VI. 2. KING SOLOMON BLESSES HIS PEOPLE AND HIS GOD (2Chronicles 6:1-11.) (Comp. 1Kings 8:12-21.) This section also is in verbal agreement with the parallel account, with a few slight exceptions. (1) The thick darkness.--'Araphel, which is explained as caligo nubium, "gloom of clouds." (See Exodus 20:21; Deuteronomy 4:11; Psalm 18:9. Comp. the Greek, ?????.) The Targum on 1Kings 8:12 reads Jerusalem, but this is probably a gloss. Verse 1. - In the thick darkness; Hebrew, מַּעֲרַפֶל. The Lord had said this in so many words, and also by not a few practical examples (Leviticus 16:2; Exodus 19:9; Exodus 24:16; Exodus 25:22; Exodus 40:34, 35). This thing which he said, and did, even while really instructing, after the manner of special revelation, a specialized people, is essentially what he ever has said and ever is doing in all time, in all the world, and in all nature and providence. It is a fact and it is necessary that his glory be for the present veiled in "clouds and darkness" (Psalm 97:2; Psalm 18. n). 6:1-42 Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple. - The order of Solomon's prayer is to be observed. First and chiefly, he prays for repentance and forgiveness, which is the chief blessing, and the only solid foundation of other mercies: he then prays for temporal mercies; thereby teaching us what things to mind and desire most in our prayers. This also Christ hath taught us in his perfect pattern and form of prayer, where there is but one prayer for outward, and all the rest are for spiritual blessings. The temple typified the human nature of Christ, in whom dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. The ark typified his obedience and sufferings, by which repenting sinners have access to a reconciled God, and communion with him. Jehovah has made our nature his resting-place for ever, in the person of Emmanuel, and through him he dwells with, and delights in his church of redeemed sinners. May our hearts become his resting-place; may Christ dwell therein by faith, consecrating them as his temples, and shedding abroad his love therein. May the Father look upon us in and through his Anointed; and may he remember and bless us in all things, according to his mercy to sinners, in and through Christ.See Introduction to Chapter 5 |
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