Kings Solomon 4
Word Trilogy
Thick darkness = ’arᾱpel = the thick cloud where God was
Listen = sᾱma’ = receive our prayers
Foreigner = nekᾱr = those outside of Israel, gentiles
Each Day
Keep before you this week the words of the psalms of ascent: “To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!” Psalm 123:1. “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord…” Psalm 121:1, 2.
First Impressions
In this section by looking to the Scripture for answers to the questions you will examine the text (of 1 Kings 8 and 2 Chronicles 7:1-10) for an understanding. Read the entire passage before answering the questions. While we will not always answer these specific questions during group discussion they will provide a common starting point of understanding.
1. (8:1-11) Why did Solomon assemble the elders and leaders of Israel (1 Kings 8:1)? What event is taking place in 1 Kings 8:2? See also Leviticus 23:33.
a. What do the priests accomplish at this event (v. 3-8)?
b. Why might the author mention the contents of the ark in v. 9? See Exodus 16:16.
c. What is the purpose of the poles mentioned in v. 8? See Exodus 25:12-15.
2. (8:12-21) What was in David’s heart to do for the Lord (v. 17)? How does Solomon understand that desire to be fulfilled (v. 20)?
3. (8:22-26) How does Solomon begin his prayer of dedication (v. 22)? Why is there “no God like you [the Lord] in heaven above or earth beneath” (v. 23)? What does Solomon petition God for in his prayer (v. 25)? Does Solomon acknowledge a condition to answering his prayer?
4. (8:31-53) Solomon’s prayer anticipates 7 situations when Israel will need God’s grace or forgiveness (5 are due to sin). Fill in the table below describing the situation where grace is needed, the reason and the request Solomon makes of the Lord as a result of the situation. Additional passages in Leviticus are provided for some situations.
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I Kings 8:31-53 |
Situation |
Reason Given |
Request of God |
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v. 31-32
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v. 33-34
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Lev. 26:17 |
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v. 35-36
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Lev. 26:19-20 |
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v. 37-40
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Lev. 26:25 |
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v. 41-43
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v. 44-45
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v. 46-50
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Lev 26:33 |
5. (8:54-66) What does Solomon do at the conclusion of his prayer (v.54-61)?
a. How is the celebration of the temple construction concluded (v. 62-66)?
b. 2 Chronicles 7:1-10 is the parallel passage to 1 Kings 8:54-66. What takes place after Solomon’s prayer that is not found in 1 Kings 8?
Going Deeper
This is an examination of supporting and related text to deepen your understanding of the passage you have studied (in 1 Kings 8 & 2 Chronicles 7) above and aid in group discussion.
6. How does Solomon’s prayer in 8:31-53 recall the list of curses described in:
a. Deuteronomy 28:15-60; 30:1-10?
b. Leviticus 26:17, 19-20, 25, 33?
7. Does Solomon intend for the Temple to be a gift to Israel alone (v. 41-43)? What is its purpose for those outside of the covenant people? See Isaiah 2:1-4; 56:6-7?
8. Daniel teaches some things about prayer after all these things came upon Israel. Read Daniel’s prayer in Daniel 9:1-19.
a. What prompted Daniel to pray (v. 2)? Therefore his prayer is based upon
_____________________________.
b. Who is Daniel praying for (himself or others, v. 5, 6)?
c. What do you learn about God (v. 4, 7, 9, 12-16)?
d. What do you learn about man (v. 5, 6, 8, 10, 11)?
e. How does Daniel conclude his prayer (v.17-19)?
f. Do you find Solomon’s prayer comparable or in contrast to Daniel’s? In what way?
For the Scholar
These questions will continue to illuminate certain themes in the passage and encourage understanding at a deeper level. Many are optional for group discussion.
9. How was the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles) celebrated? Review Leviticus 23:33-42 and Deuteronomy 16:13.
a. What sacrifices were to be made at the feast according to Numbers 29:12-39? How does this compare to the sacrifices Solomon made?
b. What ceremonies did Jesus participate in later history at the Feast? See John 7:37, John 8:12, also Isaiah 12:3.
c. Why was Israel to celebrate this feast (what did it look back to)? Leviticus 23:43
d. What does the feast look forward to? See 1 Corinthians 2:9, Hebrews 11:1,2, 13-16, 39, Revelation 21:10, 22-24.
Discussion
These questions may be used for individual study, on-line comment or as group discussion in a Bible study group. Completion of the previous lesson questions (First Impressions, Going Deeper and For the Scholar) will be important before answering these questions. All discussion should be supported with Scripture. Please be prepared to provide the chapter and verse.
1. In 1 Kings 8:20, 23-24, Solomon gives a speech then prays. Does he see himself as the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant? Is this actually the case? If not, who fulfills the Davidic covenant? When have you seen God’s faithfulness to you or His promises fulfilled in your life?
2. Note the basis for Solomon to approach God in prayer (v. 22). What gives you confidence in approaching God in prayer? Can you provide a NT verse that will encourage someone who struggles with this?
3. What prayer request do you have foremost on your heart at this time? Which of God’s attributes do you need to cling to as you ask and receive an answer to this prayer (i.e., lovingkindness, incomparability, keeps covenant, presence, etc.)?
4. Now consider how much of your prayer time or prayer focus centers around asking for forgiveness as compared to petitioning for things in this world. Are there any changes you need to make in your attitude toward prayer? How can Christians help each other with this?
5. Considering what you have learned in this lesson and your answer to the question above, write out a prayer (either personal or intercessory) incorporating the Scripture example of Solomon in 1 Kings 8.
6. Solomon’s prayer acknowledges that when Israel sins they will suffer the severity of God (v. 46). The intent, however, is to lead to repentance and restoration (v. 47-50). Have you experienced this in your life? In the life of your church? How might this apply to what we see with regard to changes in our culture today?
7. Read aloud 2 Chronicles 7:1-3. How does this remind you of the promise found in Acts 2:2-4, 36-39? How is the response of the people in 2 Chronicles 7:3 an especially appropriate response? How do you express your gratitude and Thanksgiving to God for His presence in your life?
8. What hope does Solomon give if we are found to be in sin and under judgment? Do you think this can be applied to a nation in modern times?
Each Day
Keep before you this week the words of the psalms of ascent: “To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!” Psalm 123:1. “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord…” Psalm 121:1, 2.
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