1 Kings 8:20-23 - The Lord has kept the promise He made

8:20,21

Solomon declares that the promise is now being fulfilled, and that it is fulfilled through Solomon. Solomon is now on the throne, and he has built the temple. In building the temple Solomon had “provided a place for the ark, in which is the covenant of the Lord”. The ark contained the ten commandments, these were the basis for the old covenant. The rule of God was the basis, the “problem” with the old covenant was that it relied on man being able to keep it, something man could not do (Heb 7:19; 8:7). In Christ the rule of God is still central, but this time is not dependent upon our ability, but on Christ, God’s Son.

8:22,23

Solomon now prays to the Lord, standing before the altar. The start of the prayer is focused on how God has been faithful to David, after declaring that there is no god like the Lord. The Lord was faithful to His covenant of love towards his servants “who continue wholeheartedly in your way”. The hallmark of the people of the Lord is a wholehearted commitment to the Lord. The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is geared towards producing an ever greater commitment to the Lord.