Scripture Daily

Context No. 3911 of 4322 · 2 Chronicles

Context · Reflection

2 Chronicles 6:10-15: in context

10“The LORD has performed his word that he spoke; for I have risen up in the place of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built the house for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. 11There I have set the ark, in which is the LORD’s covenant, which he made with the children of Israel.” 12He stood before the LORD’s altar in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands 13(for Solomon had made a bronze platform, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high, and had set it in the middle of the court; and he stood on it, and knelt down on his knees before all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven). 14Then he said, “LORD, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth—you who keep covenant and loving kindness with your servants who walk before you with all their heart; 15who have kept with your servant David my father that which you promised him. Yes, you spoke with your mouth, and have fulfilled it with your hand, as it is today.

As Solomon dedicates the temple, he begins his prayer by marveling at God's faithfulness. The LORD has kept the promise he made, Solomon says; he promised David a son who would build his house, and now that promise stands fulfilled.

And he praises God with words that capture the heart of it: O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, keeping covenant and steadfast love with your servants who walk before you with all their heart; you have kept your promise to David; what you spoke with your mouth you have fulfilled with your hand. Here is the ground of all our confidence in God: he keeps his word. What he promises with his mouth, he brings to pass with his hand. Solomon looked at the finished temple as tangible proof that God does not forget or fail his promises; the very stones were the fulfillment of a word spoken years before. When we wonder whether God will do what he has said, we can look, as Solomon did, at his track record of faithfulness. The God who kept every promise to David keeps his promises still.

When I wonder whether God will keep his word to me, do I remember, as Solomon did, that the God who has always fulfilled with his hand what he spoke with his mouth is faithful, and will do what he has promised?

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