Positioning
12. Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in front of the entire community of Israel, and he lifted his hands in prayer. . . .
14. He prayed, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven and earth. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.
15. You have kept your promise to your servant David, my father. You made that promise with your own mouth, and with your own hands you have fulfilled it today.
16. And now, O Lord, God of Israel, carry out the additional promise you made to your servant David, my father. For you said to him, ‘If your descendants guard their behavior and faithfully follow my Law as you have done, one of them will always sit on the throne of Israel.’” 2 Chronicles 6:12, 14-16
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Getting up in front of an audience strikes fear in the hearts of most people. “That’s not my idea of a good time,” they might say. It’s a big responsibility to be in the spotlight—being observed by everybody, critiqued by some, and copied by others.
Solomon is one of the few who can stand in front of an audience and not be stricken with fear. As he dedicates the recently finished Temple, he stands in front of the people—on a platform—and blesses them.
This is the second part of Solomon’s story. After seven years of construction, Solomon’s work crews finally finish the Temple. Solomon dedicates the magnificent edifice to God and inaugurates it into service. He brings the Ark of the Covenant into the Holy of Holies and prays a prayer of dedication, and God appears to him. Then we read of Solomon’s riches and wisdom and of his many building projects. Follow closely—the best part is the prayer.
There’s a lot here: the importance of the Old Testament Temple; what to pray about; what it means to dedicate ourselves to God; consequences of turning away from God; and the power of example.
As the people received Solomon’s blessing, they stood (2 Chronicles 6:3). As Solomon prayed, he knelt (2 Chronicles 6:12-13). Solomon showed love and respect for God by kneeling before him as the people of Israel looked on. His action wasn’t just for public display, though. It showed that he acknowledged God as the ultimate king and authority, and it encouraged the people to do the same.
When you stand or kneel in church or at prayer, make these actions reflect more than mere changes in posture. Let them indicate your love for God.
