A PRAYER WITH CONFIRMATION - 2Chron.6.12-42 In 2Chron.6.14-42 the prayer is repeated with certain differences. These distinctions are in keeping with the characteristics of the volumes themselves. The books First Samuel to Second Kings trace the history of the divided kingdom with the responsibility of the kings personally in view: whereas the two books of Chronicles, dealing with the same time span and events, portray, in general, the grace of God at work. The first specific difference is that the brazen scaffold upon which the king knelt to pray is mentioned. No doubt this was intended to show the whole congregation the humble attitude of the king as he offered his prayer to the Lord. It was upon this same scaffold that he stood to bless all the people who are included with the king in the prayer and in the sacrifices, 2Chron.7.4. The second distinction is the fact that, upon the prayer being ended, fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices while the glory of the Lord filled the house, 2Chron.7.1. Confirmation of God’s pleasure with, and presence in, the house is thus given. All the people realised this and, bowing themselves to the ground, worshipping and praising the Lord said: He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever 2Chron.7.3. The final act in this awesome event was the keeping of the feast of tabernacles. Seven days it lasted, with a grand convocation on the eighth day. Seven days were occupied in re-dedicating the altar, probably preceding the feast of tabernacles, with the result that on the twenty-third day of the month the nation returned to their tents. They did so merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had showed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people 2Chron.7.10. In the prayers of Solomon we are made aware of the priceless privilege we have in our liberty to approach God in prayer. They also show us what reverential fear ought to mark us in the exercise thereof. The words written by James Montgomery are suitably expressive with this in mind: Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire, Uttered or unexpressed, The motion of a hidden fire That trembles in the breast. Prayer is the simplest form of speech That infant lips can try; Prayer, the sublimest strains that reach The Majesty on high. BY OZOR JOHNPAUL FRED
Posted on: Sat, 26 Oct 2013 11:50:46 +0000
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