2 Chronicles 6

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Solomon's Prayer at the Dedication of the Temple

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. There are spiritual lessons in Solomon's address to the nation.

  2. There are spiritual lessons in Solomon's prayer for the nation.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Never forget that the foundation for our prayers is the cross.

QUESTIONS

  1. During which feast did Solomon choose to install the Ark and dedicate the Temple?

  2. In verses 4 and 10, what fulfilled promises is Solomon referring to?

  3. How did Solomon begin his prayer (the longest recorded in the Bible)?

  4. Verse 21 has become the foundation for what long-standing Jewish tradition?

  5. What is the structure of verses 22-39?

ANSWERS

  1. During the Feast of Tabernacles. King Solomon not only offered innumerable sacrifices to the Lord, but as the king of Israel, he addressed the nation and then prayed for the nation.

  2. Solomon is specifically speaking of the Davidic covenant, God's promise to build David a house of the Lord and a dynasty.

  3. He began his prayer for the nation with praise and worship for God (verses 14-15).

  4. Based on this verse Orthodox Jews around the world continue to pray toward Jerusalem. Remember Daniel prayed toward Jerusalem as a captive in Babylon.

  5. Here Solomon mentioned seven specific situations in his prayer and requested that the Lord hear and intervene with justice and forgiveness. Walk through these seven requests.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. People cannot just come to God in any way they choose. But God is willing to come to the people if they are willing to approach Him in the right way. In the Old Testament it was the way of sacrifice. Discuss the only way to come to God today. This is not a popular teaching.

  2. In verses 16-17, Solomon reminded the Lord of His covenant with David and requested that the Lord would continue to confirm His Word. Praying through God's promises is an excellent technique to enhance your prayer life. What are some of the promises of God that you could use in prayer?

CHALLENGE

  1. If we realized the power of prayer, perhaps we would be inclined to pray more for our families, fellowships, and nation. Will you commit to be more diligent in prayer this week?

KEY VERSES

  • "Yet I have chosen Jerusalem, that My name may be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel." 2 Chronicles 6:6

  • "You have kept what You promised Your servant David my father; You have both spoken with Your mouth and fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day." 2 Chronicles 6:15

  • "Or if Your people Israel are defeated before an enemy because they have sinned against You, and return and confess Your name, and pray and make supplication before You in this temple, then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your people Israel, and bring them back to the land which You gave to them and their fathers." 2 Chronicles 6:24-25

2 Chronicles, Old Testament, TalksRon Reid2 Chronicles 6