1Ki 8:44-53 | KingComments | STEP | Here the people go out against the enemy, contrary to , and pray to God for it (cf. ). Praying toward the chosen city and temple means believing in the true presence of the God of the covenant in the temple. Fighting on God’s command does not exclude prayer, but makes it all the more necessary. We can apply this in connection with the previous prayer to the battle for the gospel ( ). It is a battle against the evil powers of darkness to proclaim the good news on their territory. We all have this command ( ).

‏ 1 Kings 8:44-53

Sixth Prayer

Here the people go out against the enemy, contrary to 1Kgs 8:33, and pray to God for it (cf. 2Chr 20:4-12). Praying toward the chosen city and temple means believing in the true presence of the God of the covenant in the temple. Fighting on God’s command does not exclude prayer, but makes it all the more necessary.

We can apply this in connection with the previous prayer to the battle for the gospel (Phil 4:3). It is a battle against the evil powers of darkness to proclaim the good news on their territory. We all have this command (2Tim 4:5b).

Seventh Prayer

Solomon knows the heart of man. There is no man who does not sin. Therefore, it is necessary that God’s discipline must come. This happened in the exile to Babel (cf. Lev 26:33 ; 44). A return is also possible. In that case, conversion must take place. Then they can supplicate toward “the house”. Daniel did that (Dan 6:11). He has confessed guilt (Dan 9:5). God answered the prayer of Daniel by giving Cyrus in his heart to give His people the freedom (Psa 106:46).

It is one of the “things revealed” (Deu 29:29b) that God puts us aside when we become unfaithful. The “secret things” (Deu 29:29a) means that He will act according to His counsels by first having us call to Him with repentance and then deliver us. With regard to Israel He will do this by working repentance in a remnant and fulfilling His promises to this remnant.

Basis of Prayer

Solomon reminds God that His people are His inheritance and that He lived up to what He spoke through Moses when He led the people out of Egypt. What God does is always connected with what He has spoken and what was from the beginning.