Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Solomon

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Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. His life and reign are marked by significant instances where God answered his prayers, demonstrating divine favor and guidance.

Prayer for Wisdom

One of the most notable answers to Solomon's prayers is found in 1 Kings 3:5-14. After Solomon ascended to the throne, God appeared to him in a dream at Gibeon and said, "Ask for whatever you want Me to give you" (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon, recognizing the immense responsibility of ruling the people of Israel, prayed for "an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil" (1 Kings 3:9). Pleased with Solomon's request, God granted him unparalleled wisdom and discernment, as well as riches and honor, promising that no other king would compare to him during his lifetime (1 Kings 3:12-13).

Dedication of the Temple

Another significant instance of answered prayer is during the dedication of the Temple, as recorded in 1 Kings 8 and 2 Chronicles 6-7. Solomon led the nation in a grand ceremony to dedicate the Temple, offering a heartfelt prayer to God. He asked for God's presence to dwell in the Temple and for His eyes to be open toward it day and night. Solomon also prayed for forgiveness and mercy for the people of Israel when they sinned and turned back to God in repentance (1 Kings 8:30-53).

God responded to Solomon's prayer with a powerful manifestation of His presence. Fire came down from heaven to consume the burnt offering and sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the Temple (2 Chronicles 7:1-2). Later, God appeared to Solomon at night and said, "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice" (2 Chronicles 7:12). God assured Solomon that if His people, called by His name, would humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, He would hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

God's Covenant with Solomon

In 1 Kings 9:1-9, after Solomon had completed the building of the Temple and the royal palace, the LORD appeared to him a second time. God reaffirmed His covenant with Solomon, promising to establish his royal throne over Israel forever if Solomon walked in integrity and uprightness, as David his father did. This divine encounter was a direct response to Solomon's dedication and prayerful commitment to God.

Solomon's Later Years

Despite the profound answers to his prayers and the blessings he received, Solomon's later years were marked by a departure from his earlier devotion. Influenced by his foreign wives, he turned to idolatry, which led to God's anger and the eventual division of the kingdom after his death (1 Kings 11:1-13). This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of continued faithfulness and obedience to God.

Solomon's life exemplifies the power and impact of prayer, as well as the necessity of maintaining a steadfast relationship with God. His prayers and God's responses highlight the themes of wisdom, dedication, and covenant faithfulness that are central to his account.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 3:9,12
Give therefore your servant an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this your so great a people?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer." Solomon says, "The ... the
evidence here presented, who can doubt that God hears and answers prayer? ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments (Continued)
... worth and significance in the great fact that God hears and answers prayer. ... And God
heard this prayer as he heard him before, "And when Solomon had made ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/ii praying saints of the.htm

God Has Everything to do with Prayer
... which thou knowest not." This includes, like the answer to Solomon's prayer, that
which ... Men cannot represent God who do not get answers to prayer from Him. ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/iv god has everything to.htm

Promises and Threatenings
... visibly showed, and thus has fulfilled Solomon's petition; but the answer surpasses
the prayer in that ... transcends the petition which it answers, and adds ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/promises and threatenings.htm

The Prayer of Faith.
... Solomon prayed for wisdom, and God granted him riches and honor in addition. ... Why,
that God will grant answers to prayer when it is importunate. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture v the prayer of.htm

Putting God to Work
... "And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night and said ... God may set aside one law for
the higher working of another law, and this He may do when He answers prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

Cheer for Despondency
... such to persevere by repeating to them the words of Solomon, "Thou knowest ... You know,
dear friends, that you have obtained answers to prayer, very singular ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/cheer for despondency.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... in dust and ashes.' Thus, in Solomon's beautiful prayer on the ... and to dig those stones,
with which Solomon built the ... To this our New Testament temple answers. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... do testify to the fact that God both hears and answers prayer. ... The soul may be in
prayer no matter what is ... face on the ground (Matt.26:39); Solomon knelt (1 ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

Questions and Answers
... have a clean heart." Another will request prayer for perfect ... How about Solomon, who
said, "There is not a just ... slay her child, but she at once answers, I cannot ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter xii questions and answers.htm