Day 165 – 2 Chronicles 6-7, Psalm 136

Talking Points

• Throughout the entire account, Solomon reminds the nation of God’s constant faithfulness. Here, He was faithful to David, in putting his son on the throne and enabling that son to build the temple.
• At the prayer of dedication, Solomon falls on his knees and prays with outstretched hands. This was a sign of great reverence and deep worship, showing his personal submission and praise.
• God is pleased by the worship given by Solomon and the people of Israel. He appears to Solomon at night and tells him that when the nation falls into sin, the remedy was to come in prayerful humility and repent. God always blesses repentance!
• Psalm 136 – a song praising God for His great kindness. Praise the Lord! The same God who is the powerful God of earth and heaven is kind to us!

Thoughts

The dedication of the temple was surely a festive and proud time for the nation of Israel. After days of sacrifices, worship, and feasting, the account says they left “rejoicing and happy of heart.” The Bible says they were happy, “because of the goodness that the LORD had shown” (7:10). It wasn’t because of their own work. It wasn’t in anything they had done. They were happy because they realized who God was.

We should take note. Our happiness based on anything other than the character of God will surely fail. Happiness in a situation will be crushed with the turning of that situation. Happiness in health will be dashed with a devastating diagnosis. Happiness in wealth will pass with the market’s decline. And, yet, our God will remain faithful, gracious, good, and kind in all seasons. A trust placed in Him will always be sure; its benefit will endure. A joy found in who He is will always be abundant!

“How blessed (happy) are the people whose God is the LORD.” – Psalm 144:15