1 Kings 8:14-21

Ob and In:

1. Solomon praised God for His faithfulness: what He promised He fulfilled v.15. 

(EBC) Notice the expressions “with his own hand” and “with his own mouth.” What God has promised he has also carried out. The hand is the biblical symbol for sovereignty

Reflection: Praising God with a reason, e.g. He is sovereign. When the evidence was placed in front of them Israel and Solomon had to praise Him. Do I see the evidence of God's sovereignty that I have to praise Him?

2. Repeated words: choose, desire to build a temple v.16, 17, 20

God did not chose a place for the temple, but He chose a people to lead. That person has a desire to build the temple to honor God. Even that, God still made his desire came true. 

Reflection: God cares about His people, even what they desired He listen. I do not need to worry about anything. 

3.  The purpose of the temple is to have a place to house the ark v.21. 

(EBC) Notice that the blessing begins and ends with the statement that God brought his people (Israel) out of Egypt (vv.16, 21).

reflection: The existence of the country of Israel was because of their covenant with God. Therefore, the place of worship is to remember that. How about me? Do I worship God because He is the very reason for my existence?