Solomon, Israel, and the Nations

"As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your name--for men will hear of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm--when he comes and prays toward this temple, then 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 own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name."
- 1 Kings 8:41-43

This passages reflects the heart of King Solomon, known for his wisdom, by reflecting a gracious attitude toward people outside the faith. Within the context of these verses, Solomon is praying to the Lord just before the dedication of the temple, a wonder Solomon has worked so hard in trying to complete. It is in fact a project which will come to define his reign over Israel. Within this particular passage, however, several principles emerge which will help guide church growth and planting:

1. Men will hear about the works of the Lord, even those outside the Church.

2. Men will search for the provision of God, not necessarily God himself (Romans 1:18-3:20).*

3. God is outside the world, creation, yet he is very much in the world.

4. God responds to prayer to make His name known, especially to those outside the faith.

5. The majesty and beauty of God was never meant strictly for Israel; the Jews were suppose to take His name to the world.


These are just a few of my quick thoughts about this part of Solomon's prayer. It certainly is challenging, especially considering how we might respond to foreigners (those outside the Church) today.


*They only search for God because they first heard about the working of God. One must understand that God always intiates an encounter with man.