2 Samuel 8
1 Kings 8 begins with the scene in which, after Solomon's temple is completed, all the people of Israel and the leaders gather to dedicate the temple. As the ark of the covenant is placed in the inner sanctuary of the temple, a cloud symbolizing God's presence fills the temple. This shows the fulfillment of God's promise to dwell there. At the heart of the temple, we can see that the ark of the covenant and God's presence are established.
1verseAfter this, David struck the Philistines and subdued them; and David took the bridle of the mother city out of the hand of the Philistines.
2verseHe defeated Moab, and measured them with the line, making them to lie down on the ground; and he measured two lines to put to death, and one full line to keep alive. The Moabites became servants to David, and brought tribute.
3verseDavid also struck Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his dominion at the River.
4verseDavid took from him one thousand seven hundred horsemen and twenty thousand footmen. David hamstrung the chariot horses, but reserved enough of them for one hundred chariots.
5verseWhen the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck twenty two thousand men of the Syrians.
6verseThen David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought tribute. The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.
7verseDavid took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.
8verseFrom Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took a great quantity of bronze.
9verseWhen Toi king of Hamath heard that David had struck all the army of Hadadezer,
10versethen Toi sent Joram his son to King David to greet him and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and struck him; for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. Joram brought with him vessels of silver, vessels of gold, and vessels of bronze.
11verseKing David also dedicated these to the LORD, with the silver and gold that he dedicated of all the nations which he subdued—
12verseof Syria, of Moab, of the children of Ammon, of the Philistines, of Amalek, and of the plunder of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.
13verseDavid earned a reputation when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand men of the Syrians in the Valley of Salt.
14verseHe put garrisons in Edom. Throughout all Edom, he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became servants to David. The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.
15verseDavid reigned over all Israel; and David executed justice and righteousness for all his people.
16verseJoab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder,
17verseZadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests, Seraiah was scribe,
18verseBenaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief ministers.
Solomon's Prayer of Dedication (8:14-53)
King Solomon announces to all the people that the construction of the temple has been carried out according to what God promised his father David and Israel. Then Solomon lifts up his hands toward God in prayer before the temple. In this prayer, Solomon praises God's faithfulness to his covenant and his mercy and asks that when the people of Israel repent and pray toward this temple after committing sins, God will forgive them and answer. He also asks that when foreigners look upon this temple and pray, God would hear them. The prayer also shows an example of comprehensive intercession for oneself, one's community, and others.
The Climax of Temple Dedication and the Dedication Offerings (8:54-66)
When the prayer ends, Solomon blesses the people and praises God's grace and patience. They offer God abundant sacrifices and celebrate the dedication of the temple greatly for one week, with joy and reverence. At the center of worship is gratitude for God's presence and grace. The people return to their homes with joy in their hearts.
Meditation Points
- Solomon confesses that the construction of the temple was not something accomplished by his own strength, but by God. Can we also recognize that the things accomplished in our lives are under God's guidance, and give thanks?
- Solomon's prayer includes the prayers of foreigners as well, beyond a single person or a nation. We can also reflect on whether our prayers are being offered with a wide heart.
- The climax of the temple dedication is found in God's presence and the joy of the people. We can meditate on whether, in our worship and spiritual life, we are experiencing God's presence.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- I also check whether I long for God's presence in my life, and whether I pray to and seek God anytime and anywhere.
- I learn the importance of having a heart of intercession that prays for the needs of others, for the community, and for a nation and its people.
- I resolve to practice a posture of faith that always remembers and gives thanks for God's promises and grace.
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