As I read the narratives surrounding David’s son Solomon, and the establishment of his kingdom in Israel, I am struck by the incredible relevance of Solomon’s prayers to the current horrific conflict happening in Israel. We read that Solomon,
“had dominion over all the region west of the Euphrates from Tiphsah to Gaza…and he had peace on all sides around him. (1 Kings 4:24).
Peace on all sides. This has been a rare experience for the nation of Israel, not only in current times. For the long succession of kings that followed Solomon, peace was the exception and never the rule. There’s been constant conflict for millennia over that patch of land roughly the size of New Jersey. If you have the opportunity to visit Israel, you will see layer upon layer of ruined civilizations that tried to claim ownership of that land. In God’s long story, Jerusalem has always been at the center.
The text then elaborates on the planning and building of Solomon’s temple. David had desired to build a house of worship for his God in Jerusalem, but for God’s own reasons, this was not to be David’s mission or privilege. It passed to his son, who was able to accomplish it during a time of peace and great prosperity.
When the temple was completed, Solomon blessed the Lord, crying,
“O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart” (1 Kings 8:23).
Solomon, declared to be the wisest man in the world, demonstrated his wisdom by giving thanks and praise to God before making any requests of him. God answered with his presence–a presence so thick and glorious that the priests couldn’t even stand and minister. They were overcome by the shekinah glory.
After declarations of adoration, confession, and thanksgiving, Solomon was ready to dedicate the temple. It is an odd dedication, in that it is really a set of requests of the Lord in behalf of all who might worship and pray from that place where God had place his name. Solomon makes bold requests of God that are very timely to consider right now. Could his prayer show us some things about praying for Israel today?
- Solomon’s first request is that when conflicts arose among men, God would be the judge of their hearts, condemning the guilty and vindicating the righteous (8:31-32). Could we pray for this, instead of judging situations and people based on news reports, most of which are heavily biased in some way? Could we acknowledge that we don’t know enough to make such judgments, and let God be the judge?
- Next Solomon asks that when Israel faced defeat before their enemies “because they have sinned against you” and they cried out to God with repentance, God would forgive them and restore them to the land of their fathers. If we believe biblical prophecy, beginning in Genesis, we can pray with abiding trust that God will safeguard his covenant with Israel. Solomon knew that God would ultimately protect Jewish sovereignty over that piece of land (8:33-34). By a series of miracles, this happened in 1948, but they’ve had to constantly, vigilantly fight for it. Could we pray for God’s will and covenant to be fulfilled in that land?
- Solomon, the wisest man in the world at the time, was also a realist. He knew that famine, pestilence, blight, mildew, locust, caterpillar, plague, or sickness might come and afflict the people. He simply asks that God would hear their prayers in heaven, forgive their sins, and deliver them from their troubles. Could we pray that those who have been injured, are sick, are grief-stricken over lost loved ones, and all who are suffering might receive comfort and healing from the Lord?
- Solomon then prophetically acknowledges that Israel would attract many foreigners coming “from a far country” because they heard of God’s great name. He askes that when strangers and pilgrims petitioned God from his temple, God would hear in heaven all of their prayers, “that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel” (8:41-43). This could apply to Jews, Arabs, Christians, and representatives from all people. Could we pray that all people of good will who wish to join the community of Israel might find welcome, sustenance, and spiritual awakening to the King of kings and Lord of lords, and that God would hear their prayers?
- Solomon asks next that if Israel went out to battle against their enemies, God would “hear in heaven their prayer and their plea, and maintain their cause” (8:44-45). This is where they are at this moment, facing enemies who passionately hate them and want them all dead. Could we pray for God’s intervention in this fierce battle for survival? Could we pray that they would not trust in horses or chariots, or bombs, guns, tanks, or drones, or even Iron Domes, but only trust in the Lord their God?
Based on some of the elements of Solomon’s prayer, I humbly offer this sample of how such a prayer for Israel might sound today:
“Lord, we cry out for the people of Israel, whom we know you love with all your heart. They are in great peril, as are the enemies coming against them. The whole world is terribly anxious and confused about potential outcomes in this dreadful conflict. Would you show yourself strong in behalf of those who love and serve you? Let God arise, and his enemies be scattered!
We know that no one is without sin; whatever sins have been committed by the Jewish people, we pray that they would repent in their hearts, individually and collectively, and that you would hear in heaven and forgive them.
Where there is conflict amongst brothers of many backgrounds in Israel, Lord, we ask that you would be their judge, and that you would hear in heaven and cause your justice to prevail among them. When their land is threatened or stolen, protect and restore them, as you promised to Abraham so long ago. Lead their leaders in your wisdom Lord. Give them wisdom that surpasses the wisdom of Solomon, because they need it right now.
As so many are in crisis, grief, and despair, we ask for your healing and comfort. We ask for liberation of the captives. Would you reveal yourself as Almighty God in the midst of the struggle, so that many will come to know you as Savior and Lord?
As Israel is under attack from vicious enemies, defend the righteous cause of your people. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We ask that you would would watch over your people in Israel, Lord, for you are their Good Shepherd.
In the name of Yeshua, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen.”
“Then hear in heaven your dwelling place and forgive and act and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways (for you, you only, know the hearts of all the children of mankind), that they may fear you all the days that they live in the land that you gave to our fathers (8:39-40).
