The Dedication of the Temple

Open Your Bible

2 Chronicles 6:1-42, 2 Chronicles 7:1-22, John 1:14

Sometimes my children ask me questions when my brain is in some other hemisphere—like deadlines, laundry piles, and remembering to order school lunches. “Can we go to the park later?” “Can we eat ice cream for dinner?” “Can we fly to the moon?” Okay, no moon-flying over here—but it doesn’t matter what they ask me; when I reply with a half-listening “Yes,” they expect whatever I promised. However, I often completely forget. 

But God never forgets His promises (2Chronicles 6:10,15–16). The writer of Chronicles reminded the returning-from-exile Judeans that even though they didn’t hold up their end of the covenant relationship with God, the Holy One of Israel never skipped town.

This account reveals the details of God’s continuation of the Davidic covenant by Solomon, David’s son, completing the building of the temple of the Lord. I imagine the people listening to this story could almost smell the twenty-two thousand cattle and a hundred thousand sheep and goats being offered to Yahweh (2Chronicles 7:5). They could almost hear the blowing trumpets and envision the glory of the Lord consuming the sacrifices with fire from heaven, and His glory filling the temple (v.1). 

I appreciate the details of this record of Israel’s history because they needed to remember their origin story as they started a new chapter back in the land. The returning, humbled people needed to recount who God was and who they were so they could move forward as God’s people. 

Sometimes we might need to re-enter the story of God too. We easily forget our faith origin in the gospel of Jesus Christ and start putting faith in other things. We put our faith in hustling for the promotion, curating a Pinterest-worthy home, or building our name as a brand on social media. But all these lesser faiths and stories start to lure us away from the one, big, eternal story of God—and of our Savior, who is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). 

Maybe this is one of the reasons the writer of Chronicles thought it necessary to include God’s promise to Solomon after the dedication: If Israel turns from God again (which they do), but then turns back to God, He would hear their prayer, forgive their sin, and bless the land (2Chronicles 7:14). 

This is the story I need to return to over and over again—especially when I mess up. This is the gospel of grace, right here in the pages of Chronicles. Is there something in your life distancing you from God? Are you feeling like you’re in a season of exile? If we turn from our sin, seek His face, and ask for forgiveness, we once again find our home in God’s story (1John 1:9)—because God keeps His promises.

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43 thoughts on "The Dedication of the Temple"

  1. Pam Stayer says:

    ❤️

  2. Amy EB says:

    In one of the recent devotions, the author wrote about how the temple was a place of intercession between God and His people but that now we have Jesus for that. So I started reading the verses replacing “in/toward this temple” with “in Jesus’ name.” 2 Chronicles 6:21 became “Hear the petitions of your servant and your people Israel, which they pray [in Jesus’ name]” and so on. All the forgiveness, all the mercy, all the provision, all the grace Solomon asked God to extend to those who prayed in the temple, we have all of that thanks to Jesus.

  3. Kudzai C says:

    Praying for your family @Ash H

  4. Kelley Moen says:

    In 2 Chronicles 6:12-42 Solomon repeats the request that God “hear in heaven and act”….may you hear and forgive, may you hear and uphold the cause. Then in the Lord’s Response 2 Chronicles 7:12-22 God confirms he has heard Solomon’s prayer and will act. Isn’t that desire to be heard (by God or even by the people around us) so universal? Often that simple prayer “please hear me” is something I struggle with because I don’t really feel heard. Maybe I’m requesting the wrong thing? Does God want us to expect a response? And the lesson we could also take is this: it begins with a request. Both in prayer and in daily life with others around us. “Please hear me……” is how I’ll begin today.

  5. Ash H. says:

    I need prayers, friends.
    My husband and I drove down to SoCal with our 3 kids on Sunday for vacation. A few hours after arriving, I had to take my husband to the ER for severe pain. He had surgery for a very large kidney stone last night. He’s recovering and out of the hospital now, but must take it easy.
    No lifting of children or helping with packing/unpacking, etc.

    We had to cancel our theme park tickets, so now we’re working with very sad kids.

    As of tonight, my little guy with special needs appears to be getting sick. I’m praying it’s quick but I am just struggling.

    Please pray for healing over my people and safety as we travel home and wisdom for what to do next.

    I’m so weary.

  6. Victoria E says:

    Hello sisters! I’m back after a little break from SRT. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for me. I had a small break in my routine that really helped me to reset and recover mentally and physically from everything that happened over the past 3 months. Great Scripture today. I really needed the devotional too

  7. Claire B says:

    ♥️

  8. Alayna P. says:

    I love this reminder that God never forgets His promises.

  9. Mercy says:

    @Michelle Patire: praying that the Lord lifts your spirit today and this week, that you will have peace and overwhelming joy that you would be surprised. May you walk out of that fire without even a smell of fire (Daniel 3:27).
    @Rhonda: I do agree with Michelle that the Lord might “force” you to lie down on green pasture to rest, instead of running. And may the “pain group” be the healed group.
    @Gramsiesue: praying for Steve’s wellness, and peace for you.
    @Allison Bentley: was thinking about you, and so glad to see your comment. Praying over your family.
    @Lehua: may God guard over you at work, and give you great favors in your boss’ eyes.
    @Foster Mama: may the burden that weighs so heavy on your heart be lifted, and relief, joy in abundance to come.
    @ALL SHE’S: praying over you and your families, may God preserve your lives (your families’ lives, your little ones), your faith, joy and peace, and may He (the man of War) fight over your battles and destroy ALL your enemies (sickness, illness, fear, lack, mental oppression, curses, addiction, strife, envy, insecurities… whatever it may be). May you live an abundant life full of joy and victories, to offer praise/worship for His Holy Name.❤️

  10. Mercy says:

    Today’s reading really sent chills down my spine. King Solomon was really really praying, I sat and analyzed his prayers, in the details Solomon really prayed and interceded, he even said “Have respect and hearken to our prayers God…” (2 Chronicles 6:19 KJV). And God answered by fire – a clear visible sign (2 Chronicles 7:1) just like He answered Isaiah. God gave His clear answers, conditional answers, if you do this…I will do this, if you fail to do this…I will pluck you out, AND THIS HOUSE (this luxurious extravagant structure of a temple inlaid with intricate gold, silver and gemstones that you just developed) will be an astonishment to everyone that passes by and they must wonder, why oh why the Lord has done this to this very house? What scares me is that was exactly happened to this temple in history. It was completely destroyed, allowed by the Lord using the hand of the Babylonians. God is to be greatly feared, even in His mercy and compassion. Let us serve the Lord with fear and trembling (Psalm 2:11). There is a very high cost for forsaking the Lord and His ways. Let us choose wisely this day whom we shall serve and obey. He will always forgive and receive us back, regardless of our prodigal ways. Glory be to our Father in Heavens. Be blessed dear sisters.

  11. Tricia Cavanaugh says:

    I’m praying for each of you dear Sisters. May you have the peace that comes because you are saved by Grace. ❤️

  12. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I love that God dwells with his people and makes allowance for them when they wonder away. He knows that they will and promises that they will be able to find their way back to him.

  13. Rhonda J. says:

    Hi Ya’ll-

    Great reading today, I am really enjoying gleaning all the great reminders of Chronicles! There is one true God of Israel, Father of Abraham, Isaac and David. He reigns forever, Hallelujah! I am so thankful for his gift of Jesus, who takes our sin away. We must still repent daily in his forgiveness, and utilize the Holy Spirit to help us against our flesh. It is challenging, but it is doable through Him. He enables, leads, directs, nudges, flags us down…knocks us down…breaks our foot. Am I following Him, or doing my own work? Lord, please, I want to follow your lead but my flesh does otherwise. I like to be the one in charge, the decision maker, the reward receiver. But God–YOU are the way-maker, and there is not room for both of us. I thought I was doing your will, but I need clear signs.

    I feel like it is the devil attacking our pain group. He does not want us to come together, we are better isolated. BUT God- He has put this on our hearts, and I know it will prevail. A new friend from the group has offered to pick me up in the morning! I have not been outside my stilt home yet (down the stairs), so I pray I navigate and do okay. (my worry is it is my bad leg (unstable with drop foot and nerve damage) that is the “one in charge, standing” leg now.

  14. Molly R says:

    I love the reminder that this was the post-exile people returning and war-torn in spirit, mind and body. The broken, tail-between-the-legs, reminder that at the height of the glory of the temple of Solomon, God knew what Israel would do, again, and He still faithfully fulfilled His promise to fill the temple, to live amongst His people.
    He will be with me at the height of my mountaintop experience, knowing I will fall in sin, and He will pick me up, brush me off, remind me I am His daughter, and take my hand to continue forward in the work He called me to do, by my side, filling my very broken and weak heart. Man, God is good, so so good.

  15. Rebecca says:

    Praying for
    Lehua K- glad you’re back and praying your bosses are receptive to your concerns.
    @Rhonda- so sorry about your mishap and hope your healing ❤️‍ comes quickly and completely.
    @Michelle Patire- lifting your whole situation before the Lord. He hears the cries of your heart! Keep pushing forward and trust Him to keep you in His care. Easier said than done sometimes!! ❤️
    @ GrammieSue- lifting Steve in prayer that all goes well!
    Lifting all my She’s today for God’s grace to fall on you.

  16. Michelle Patire says:

    @Sharon, Jersey Girl- you are the second person to share that scripture with me. Thank you for listening to the Holy Spirit and praying over me. ❤️:)
    ^^^^^^^
    this was my REPLY yesterday to you. Hope you see this one!! I actually wrote out the entire Scripture after I posted that yesterday!!

    Thank you again for all the prayers. I acknowledged them last night on the previous day’s comments. @Brenda – I hear what you’re saying. I honestly have no road map for what God wants to do. I guess maybe I am expecting Him to give me a job or miraculously make something happen. But I can’t predict God, that’s true.
    Thank you @Searching, Lisa Z, Mari V, Kim Z, Mercy, Foster Mama, Rhonda J (have been thinking, maybe it is good for you to be “resting” instead of “running” – you do so much! May God help you in this time hear Him and dwell in His presence in a different way), Cee Gee and everyone else. You ladies are special.

    <3 praying peace over my mind, today.
    @Lehua glad you are back! @Taylor, we missed you yesterday!

  17. Rebecca W says:

    2 Chronicles 7:32 got my attention when Solomon speaks of the foreigner coming and praying and asks the Lord to “do whatever the foreigner asks of you so that ALL the the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you.” Reminded me of the New Testament when Jesus includes the Gentiles with the chosen Jews to believe in him. So even though the Lord came through the line of David, his grace and salvation is for every single person on this earth.
    I’m grateful and humbled to be part of His family!

  18. Dorothy says:

    Once again I’m again I’m going to quote from my Thrive Devotional Bible, this is as if God were talking to you or me, “You are My child and I love to answer you. There is great power in humility and prayer. Real change starts in your heart, permeates your home, and then echoes throughout the world. You have the ability to lift up anything in prayer, and I will hear you. You also have the gift of repentance, and in one prayer you can make yourself right with Me. I will forgive you, and that blessing will affect mot only you but also the people around you.”
    “DON’T EVER GIVE IN to hopelessness or sin. I have given you the power to live above such things. Walk with Me, bring everything to Me in prayer, and watch My mighty hand move over your life.” (The emphasis is mine.)
    I need to humble myself more and go to God and Christ more in prayer.
    Lord God, I humble myself to You and ask for forgiveness and love. Watch over myself, my sisters in Christ, my family and their families and world. In Christ name, amen.
    Be blessed and God loves you no matter what.

  19. Kimberly Z says:

    This devotional really strikes home for me. God never forgets his promises. I was listening to an Above Inspiration YouTube tv this morning while I was getting ready and they were talking about how if it’s on your heart God will see it through. I find that comforting for somebody who desperately wants to have kids and be married. @Lehua K. So glad you’re back! Praying for you.

  20. Kimberly Z says:

    This devotional really strikes home for me. God never forgets his promises. I was listening to an Above Inspiration YouTube tv this morning while I was getting ready and they were talking about how if it’s on your heart God will see it through. I find that comforting for somebody who desperately wants to have kids and be married. @“

  21. Cee Gee says:

    ERIN KATE, your sentiment struck my heart. Such a lovely and loving thought!!!

    SEARCHING – Love you, sister, and agreeing with you on those ladies you ‘called out’ today.

    With all of the attention on Solomon and the dedication of the temple, my heart went out to David for all the prep he did to see the temple had the necessary tools/decor for honoring Yahweh. The spoils of war that were sanctified, the trumpets he commissioned, etc., were there because David followed God’s direction. May I be as diligent in doing my part for the glory of God in the generations to come.

  22. Cheryl Blow says:

    So thankful for God’s faithfulness to us!

  23. Allison Bentley says:

    I love the chronology Solomon gives of Gods promises/faithfulness- praying that we all sit in this today and trust in His faithfulness today!!!!

  24. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    Solomon repeatedly states that God has kept and will continue to keep His promise. God always keeps His promises. He can not lie – what He says He will do, He does. There are so many promises found in God’s word that we can read, learn and look forward to. So thankful that God ALWAYS KEEPS His promises. Not a word He says will ever fail! (Luke 1:37 NLT)

    Also something that stood out to me: 2 Chronicles 6:8-9) Even though it was in David’s heart to build the temple, and it was a good thing – it was not God’s will. Sometimes our judgement gets clouded when making a decision because the thought is in our heart and it might be something really good. Even so, it doesn’t mean it’s God’s will. We must be discerning, seek God’s will and then the hard part – wait and listen.

    @Lehua K. – praying for your work situation, may God’s will be done!
    @Grammiesue – praying that the MRI shows NED and that God will give you grace and peace.
    @Taylor – continuing to pray for your work situation, glad to hear it’s going a little easier.
    @Michelle Patire – continuing to pray for your situation. I did reply yesterday, not sure if you so it. If you did, I hope it brought you some encouragement.

    Blessings to you all!

  25. Traci Gendron says:

    It so awesome that my friend picked a study for us to do on humility! It fits right in with Solomon. If anyone is interested it is from the YouVersion Holy Bible app and it is called Humility: It’s Not What You Think.

  26. GramsieSue says:

    I love that God dwells in us…we who are so undeserving.
    Makes me want to clean up my inner being…
    His willingness to dwell with us is wholly an act of grace.
    Also, Solomon especially emphasized one promise that God had repeated often:
    That the Lord would not leave His people or forsake them.
    Something I cling to many times.

    Praying for so many of you: Rhonda J, Lehua K, Lynne from AL, Tina, Tara B, Victoria E, Sarah D, Indiana Christina, Tara B, and many more of you.
    Prayers please for us. Steve has an MRI tomorrow (every 3 months now) and we hope there is No Evidence of Disease (NED). Trusting God in the storm.
    Hugs to all this morning ❤️

  27. Lehua K. says:

    Good morning ladies, God has called me back here… how I’ve missed you all ❤️

    I hesitate to start this comment with a prayer request, because I feel so unworthy and like my concern doesn’t matter. But part of me knows that those thoughts are lies from the enemy. I don’t want to be long-winded, but could you please pray for me – there’s a situation that has come up at work and I want to discuss my concerns with my bosses, but I’m hesitant and afraid it could backfire. It’s been difficult to sleep (I’ve been up since 2am). Thank you in advance for your prayers ❤️

  28. Aimee D-R says:

    Father forgive me for I have sinned. Make my sins as far as the East is from the West. Let Your goodness and Mercy follow me all the days of my life. In JESUS name, Amen

  29. SharBear says:

    2 Chron. 6:18 But will God indeed live on earth with humans?
    Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain you,
    much less this temple I have built.

    John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…

    Awesome!!!

  30. Erica Chiarelli says:

    And to think that all of this grandeur for our God is SO warranted, yet He dwells I’m US!!! And all those sacrifices were ended with Jesus, He took it all! Wow!
    We need to stay humble and seek Him always! For everything!

  31. Karen Yingling says:

    But will God indeed live on earth with humans?
    Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain you,
    much less this temple I have built. 2 Chron 6:18. Solomon asked this question in his dedication prayer. How much more should we marvel at the fact that God dwelt among us contained in a human body when Jesus was on earth. Thank you Jesus.

  32. Taylor says:

    Thankful that God keeps His promises – even when we mess up and/or stray from Him. Anyone else really struggling to wake up since the time change? I missed yesterday’s devotion because I struggled to fall asleep Sunday night then could not get myself awake in time to do my devotion yesterday. Thank you for your prayers with my new position <3 I'm getting the lay of the land a little better!

    Lifting up all the prayer requests!

  33. Maria Baer says:

    I was so looking forward to today’s devotional. The SRT podcast for this week really set the stage beautifully for this week ahead, especially the scripture read today. I have to admit, that even when I imagine what the dedication of the temple was like, I know the reality was much grand— the sights and sounds must have been sort of overwhelming. But I really love that after all of Salomon’s public prayers and the festivities to dedicate the temple, God appeared to him at night to assure him that he heard his prayers, and in many ways creates a covenant with Samolon, a continuation of the promise to David, that he would hear Israel’s prayers as long as they did stray away from God. I find the entire exchange so personal in nature. And a glimpse into the relationship we one day would have once Jesus died and resurrected.

  34. Jeanie Mclellan says:

    Amen

  35. Searching says:

    Forgiveness – how wonderful and powerful it is, whether we are forgiven or we forgive others … it can set us free from guilt, anger and so much more. Thank you Lord for Your forgiveness when we turn back to You, may we keep our eyes on You. His love for us is beyond my comprehension, and His mercy and grace are everlasting.

    Praying for –
    MICHELLE PATIRE – for you, Sister, your family and your home situation
    SARAH D – your job and relief from anxiety
    RHONDA J – quick healing!

    FOSTER MAMA ❤️

    CEE GEE – thank you for the song reminder

    Thinking about and praying for LYNNE FROM AL & Jack, GRAMSIESUE & Steve, MARTHA HIX, EILEEN DOWD, MELANIE, ERB, VICTORIA E, BRIELLE HEBERT, KERRY ROWLEY, CHURCHMOUSE, MARGARET W, WHITNEE MILLS, both ANGIEs, ARINA & your dad, PAM C, OLIVIA WINTERS, MIA FAITH, LYDIA AVERY and others.

  36. Jill Ford says:

    Very encouraging.Lord help me to be humble and recount all the ways you have helped me so I can continue to move forward. Lord help me to confess my sin daily and seek your face and ask for forgiveness. You have kept your promises and will continue to.

  37. Kristen says:

    Individually, we sin and thankfully, we can repent. Our nation has sinned and turned it’s back on God and His Word in many ways.By God’s grace, may leaders and those in power or that have a platform, be brought to see the depravity and the ways we have turned from God’s ways and Word. May they/we humble ourselves, repent, turn from our wicked ways, and seek His face and forgiveness. May they and we hate what God hates and love what He loves. By His mercy May He heal and deliver them/us and our land. Amen

  38. Brenda says:

    @Michelle Patire I read your comment yesterday and wanted to share something with you. A few years back I was in a really terrible situation at work. I prayed to God for what I thought was the answer which was for me to get a new job. I applied and then was devastated when I didn’t get it. A few weeks later, one of my coworkers announced they were leaving and my work environment completely changed. All the time I was expecting God to answer my prayers in a specific way and He answered them in a different way but now 9 years later I can see that it was definitely for the best. So hang in there girl, I know your situation is not easy but I’m praying for you along with many others in this community.

  39. Kelly (NEO) says:

    In many ways Solomon acknowledged that Israel would not be faithfull to God and the covenant. He himself strayed. BUT GOD promised to be faithful and respond when His people turned from sin and sought Him.

    We have that same promise in Jesus. 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

  40. Mary Ann Graves says:

    Amen

  41. Ally M says:

    I like the theme of humility- that’s something I pray that God would help me work on.

  42. erin kate says:

    God, I want to find a home in Your story. Amen.

  43. Angela Flowers says:

    This IS the gospel of grace, and I’m so thankful. We see Solomon’s humility in the reading today. How I too desire those traits he had, like wisdom and humility. He is able to help me, even when I am weak.