solomon’s heart. God is concerned
with the heart of the people. God wants
them to live justly far more than He wants to dwell in splendor.
For me, that
is the significant learning of this chapter.
I am reminded of Psalm 51:15-17 and Hosea 6:6. God wants us to rend our
heart, not our garments. He wants our righteousness,
not our sacrifices.
<><
No comments:
Post a Comment