Topical Bible: Intercessory Prayer: Solomon

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Intercessory prayer, the act of praying on behalf of others, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. Solomon, the son of David and the third king of Israel, is a notable figure who exemplifies this practice. His intercessory prayers are most prominently recorded during the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem, an event that underscores his role as a mediator between God and the people of Israel.

Solomon's Dedication of the Temple

The most comprehensive account of Solomon's intercessory prayer is found in 1 Kings 8 and 2 Chronicles 6. After completing the construction of the Temple, Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes to bring the Ark of the Covenant into the newly built sanctuary. During this momentous occasion, Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of the entire assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven.

In his prayer, Solomon acknowledges God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to David, Solomon's father. He begins by praising God: "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth below, keeping Your covenant of loving devotion with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts" (1 Kings 8:23).

Petitions for the People

Solomon's intercessory prayer is marked by several petitions on behalf of the people of Israel. He asks God to hear the prayers offered in the Temple and to forgive the sins of the people. Solomon's requests cover various scenarios, including:

1. Justice and Righteousness: Solomon prays for divine intervention in cases of disputes, asking God to judge between the righteous and the wicked (1 Kings 8:31-32).

2. Forgiveness and Restoration: He intercedes for the people when they sin against God, asking for forgiveness and restoration when they repent and turn back to Him (1 Kings 8:33-34).

3. Provision and Protection: Solomon seeks God's provision during times of famine, pestilence, or siege, and asks for protection from enemies (1 Kings 8:35-40).

4. Inclusivity of Foreigners: Notably, Solomon extends his intercession to foreigners who come to the Temple to seek God, asking that their prayers be heard so that all peoples of the earth may know God's name (1 Kings 8:41-43).

5. Exile and Return: Anticipating future disobedience and exile, Solomon prays for the people's return to the land if they repent and seek God with all their heart and soul (1 Kings 8:46-53).

Theological Significance

Solomon's intercessory prayer highlights several theological themes. It underscores the importance of the Temple as a place of divine presence and a focal point for prayer. Solomon's role as an intercessor reflects the king's responsibility to lead the nation in spiritual matters and to seek God's favor on behalf of the people.

Moreover, Solomon's prayer reveals a deep understanding of human frailty and the need for divine mercy. His petitions emphasize the covenant relationship between God and Israel, rooted in God's promises and the people's obedience. The inclusion of foreigners in his prayer anticipates the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Covenant.

Legacy of Solomon's Intercession

Solomon's intercessory prayer at the Temple dedication remains a powerful example of seeking God's intervention and blessing for others. It serves as a model for believers to approach God with humility, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His will in the lives of individuals and nations. Solomon's prayer continues to inspire and instruct those who engage in intercessory prayer today, reminding them of the privilege and responsibility of standing in the gap for others before the throne of grace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 8:30-36
And listen you to the supplication of your servant, and of your people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear you in heaven your dwelling place: and when you hear, forgive.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Intercessory Prayer
... a mightier prophet than Moses, and never one more intensely earnest in intercessory
prayer. ... in ceasing to pray for you." Or bethink you of Solomon, and of his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

The Costliness of Prayer
... Take Paul's intercessory prayers for the Ephesians and the Colossians ... If not, as
Solomon, at length, yet shortly, as the ... and to sum up on it,"prayer, in all ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xvi the costliness of prayer.htm

The True Christian Life
... The Jews counted this Book, the Song of Solomon, as exceedingly sacred. ... We are his
because God gave us to him; in his wonderful intercessory prayer Jesus said ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the true christian life.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... among the prophets (Jer.20"both personal and intercessory; 33:3 ... The soul may be in
prayer no matter what is ... face on the ground (Matt.26:39); Solomon knelt (1 ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

Putting God to Work
... "And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night and ... illustration of the nature of prayer,
intercourse with God, and showing the intercessory side of prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

A Greater than Solomon
... wealth of saving power, a wealth of intercessory might before ... the feeble knees";
use the knees of prayer and the ... for you are joined to a greater than Solomon. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/a greater than solomon.htm

The Perseverance of Faith
... the men of Tyre and Sidon cut down the cedars for Solomon, and Hiram ... Intercessory
prayer never prevails until we bear the object of our prayer upon our heart ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the perseverance of faith.htm