Solomon On Behalf Of Israel

1 Kings 8:1-61

Solomon is before the temple which he built for the Lord and has his arms stretched out praying to God.  It's so interesting to me how he pleads with the Lord for mercy and forgiveness on behalf of the people of Israel.  What a love he must have had for the people as he was their king.  And what respect he held for God!  He gives different situations and examples and then ends with... "when they pray to the Lord toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name, then hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause." And then ends with verse 52: "May your eyes be open to your servant's plea and to the plea of your people Israel, and may you listen to them whenever they cry out to you...." I believe this shows what a holy fear and reverence (awe) that Solomon had for God.  We have truly lost so much of that now.  Do we plead with the Lord for his grace, mercy and forgiveness when we have done wrong by him?  Or is it just expected that God always forgives?  (Which he does when the heart truly repents.)  

It says in verse 55 that Solomon then stood after praying and blessed the whole assembly of Israel.  When I hear of people now days saying their church leader blessed them it can often entail something to the effect of praying for good things happening to them and events turning in their favor... as though they have the power...  However, this blessing that Solomon gave was basically praising God and giving thanks to Him.  And then pleading that God would keep their hearts focused on obeying and serving the Almighty.  True honor, respect, and glory and needs placed where they should be.