Solomon Praises the Lord

THE GRAND SPECTACLE of inaugurating God’s temple was an auspicious occasion. Solomon in regal finery stood before the nation of Israel and led them in the dedication of the new and holy place. Years of planning, design, laboring and enormous expense had finally come to this climax. Even so, the beginnings of the temple preceded Solomon’s efforts. It was his father, David, who first proposed the house, but his vision was not to be fulfilled during his lifetime.

Solomon noted this fact, “Now Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon, when he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, for Hiram had always been a friend of David. Then Solomon sent word to Hiram, saying, You know that David my father was unable to build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the wars which surrounded him, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side; … Behold, I intend to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord spoke to David my father, saying, Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, he will build the house for My name.”—I Kings 5:1-5, NASB

As Solomon recounted these things to King Hiram, it is likely that he was moved deeply at the remembrance of his father David. A faithful son, Solomon would seek to honor the memory of David by bringing his aspirations to a full realization. Thus may sons honor their fathers as they bless their memory and carry on their vision. David was not permitted to build the house because he was a man used for war; thus, it was not yet the due time. Nevertheless, it was well that Solomon took up this task. The Lord had commanded Israel, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you.” (Exod. 20:12, NASB) This was a magnificent example of honoring his father’s memory—to put so much time, energy and wealth into fulfilling David’s vision of God’s house.

There are means available to us today whereby we may follow Solomon’s example. We may steadfastly honor the godliness our natural fathers have exhibited, emulating their examples of following God and his principles in daily life. Additionally, on a higher level, we can honor our Heavenly Father by dedicating our life to the building of his temple. Here we speak of the spiritual temple, built upon Jesus as the cornerstone and the Apostles as the foundation.—Eph. 2:19-22

The Apostle Peter wrote: “You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For this is contained in Scripture: Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in him will not be disappointed.”—I Pet. 2:5,6, NASB

May we, as Solomon did, offer up praises to God by faithfully living according to legacy of his perfect will, as exemplified in his Son, Christ Jesus. “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”—II Cor. 1:20