1 Kings 8:22-66

Today's Passage: 1 Kings 8:22-66

In this chapter there are so many attributes of God we can point to:

• Merciful – Solomon continually pleads with God to forgive the people when they do wrong. They hadn’t even committed the sin, yet Solomon was already asking God to forgive them for their wickedness.
• Faithful – Solomon mentions multiple times how God had kept His promised to Israel.
  • The promise of giving them land and rest that He gave to Moses (v. 56)
  • The promise of David’s kingdom continuing to reign (v. 24)
• Loving – He chose Israel and allowed them to receive His promises. He showed His steadfast love by continuing to provide for them.
• Mighty – Solomon points out how even the mighty Temple they are dedicating has no comparison to how big God is. The highest Heaven cannot contain God (v. 27), and yet  He wants to be with His people.

In all of this, the most encouraging part for me is the relationship God wants with His people. He could’ve created the world and left it to run on its own – what a mess we would be in. Instead, even though He is above all things, He desires to be with His people.

This truth should motivate us to live out verse 61: Let your heart be therefore be wholly true to the Lord our God. Nothing should take precedent above God in our lives.

• What other attributes of God do you see in this passage?
• How does the relational aspect of God encourage you in your faith?
• Would you say you are being “wholly true” to the Lord? What are things that strengthen this? What weakens it?

Written By: Brice Stockton