(27) Then hear thou from heaven.--Rather, (to) heaven or (in) heaven, as in Kings. (Comp. Note on 2Chronicles 6:23.) The versions read "from heaven." When thou . . . way.--For thou pointest them to the good way. A construction only found here. Comp. Psalm 27:11, where we see the simple accusation as in Kings, which is probably right here also, 'el (to) being an error for 'eth (so the versions). Making this change, the verse coincides with 1Kings 8:36. Verse 27. - When thou hast taught them; rather, when thou art guiding them to the right way. 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 |