Continued 👇🏾
The House of the Lord and the Glory of His Presence
In the fourth year of his reign, Solomon began to build the Temple of the Lord not for his own name, but that God might dwell among His people. For seven years, with unmatched skill and dedication, the king adorned this sanctuary with gold and cedar, cherubim and fine stones. And when the ark of the covenant was brought in, the glory of the Lord descended as a cloud so thick, the priests could not stand.
Solomon prayed, “I have indeed built You a house in which You may dwell forever.” Then he stretched out his hands before the altar and offered a mighty sacrifice: 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep not out of extravagance, but deep reverence. Let us ask ourselves: What offerings do we bring? Is it a sacrifice of the lips, or of the heart?
The Covenant Renewed and the Lord’s Response
The Lord appeared again to Solomon, as He had in Gibeon. “I have heard your prayer,” He said, “and have sanctified this house. My Name shall be there forever; My eyes and My heart shall always be there.” Yet He added a solemn warning: “If you or your children turn away, I will cut off Israel from the land I gave them, and this house shall become a byword.”
This, beloved, is the mystery of covenant: blessing is maintained through obedience, not simply by name or inheritance. Just as David exhorted Solomon on his deathbed “Be strong. Keep the law. Walk in His statutes.” so the Church exhorts her faithful children today.
A Peaceful End- A Wisdom Remembered
Solomon reigned forty years in Israel, a time of unmatched prosperity and peace. He ruled with a heart anchored in God, and though later years would see trials, his early reign remains a beacon of divine wisdom.
When his course was complete, he died in peace, at the age of fifty-two. Yet his voice still speaks, for he wrote proverbs, songs, and wisdom literature treasures that guide the Church and instruct the soul.
Conclusion
Therefore, dear brethren, let us honor King Solomon, not only for his throne but for his discernment, not for his gold but for his prayer, not for his power but for his obedience. Let rulers learn justice, let children learn reverence, let the Church never cease to pray for wisdom from above.
May the Lord, who crowned Solomon with glory, also crown us with understanding and lead us into His eternal temple, where His presence shines brighter than all earthly gold.
May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always.
May the blessings of God's mother, the virgin, and the cross be upon us.
Amen.
© John's Repentance
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