Chapter 8:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 2 Samuel 2 Kings
1 Kings 8
Concise Complete
The dedication of the temple. (1-11) The occasion.
(12-21) Solomon's prayer. (22-53) His blessing and exhortation. (54-61)
Solomon's peace-offerings. (62-66)
Verses 1-11 The
bringing in the ark, is the end which must crown the work: this was done with
great solemnity. The ark was fixed in the place appointed for its rest in the
inner part of the house, whence they expected God to speak to them, even in the
most holy place. The staves of the ark were drawn out, so as to direct the high
priest to the mercy-seat over the ark, when he went in, once a year, to sprinkle
the blood there; so that they continued of use, though there was no longer
occasion to carry it by them. The glory of God appearing in a cloud may signify,
1. The darkness of that dispensation, in comparison with the light of the
gospel, by which, with open face, we behold, as in a glass, the glory of the
Lord. 2. The darkness of our present state, in comparison with the sight of God,
which will be the happiness of heaven, where the Divine glory is unveiled.
Verses 12-21
Solomon encouraged the priests, who were much astonished at the dark cloud. The
dark dispensations of Providence should quicken us in fleeing for refuge to the
hope of the gospel. Nothing can more reconcile us to them, than to consider what
God has said, and to compare his word and works together. Whatever good we do,
we must look on it as the performance of God's promise to us, not of our
promises to him.
Verses 22-53 In
this excellent prayer, Solomon does as we should do in every prayer; he gives
glory to God. Fresh experiences of the truth of God's promises call for larger
praises. He sues for grace and favour from God. The experiences we have of God's
performing his promises, should encourage us to depend upon them, and to plead
them with him; and those who expect further mercies, must be thankful for former
mercies. God's promises must be the guide of our desires, and the ground of our
hopes and expectations in prayer. The sacrifices, the incense, and the whole
service of the temple, were all typical of the Redeemer's offices, oblation, and
intercession. The temple, therefore, was continually to be remembered. Under one
word, "forgive," Solomon expressed all that he could ask in behalf of his
people. For, as all misery springs from sin, forgiveness of sin prepares the way
for the removal of every evil, and the receiving of every good. Without it, no
deliverance can prove a blessing. In addition to the teaching of the word of
God, Solomon entreated the Lord himself to teach the people to profit by all,
even by their chastisements. They shall know every man the plague of his own
heart, what it is that pains him; and shall spread their hands in prayer toward
this house; whether the trouble be of body or mind, they shall represent it
before God. Inward burdens seem especially meant. Sin is the plague of our own
hearts; our in-dwelling corruptions are our spiritual diseases: every true
Israelite endeavours to know these, that he may mortify them, and watch against
the risings of them. These drive him to his knees; lamenting these, he spreads
forth his hands in prayer. After many particulars, Solomon concludes with the
general request, that God would hearken to his praying people. No place, now,
under the gospel, can add to the prayers made in or towards it. The substance is
Christ; whatever we ask in his name, it shall be given us. In this manner the
Israel of God is established and sanctified, the backslider is recovered and
healed. In this manner the stranger is brought nigh, the mourner is comforted,
the name of God is glorified. Sin is the cause of all our troubles; repentance
and forgiveness lead to all human happiness.
Verses 54-61
Never was a congregation dismissed with what was more likely to affect them, and
to abide with them. What Solomon asks for in this prayer, is still granted in
the intercession of Christ, of which his supplication was a type. We shall
receive grace sufficient, suitable, and seasonable, in every time of need. No
human heart is of itself willing to obey the gospel call to repentance, faith,
and newness of life, walking in all the commandments of the Lord, yet Solomon
exhorts the people to be perfect. This is the scriptural method, it is our duty
to obey the command of the law and the call of the gospel, seeing we have broken
the law. When our hearts are inclined thereto, feeling our sinfulness and
weakness, we pray for Divine assistance; thus are we made able to serve God
through Jesus Christ.
Verses 62-66
Solomon offered a great sacrifice. He kept the feast of tabernacles, as it
seems, after the feast of dedication. Thus should we go home, rejoicing, from
holy ordinances, thankful for God's Goodness.
Chapter 8:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 2 Samuel 2 Kings
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
