Will God Dwell with Men on the Earth?

This chapter contains Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. As we read this chapter, we should have the eyes of our hearts and minds stedfastly fixed on our glorious Solomon, the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he the king of Israel here portrays. It is Christ alone who is the Intercessor, the High Priest, the Advocate, and the King of his people. By virtue of his blood and righteousness alone the favor of God is obtained.

In all the supposable cases Solomon enumerated in this prayer (of error, infirmity, iniquity, transgression, and sin), he asked that Jehovah's eye be fixed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was typified by the temple he built. Oh, that our souls might be enabled to follow the spirit of Solomon's prayer, that the Lord God of Israel would own his house, hear and accept his people and our prayers, remember his covenant, and be merciful, gracious, compassionate, and forgiving! Oh, that he would graciously and ever turn our hearts and the eye of faith to Christ, causing us to direct our supplications through him!

Reading the chapter this way, with spiritual, God-given eyes of God-given faith, we see gospel grace running through every word. The whole sum and substance of Solomon's prayer is Jesus Christ crucified!
• Redemption by His Blood!
• Righteousness by His Obedience!
• Forgiveness by His Mercy!
• Salvation by His Grace!

Oh Lord God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the contemplation of your rich salvation in Christ, we take the language of Solomon and say, "Arise, O Lord God, into your resting place! Blessed be the Lord our God who in Christ heaps upon poor, needy sinners all "the sure mercies of David."