What does "fear You, as do Your people" teach about reverence for God? The Setting of the Words Solomon dedicates the newly built temple and prays: “then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do whatever the foreigner asks of You, so that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and may they know that this house I have built bears Your Name.” (1 Kings 8:43) What “Fear You” Really Means • Not terror that drives away, but awe that draws near • Recognition of God’s unmatched holiness and authority • A posture of humble obedience flowing from love (Deuteronomy 10:12; Psalm 86:11) Why Solomon Highlights “As Do Your People” • Israel already lives under covenant; their reverence is the model • The king longs for outsiders to experience the same relationship, proving God’s heart for the nations (Genesis 12:3; Acts 10:34-35) • Reverence unites diverse peoples around one throne Reverence Grows from Knowing His Name • “know Your name and fear You” links revelation to response • God’s “Name” sums up His character—righteous, faithful, merciful • When His character is known, reverence becomes the natural, reasonable reaction (Psalm 9:10; Proverbs 18:10) The Scope: All Peoples of the Earth • Fear of God is not ethnic or regional; it is universal (Psalm 33:8; Revelation 14:7) • The temple, and later the Gospel, extend an open invitation to draw near with awe What This Teaches About True Reverence • God desires worship rooted in informed awe, not superstition • Reverence is evidenced by obedience—“do whatever the foreigner asks” assumes requests align with God’s will • When God answers prayer, He showcases His glory, deepening fear in both Israel and the nations Living the Lesson Today • Approach God’s presence—whether in private prayer or gathered worship—with conscious awe • Let Scripture inform and expand your view of His character, so reverence is grounded in truth • Pray for unbelievers to encounter God’s greatness and join His people in holy fear • Allow answered prayer and visible works of God to continually refresh a heart of humble, obedient worship |
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