Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
1 Kings Ch.8 / 22 Ch.s
1KI:8
* The dedication of the temple. (1-11) The occasion. (12-21)
Solomon's prayer. (22-53) His blessing and exhortation. (54-61)
Solomon's peace-offerings. (62-66)
#1-11 The bringing in the ark, is the end which must crown the
work: this was done with great solemnity. The ark was fixed in
the place appointed for its rest in the inner part of the house,
whence they expected God to speak to them, even in the most holy
place. The staves of the ark were drawn out, so as to direct the
high priest to the mercy-seat over the ark, when he went in,
once a year, to sprinkle the blood there; so that they continued
of use, though there was no longer occasion to carry it by them.
The glory of God appearing in a cloud may signify, 1. The
darkness of that dispensation, in comparison with the light of
the gospel, by which, with open face, we behold, as in a glass,
the glory of the Lord. 2. The darkness of our present state, in
comparison with the sight of God, which will be the happiness of
heaven, where the Divine glory is unveiled.
#12-21 Solomon encouraged the priests, who were much astonished
at the dark cloud. The dark dispensations of Providence should
quicken us in fleeing for refuge to the hope of the gospel.
Nothing can more reconcile us to them, than to consider what God
has said, and to compare his word and works together. Whatever
good we do, we must look on it as the performance of God's
promise to us, not of our promises to him.
#22-53 In this excellent prayer, Solomon does as we should do in
every prayer; he gives glory to God. Fresh experiences of the
truth of God's promises call for larger praises. He sues for
grace and favour from God. The experiences we have of God's
performing his promises, should encourage us to depend upon
them, and to plead them with him; and those who expect further
mercies, must be thankful for former mercies. God's promises
must be the guide of our desires, and the ground of our hopes
and expectations in prayer. The sacrifices, the incense, and the
whole service of the temple, were all typical of the Redeemer's
offices, oblation, and intercession. The temple, therefore, was
continually to be remembered. Under one word, "forgive," Solomon
expressed all that he could ask in behalf of his people. For, as
all misery springs from sin, forgiveness of sin prepares the way
for the removal of every evil, and the receiving of every good.
Without it, no deliverance can prove a blessing. In addition to
the teaching of the word of God, Solomon entreated the Lord
himself to teach the people to profit by all, even by their
chastisements. They shall know every man the plague of his own
heart, what it is that pains him; and shall spread their hands
in prayer toward this house; whether the trouble be of body or
mind, they shall represent it before God. Inward burdens seem
especially meant. Sin is the plague of our own hearts; our
in-dwelling corruptions are our spiritual diseases: every true
Israelite endeavours to know these, that he may mortify them,
and watch against the risings of them. These drive him to his
knees; lamenting these, he spreads forth his hands in prayer.
After many particulars, Solomon concludes with the general
request, that God would hearken to his praying people. No place,
now, under the gospel, can add to the prayers made in or towards
it. The substance is Christ; whatever we ask in his name, it
shall be given us. In this manner the Israel of God is
established and sanctified, the backslider is recovered and
healed. In this manner the stranger is brought nigh, the mourner
is comforted, the name of God is glorified. Sin is the cause of
all our troubles; repentance and forgiveness lead to all human
happiness.
#54-61 Never was a congregation dismissed with what was more
likely to affect them, and to abide with them. What Solomon asks
for in this prayer, is still granted in the intercession of
Christ, of which his supplication was a type. We shall receive
grace sufficient, suitable, and seasonable, in every time of
need. No human heart is of itself willing to obey the gospel
call to repentance, faith, and newness of life, walking in all
the commandments of the Lord, yet Solomon exhorts the people to
be perfect. This is the scriptural method, it is our duty to
obey the command of the law and the call of the gospel, seeing
we have broken the law. When our hearts are inclined thereto,
feeling our sinfulness and weakness, we pray for Divine
assistance; thus are we made able to serve God through Jesus
Christ.
#62-66 Solomon offered a great sacrifice. He kept the feast of
tabernacles, as it seems, after the feast of dedication. Thus
should we go home, rejoicing, from holy ordinances, thankful for
God's Goodness