Bless You!

Solomon had finished building the temple and bring in the ark of the covenant. YWHW manifested his presence by a cloud filling the place,

so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord. (1 Kings 8:11)

At a time like this, some well-spoken words from a leader are in order. Israel was feeling good about itself as a nation. God was obviously dwelling among his people. So the the king

turned around and blessed all the assembly of Israel, while all the assembly of Israel stood. And he said, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel..." (verses 14-15a).

Solomon blessed the people by blessing God? That is unexpected, but on closer examination it makes sense. Solomon goes on to praise God for his faithfulness to David in allowing the temple to be built, to which these people are witnesses (verse 20). By entering into the fulfilled promise, the people are abundantly blessed. They can see that the sovereign Lord of all keeps his word. There is certainty for a future hope.

The king does not stop there but continues his exaltation by turning toward the altar and prays, building on the theme of YHWH's faithfulness to his word in connection with the temple.

Repentance for sin (31-40)
      Personal
      National resulting in defeat
      National resulting in natural disaster
Visiting foreigners (41-43)
Protection in war (44-45)
National sin (46-53)

These sections have a repeating pattern:

1. Event needing YHWH's righteous attention
2. Prayer toward the temple (and by extension to the One who dwells there)
3. Request for faithful action in regards to the people's request
   

Lastly, Solomon once again blesses the people by blessing God for his faithfulness, but there is a difference. Here he asks God to remain faithful so that the people will desire to follow with a whole heart. He has just mentioned in his prayer that people will at some time sin so as to be cast out, but his utmost desire is that they will never get to that point. If God is faithful, why should not the people be? To end, Solomon desires that his prayer be before God's holy presence and that YHWH's deeds for his people will come back from all peoples in honor to him as the one true God.

When is that last time you blessed someone by blessing Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for the greatness of what has been done for believers? Pick a subject: redemption, atonement, justification, sanctification, election, etc. the choices are almost limitless. Bless someone today.