BIBLE LESSON

“King Solomon prayed: ‘LORD, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.’ “

— 2 Chronicles 6:14 When King Solomon dedicated the temple in Jerusalem, he glorified the LORD before the people by declaring several truths about God. The name “LORD” in all capital letters signifies the official name of God that God revealed to Israel through Moses. Some Bible translations will translate LORD as YHWH, Yahweh, or Jehovah.

The nations that surrounded the Kingdom of Israel worshiped many different gods, but not the LORD. Bible students are familiar the names of some of these gods: The most common name is “Baal,” and the Israelites tended to turn from the LORD to worship the gods of their neighbors (see Judges 3:7).

When Solomon praised the LORD before all Israel at the newly dedicated temple, he declared that no other God anywhere is as great as the LORD.

For example, God expressed His greatness and power over the gods of Egypt when God freed the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt, led them into the promised land, and enabled Solomon to build a temple to the LORD in Jerusalem.

These events in their history showed that God can and will keep all His promises. The LORD kept His promises to Abraham and King David, which Solomon called expressions of God’s covenant of love for His people.

Next, King Solomon described what people need to do to continue receiving the blessings of God’s love. They need to dedicate themselves as servants of the LORD and continue wholeheartedly in the ways of the LORD.

Finally, Solomon warned about the consequences of turning from the LORD.

— L.G. Parkhurst Jr. Send email to lgp@ prayersteps.org