1 Kings 17

1 Kings 17:1

Solomon Blesses the People

Solomon begins by saying something that is characteristic for the Old Testament and what is opposed to the New Testament. For Solomon the LORD dwells in darkness, although God is light. But God is also love, and for that very reason He lives in darkness, for if He showed His light, it would mean the end of the people and of man. Hence the veil is there, behind which He has withdrawn Himself. This is no longer the case in the church. There He dwells in Christ, in Whom He comes to man.

Solomon blesses the people (1 Kings 8:14). He is here the king-priest, for blessing is what the priest does. We see that with Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-19). The Lord Jesus is the perfect King-Priest (Zechariah 6:13; Hebrews 7:1-3).

Solomon begins by praising God as the God Who speaks and does (1 Kings 8:15). Whatever His mouth speaks, His hand carries out. He spoke to David about his election. He has not chosen a city, but David. It seems as if David is a city, but city, temple and king are so connected that David and the city are one. The king and his city belong together. The Lord Jesus is the Son of David and is forever connected with Jerusalem.

Solomon often speaks of the Name of the LORD. The name expresses what someone is or should be. His Name expresses His whole glory. The throne of the LORD shows Who erected the throne. The throne of David shows who sits on the throne. The throne of Israel shows what is ruled.

The covenant lies in the ark, recorded and represented in the two tables (1 Kings 8:21).

1 Kings 17:2

The Prayer of Solomon

The prayer of Solomon is the highlight of the dedication of the temple. The place of intercession is at the altar (1 Kings 8:22). There is no intercession separate from the altar, which means to us, separate from the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross. The foundation is the sacrifice of Christ. The king-priest intercedes (cf. 1 Samuel 2:35, where the priest is in the service of the anointed). He does it for the church of Israel and also in the presence of the people; the people are listening. He speaks frankly about all the dangers to which the people can be exposed.

Solomon addresses God in His incomparability (1 Kings 8:23). It is also good for us to think about what a God we have to do with. There is no comparison with Him, no gods or demonic powers. They are all subject to Him. It is also true that there is no one else LORD but God (1 Kings 8:60).

Then Solomon pronounces to God what he had previously pronounced for the people (1 Kings 8:24; cf. 1 Kings 8:15). What he has spoken for the people, he offers here to God as a peace offering.

He reminds God of His promise to always put a son of David on the throne and prays that God will do the same (1 Kings 8:25). This will become a reality when the eternal Son sits on the throne as Man.

However, the fulfillment of the promise is made dependent on the responsibility of man. Both Solomon himself and his sons have failed and therefore there has been no son of David on the throne for a long time. According to God’s sovereignty, He will give the Son in grace. For this Solomon appeals to the grace of God when he asks that God still lives up to His Word (1 Kings 8:26).

God is so great that no part of creation can comprehend Him, not even the largest, most extensive parts (1 Kings 8:27). He spans everything Himself (Deuteronomy 10:14). It is also a delusion to think that God lives in handmade temples. This delusion is held by an apostate people, for which the prophets sharply condemn them (Jeremiah 7:4; Micah 3:11).

Faith acknowledges that God cannot be closed up in a human building. However, at the same time faith sees that God’s presence is connected with the temple, because He has said that His Name dwells there. On this basis we may, despite His greatness, so far elevated above His dwelling, ask Him to listen to the prayer that comes from His dwelling on earth to Him in heaven (1 Kings 8:28).

Each time the word ‘hear’ comes back. With this in mind, Solomon prays. Thus we may pray to God. He hears from His dwelling in heaven. But Solomon also speaks of “forgiveness” (1 Kings 8:30). He is a practical king and knows that most prayers are prayers for forgiveness. Should not our prayers also often be accompanied by confession of sins? Solomon asks if the LORD wants to hear “the supplication of … Your people Israel”. He assumes that God’s people will be a praying people.

1 Kings 17:3

The Prayer of Solomon

The prayer of Solomon is the highlight of the dedication of the temple. The place of intercession is at the altar (1 Kings 8:22). There is no intercession separate from the altar, which means to us, separate from the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross. The foundation is the sacrifice of Christ. The king-priest intercedes (cf. 1 Samuel 2:35, where the priest is in the service of the anointed). He does it for the church of Israel and also in the presence of the people; the people are listening. He speaks frankly about all the dangers to which the people can be exposed.

Solomon addresses God in His incomparability (1 Kings 8:23). It is also good for us to think about what a God we have to do with. There is no comparison with Him, no gods or demonic powers. They are all subject to Him. It is also true that there is no one else LORD but God (1 Kings 8:60).

Then Solomon pronounces to God what he had previously pronounced for the people (1 Kings 8:24; cf. 1 Kings 8:15). What he has spoken for the people, he offers here to God as a peace offering.

He reminds God of His promise to always put a son of David on the throne and prays that God will do the same (1 Kings 8:25). This will become a reality when the eternal Son sits on the throne as Man.

However, the fulfillment of the promise is made dependent on the responsibility of man. Both Solomon himself and his sons have failed and therefore there has been no son of David on the throne for a long time. According to God’s sovereignty, He will give the Son in grace. For this Solomon appeals to the grace of God when he asks that God still lives up to His Word (1 Kings 8:26).

God is so great that no part of creation can comprehend Him, not even the largest, most extensive parts (1 Kings 8:27). He spans everything Himself (Deuteronomy 10:14). It is also a delusion to think that God lives in handmade temples. This delusion is held by an apostate people, for which the prophets sharply condemn them (Jeremiah 7:4; Micah 3:11).

Faith acknowledges that God cannot be closed up in a human building. However, at the same time faith sees that God’s presence is connected with the temple, because He has said that His Name dwells there. On this basis we may, despite His greatness, so far elevated above His dwelling, ask Him to listen to the prayer that comes from His dwelling on earth to Him in heaven (1 Kings 8:28).

Each time the word ‘hear’ comes back. With this in mind, Solomon prays. Thus we may pray to God. He hears from His dwelling in heaven. But Solomon also speaks of “forgiveness” (1 Kings 8:30). He is a practical king and knows that most prayers are prayers for forgiveness. Should not our prayers also often be accompanied by confession of sins? Solomon asks if the LORD wants to hear “the supplication of … Your people Israel”. He assumes that God’s people will be a praying people.

1 Kings 17:4

The Prayer of Solomon

The prayer of Solomon is the highlight of the dedication of the temple. The place of intercession is at the altar (1 Kings 8:22). There is no intercession separate from the altar, which means to us, separate from the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross. The foundation is the sacrifice of Christ. The king-priest intercedes (cf. 1 Samuel 2:35, where the priest is in the service of the anointed). He does it for the church of Israel and also in the presence of the people; the people are listening. He speaks frankly about all the dangers to which the people can be exposed.

Solomon addresses God in His incomparability (1 Kings 8:23). It is also good for us to think about what a God we have to do with. There is no comparison with Him, no gods or demonic powers. They are all subject to Him. It is also true that there is no one else LORD but God (1 Kings 8:60).

Then Solomon pronounces to God what he had previously pronounced for the people (1 Kings 8:24; cf. 1 Kings 8:15). What he has spoken for the people, he offers here to God as a peace offering.

He reminds God of His promise to always put a son of David on the throne and prays that God will do the same (1 Kings 8:25). This will become a reality when the eternal Son sits on the throne as Man.

However, the fulfillment of the promise is made dependent on the responsibility of man. Both Solomon himself and his sons have failed and therefore there has been no son of David on the throne for a long time. According to God’s sovereignty, He will give the Son in grace. For this Solomon appeals to the grace of God when he asks that God still lives up to His Word (1 Kings 8:26).

God is so great that no part of creation can comprehend Him, not even the largest, most extensive parts (1 Kings 8:27). He spans everything Himself (Deuteronomy 10:14). It is also a delusion to think that God lives in handmade temples. This delusion is held by an apostate people, for which the prophets sharply condemn them (Jeremiah 7:4; Micah 3:11).

Faith acknowledges that God cannot be closed up in a human building. However, at the same time faith sees that God’s presence is connected with the temple, because He has said that His Name dwells there. On this basis we may, despite His greatness, so far elevated above His dwelling, ask Him to listen to the prayer that comes from His dwelling on earth to Him in heaven (1 Kings 8:28).

Each time the word ‘hear’ comes back. With this in mind, Solomon prays. Thus we may pray to God. He hears from His dwelling in heaven. But Solomon also speaks of “forgiveness” (1 Kings 8:30). He is a practical king and knows that most prayers are prayers for forgiveness. Should not our prayers also often be accompanied by confession of sins? Solomon asks if the LORD wants to hear “the supplication of … Your people Israel”. He assumes that God’s people will be a praying people.

1 Kings 17:5

The Prayer of Solomon

The prayer of Solomon is the highlight of the dedication of the temple. The place of intercession is at the altar (1 Kings 8:22). There is no intercession separate from the altar, which means to us, separate from the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross. The foundation is the sacrifice of Christ. The king-priest intercedes (cf. 1 Samuel 2:35, where the priest is in the service of the anointed). He does it for the church of Israel and also in the presence of the people; the people are listening. He speaks frankly about all the dangers to which the people can be exposed.

Solomon addresses God in His incomparability (1 Kings 8:23). It is also good for us to think about what a God we have to do with. There is no comparison with Him, no gods or demonic powers. They are all subject to Him. It is also true that there is no one else LORD but God (1 Kings 8:60).

Then Solomon pronounces to God what he had previously pronounced for the people (1 Kings 8:24; cf. 1 Kings 8:15). What he has spoken for the people, he offers here to God as a peace offering.

He reminds God of His promise to always put a son of David on the throne and prays that God will do the same (1 Kings 8:25). This will become a reality when the eternal Son sits on the throne as Man.

However, the fulfillment of the promise is made dependent on the responsibility of man. Both Solomon himself and his sons have failed and therefore there has been no son of David on the throne for a long time. According to God’s sovereignty, He will give the Son in grace. For this Solomon appeals to the grace of God when he asks that God still lives up to His Word (1 Kings 8:26).

God is so great that no part of creation can comprehend Him, not even the largest, most extensive parts (1 Kings 8:27). He spans everything Himself (Deuteronomy 10:14). It is also a delusion to think that God lives in handmade temples. This delusion is held by an apostate people, for which the prophets sharply condemn them (Jeremiah 7:4; Micah 3:11).

Faith acknowledges that God cannot be closed up in a human building. However, at the same time faith sees that God’s presence is connected with the temple, because He has said that His Name dwells there. On this basis we may, despite His greatness, so far elevated above His dwelling, ask Him to listen to the prayer that comes from His dwelling on earth to Him in heaven (1 Kings 8:28).

Each time the word ‘hear’ comes back. With this in mind, Solomon prays. Thus we may pray to God. He hears from His dwelling in heaven. But Solomon also speaks of “forgiveness” (1 Kings 8:30). He is a practical king and knows that most prayers are prayers for forgiveness. Should not our prayers also often be accompanied by confession of sins? Solomon asks if the LORD wants to hear “the supplication of … Your people Israel”. He assumes that God’s people will be a praying people.

1 Kings 17:6

The Prayer of Solomon

The prayer of Solomon is the highlight of the dedication of the temple. The place of intercession is at the altar (1 Kings 8:22). There is no intercession separate from the altar, which means to us, separate from the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross. The foundation is the sacrifice of Christ. The king-priest intercedes (cf. 1 Samuel 2:35, where the priest is in the service of the anointed). He does it for the church of Israel and also in the presence of the people; the people are listening. He speaks frankly about all the dangers to which the people can be exposed.

Solomon addresses God in His incomparability (1 Kings 8:23). It is also good for us to think about what a God we have to do with. There is no comparison with Him, no gods or demonic powers. They are all subject to Him. It is also true that there is no one else LORD but God (1 Kings 8:60).

Then Solomon pronounces to God what he had previously pronounced for the people (1 Kings 8:24; cf. 1 Kings 8:15). What he has spoken for the people, he offers here to God as a peace offering.

He reminds God of His promise to always put a son of David on the throne and prays that God will do the same (1 Kings 8:25). This will become a reality when the eternal Son sits on the throne as Man.

However, the fulfillment of the promise is made dependent on the responsibility of man. Both Solomon himself and his sons have failed and therefore there has been no son of David on the throne for a long time. According to God’s sovereignty, He will give the Son in grace. For this Solomon appeals to the grace of God when he asks that God still lives up to His Word (1 Kings 8:26).

God is so great that no part of creation can comprehend Him, not even the largest, most extensive parts (1 Kings 8:27). He spans everything Himself (Deuteronomy 10:14). It is also a delusion to think that God lives in handmade temples. This delusion is held by an apostate people, for which the prophets sharply condemn them (Jeremiah 7:4; Micah 3:11).

Faith acknowledges that God cannot be closed up in a human building. However, at the same time faith sees that God’s presence is connected with the temple, because He has said that His Name dwells there. On this basis we may, despite His greatness, so far elevated above His dwelling, ask Him to listen to the prayer that comes from His dwelling on earth to Him in heaven (1 Kings 8:28).

Each time the word ‘hear’ comes back. With this in mind, Solomon prays. Thus we may pray to God. He hears from His dwelling in heaven. But Solomon also speaks of “forgiveness” (1 Kings 8:30). He is a practical king and knows that most prayers are prayers for forgiveness. Should not our prayers also often be accompanied by confession of sins? Solomon asks if the LORD wants to hear “the supplication of … Your people Israel”. He assumes that God’s people will be a praying people.

1 Kings 17:7

The Prayer of Solomon

The prayer of Solomon is the highlight of the dedication of the temple. The place of intercession is at the altar (1 Kings 8:22). There is no intercession separate from the altar, which means to us, separate from the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross. The foundation is the sacrifice of Christ. The king-priest intercedes (cf. 1 Samuel 2:35, where the priest is in the service of the anointed). He does it for the church of Israel and also in the presence of the people; the people are listening. He speaks frankly about all the dangers to which the people can be exposed.

Solomon addresses God in His incomparability (1 Kings 8:23). It is also good for us to think about what a God we have to do with. There is no comparison with Him, no gods or demonic powers. They are all subject to Him. It is also true that there is no one else LORD but God (1 Kings 8:60).

Then Solomon pronounces to God what he had previously pronounced for the people (1 Kings 8:24; cf. 1 Kings 8:15). What he has spoken for the people, he offers here to God as a peace offering.

He reminds God of His promise to always put a son of David on the throne and prays that God will do the same (1 Kings 8:25). This will become a reality when the eternal Son sits on the throne as Man.

However, the fulfillment of the promise is made dependent on the responsibility of man. Both Solomon himself and his sons have failed and therefore there has been no son of David on the throne for a long time. According to God’s sovereignty, He will give the Son in grace. For this Solomon appeals to the grace of God when he asks that God still lives up to His Word (1 Kings 8:26).

God is so great that no part of creation can comprehend Him, not even the largest, most extensive parts (1 Kings 8:27). He spans everything Himself (Deuteronomy 10:14). It is also a delusion to think that God lives in handmade temples. This delusion is held by an apostate people, for which the prophets sharply condemn them (Jeremiah 7:4; Micah 3:11).

Faith acknowledges that God cannot be closed up in a human building. However, at the same time faith sees that God’s presence is connected with the temple, because He has said that His Name dwells there. On this basis we may, despite His greatness, so far elevated above His dwelling, ask Him to listen to the prayer that comes from His dwelling on earth to Him in heaven (1 Kings 8:28).

Each time the word ‘hear’ comes back. With this in mind, Solomon prays. Thus we may pray to God. He hears from His dwelling in heaven. But Solomon also speaks of “forgiveness” (1 Kings 8:30). He is a practical king and knows that most prayers are prayers for forgiveness. Should not our prayers also often be accompanied by confession of sins? Solomon asks if the LORD wants to hear “the supplication of … Your people Israel”. He assumes that God’s people will be a praying people.

1 Kings 17:8

The Prayer of Solomon

The prayer of Solomon is the highlight of the dedication of the temple. The place of intercession is at the altar (1 Kings 8:22). There is no intercession separate from the altar, which means to us, separate from the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross. The foundation is the sacrifice of Christ. The king-priest intercedes (cf. 1 Samuel 2:35, where the priest is in the service of the anointed). He does it for the church of Israel and also in the presence of the people; the people are listening. He speaks frankly about all the dangers to which the people can be exposed.

Solomon addresses God in His incomparability (1 Kings 8:23). It is also good for us to think about what a God we have to do with. There is no comparison with Him, no gods or demonic powers. They are all subject to Him. It is also true that there is no one else LORD but God (1 Kings 8:60).

Then Solomon pronounces to God what he had previously pronounced for the people (1 Kings 8:24; cf. 1 Kings 8:15). What he has spoken for the people, he offers here to God as a peace offering.

He reminds God of His promise to always put a son of David on the throne and prays that God will do the same (1 Kings 8:25). This will become a reality when the eternal Son sits on the throne as Man.

However, the fulfillment of the promise is made dependent on the responsibility of man. Both Solomon himself and his sons have failed and therefore there has been no son of David on the throne for a long time. According to God’s sovereignty, He will give the Son in grace. For this Solomon appeals to the grace of God when he asks that God still lives up to His Word (1 Kings 8:26).

God is so great that no part of creation can comprehend Him, not even the largest, most extensive parts (1 Kings 8:27). He spans everything Himself (Deuteronomy 10:14). It is also a delusion to think that God lives in handmade temples. This delusion is held by an apostate people, for which the prophets sharply condemn them (Jeremiah 7:4; Micah 3:11).

Faith acknowledges that God cannot be closed up in a human building. However, at the same time faith sees that God’s presence is connected with the temple, because He has said that His Name dwells there. On this basis we may, despite His greatness, so far elevated above His dwelling, ask Him to listen to the prayer that comes from His dwelling on earth to Him in heaven (1 Kings 8:28).

Each time the word ‘hear’ comes back. With this in mind, Solomon prays. Thus we may pray to God. He hears from His dwelling in heaven. But Solomon also speaks of “forgiveness” (1 Kings 8:30). He is a practical king and knows that most prayers are prayers for forgiveness. Should not our prayers also often be accompanied by confession of sins? Solomon asks if the LORD wants to hear “the supplication of … Your people Israel”. He assumes that God’s people will be a praying people.

1 Kings 17:9

The Prayer of Solomon

The prayer of Solomon is the highlight of the dedication of the temple. The place of intercession is at the altar (1 Kings 8:22). There is no intercession separate from the altar, which means to us, separate from the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross. The foundation is the sacrifice of Christ. The king-priest intercedes (cf. 1 Samuel 2:35, where the priest is in the service of the anointed). He does it for the church of Israel and also in the presence of the people; the people are listening. He speaks frankly about all the dangers to which the people can be exposed.

Solomon addresses God in His incomparability (1 Kings 8:23). It is also good for us to think about what a God we have to do with. There is no comparison with Him, no gods or demonic powers. They are all subject to Him. It is also true that there is no one else LORD but God (1 Kings 8:60).

Then Solomon pronounces to God what he had previously pronounced for the people (1 Kings 8:24; cf. 1 Kings 8:15). What he has spoken for the people, he offers here to God as a peace offering.

He reminds God of His promise to always put a son of David on the throne and prays that God will do the same (1 Kings 8:25). This will become a reality when the eternal Son sits on the throne as Man.

However, the fulfillment of the promise is made dependent on the responsibility of man. Both Solomon himself and his sons have failed and therefore there has been no son of David on the throne for a long time. According to God’s sovereignty, He will give the Son in grace. For this Solomon appeals to the grace of God when he asks that God still lives up to His Word (1 Kings 8:26).

God is so great that no part of creation can comprehend Him, not even the largest, most extensive parts (1 Kings 8:27). He spans everything Himself (Deuteronomy 10:14). It is also a delusion to think that God lives in handmade temples. This delusion is held by an apostate people, for which the prophets sharply condemn them (Jeremiah 7:4; Micah 3:11).

Faith acknowledges that God cannot be closed up in a human building. However, at the same time faith sees that God’s presence is connected with the temple, because He has said that His Name dwells there. On this basis we may, despite His greatness, so far elevated above His dwelling, ask Him to listen to the prayer that comes from His dwelling on earth to Him in heaven (1 Kings 8:28).

Each time the word ‘hear’ comes back. With this in mind, Solomon prays. Thus we may pray to God. He hears from His dwelling in heaven. But Solomon also speaks of “forgiveness” (1 Kings 8:30). He is a practical king and knows that most prayers are prayers for forgiveness. Should not our prayers also often be accompanied by confession of sins? Solomon asks if the LORD wants to hear “the supplication of … Your people Israel”. He assumes that God’s people will be a praying people.

1 Kings 17:10

The Prayer of Solomon

The prayer of Solomon is the highlight of the dedication of the temple. The place of intercession is at the altar (1 Kings 8:22). There is no intercession separate from the altar, which means to us, separate from the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross. The foundation is the sacrifice of Christ. The king-priest intercedes (cf. 1 Samuel 2:35, where the priest is in the service of the anointed). He does it for the church of Israel and also in the presence of the people; the people are listening. He speaks frankly about all the dangers to which the people can be exposed.

Solomon addresses God in His incomparability (1 Kings 8:23). It is also good for us to think about what a God we have to do with. There is no comparison with Him, no gods or demonic powers. They are all subject to Him. It is also true that there is no one else LORD but God (1 Kings 8:60).

Then Solomon pronounces to God what he had previously pronounced for the people (1 Kings 8:24; cf. 1 Kings 8:15). What he has spoken for the people, he offers here to God as a peace offering.

He reminds God of His promise to always put a son of David on the throne and prays that God will do the same (1 Kings 8:25). This will become a reality when the eternal Son sits on the throne as Man.

However, the fulfillment of the promise is made dependent on the responsibility of man. Both Solomon himself and his sons have failed and therefore there has been no son of David on the throne for a long time. According to God’s sovereignty, He will give the Son in grace. For this Solomon appeals to the grace of God when he asks that God still lives up to His Word (1 Kings 8:26).

God is so great that no part of creation can comprehend Him, not even the largest, most extensive parts (1 Kings 8:27). He spans everything Himself (Deuteronomy 10:14). It is also a delusion to think that God lives in handmade temples. This delusion is held by an apostate people, for which the prophets sharply condemn them (Jeremiah 7:4; Micah 3:11).

Faith acknowledges that God cannot be closed up in a human building. However, at the same time faith sees that God’s presence is connected with the temple, because He has said that His Name dwells there. On this basis we may, despite His greatness, so far elevated above His dwelling, ask Him to listen to the prayer that comes from His dwelling on earth to Him in heaven (1 Kings 8:28).

Each time the word ‘hear’ comes back. With this in mind, Solomon prays. Thus we may pray to God. He hears from His dwelling in heaven. But Solomon also speaks of “forgiveness” (1 Kings 8:30). He is a practical king and knows that most prayers are prayers for forgiveness. Should not our prayers also often be accompanied by confession of sins? Solomon asks if the LORD wants to hear “the supplication of … Your people Israel”. He assumes that God’s people will be a praying people.

1 Kings 17:11

First Prayer

The prayer seems long, but it can be prayed in about six minutes. It is a prayer rich in content. It’s not about the length, but about the content.

The prayer contains seven prayers. The first four reflect on the inner condition of the people, the last three on the danger from outside. Many of the prayers are about sins and forgiveness. It is a prayer from and for the people of God. It presents God’s people, now the church, in her responsibility.

We see this in Matthew 18 where the church has problems, sins, to deal with locally (Matthew 18:15-20). It is a people who need prayer and an Intercessor in Christ, like here in Solomon. We must also be intercessors. God is astonished that He has not found anyone who, through prayer, closes the gaps through which the enemy can come among God’s people (Isaiah 59:16a; Ezekiel 22:30).

The first prayer is about someone sinning against his brother. The judge takes an oath in the presence of God (“altar”) with a self-cursing to find out the truth. The matter must be resolved. Only God can reveal the truth. Solomon asks for that. He asks that the oath be fulfilled if the accused is guilty, or, if there is no guilt, the oath will not be fulfilled.

The counterpart of this can be found in Matthew 18, where the Lord Jesus says: “If your brother sins” (Matthew 18:15). The Lord also gives instructions there on how we should personally and as a local church deal with this (Matthew 18:15-20). It is about restoring the brother who sinned into fellowship with the Lord and the church. The way this work is to be done is depicted by the Lord in the verses preceding this section (Matthew 18:1-14) and the verses following it (Matthew 18:21-35). It comes down to an attitude of humbleness, care and forgiveness.

1 Kings 17:12

First Prayer

The prayer seems long, but it can be prayed in about six minutes. It is a prayer rich in content. It’s not about the length, but about the content.

The prayer contains seven prayers. The first four reflect on the inner condition of the people, the last three on the danger from outside. Many of the prayers are about sins and forgiveness. It is a prayer from and for the people of God. It presents God’s people, now the church, in her responsibility.

We see this in Matthew 18 where the church has problems, sins, to deal with locally (Matthew 18:15-20). It is a people who need prayer and an Intercessor in Christ, like here in Solomon. We must also be intercessors. God is astonished that He has not found anyone who, through prayer, closes the gaps through which the enemy can come among God’s people (Isaiah 59:16a; Ezekiel 22:30).

The first prayer is about someone sinning against his brother. The judge takes an oath in the presence of God (“altar”) with a self-cursing to find out the truth. The matter must be resolved. Only God can reveal the truth. Solomon asks for that. He asks that the oath be fulfilled if the accused is guilty, or, if there is no guilt, the oath will not be fulfilled.

The counterpart of this can be found in Matthew 18, where the Lord Jesus says: “If your brother sins” (Matthew 18:15). The Lord also gives instructions there on how we should personally and as a local church deal with this (Matthew 18:15-20). It is about restoring the brother who sinned into fellowship with the Lord and the church. The way this work is to be done is depicted by the Lord in the verses preceding this section (Matthew 18:1-14) and the verses following it (Matthew 18:21-35). It comes down to an attitude of humbleness, care and forgiveness.

1 Kings 17:13

Second Prayer

This prayer concerns the sin of all people (Leviticus 26:17; Deuteronomy 28:25). The whole people have sinned, for example when sin is tolerated. God then sends enemies as judgment, so that the people will confess and call to God with remorse for their sin. He will then give restoration.

In an application to the church we can think of allowing a carnal, worldly mind, or not condemning liberal or sectarian habits. We can also think of intruding public sins or false teachings without disciplining them. We then will be defeated by the enemy. The only thing that can deliver us from the enemy is confession of our unfaithfulness. Then the Lord forgives and gives again the enjoyment of our spiritual blessings in the heavenly places.

1 Kings 17:14

Second Prayer

This prayer concerns the sin of all people (Leviticus 26:17; Deuteronomy 28:25). The whole people have sinned, for example when sin is tolerated. God then sends enemies as judgment, so that the people will confess and call to God with remorse for their sin. He will then give restoration.

In an application to the church we can think of allowing a carnal, worldly mind, or not condemning liberal or sectarian habits. We can also think of intruding public sins or false teachings without disciplining them. We then will be defeated by the enemy. The only thing that can deliver us from the enemy is confession of our unfaithfulness. Then the Lord forgives and gives again the enjoyment of our spiritual blessings in the heavenly places.

1 Kings 17:15

Third Prayer

The third prayer concerns the situation that God must withhold His blessing from His people if they deviate from Him (Leviticus 26:19; Deuteronomy 11:17; Deuteronomy 28:23). This judgment was asked of God by Elijah, that the people might return to Him (1 Kings 17:1; James 5:17). This indeed happened. Without rain there is no harvest and no harvest feast.

If the people of God humble themselves, the LORD can show them the good way again. Every humiliation leads to new insight to go the good way.

In a local church death can be in the pot. If spiritual blessing is no longer enjoyed, it is the result of a deviation from the Word of God. As Elimelech we can head for places where we think we can find food (Rth 1:1). However, God’s purpose is that we humble ourselves before Him and confess our deviation. Then the Lord can show us the good way again. If we then go that way, the result is that blessing comes again.

1 Kings 17:16

Third Prayer

The third prayer concerns the situation that God must withhold His blessing from His people if they deviate from Him (Leviticus 26:19; Deuteronomy 11:17; Deuteronomy 28:23). This judgment was asked of God by Elijah, that the people might return to Him (1 Kings 17:1; James 5:17). This indeed happened. Without rain there is no harvest and no harvest feast.

If the people of God humble themselves, the LORD can show them the good way again. Every humiliation leads to new insight to go the good way.

In a local church death can be in the pot. If spiritual blessing is no longer enjoyed, it is the result of a deviation from the Word of God. As Elimelech we can head for places where we think we can find food (Rth 1:1). However, God’s purpose is that we humble ourselves before Him and confess our deviation. Then the Lord can show us the good way again. If we then go that way, the result is that blessing comes again.

1 Kings 17:17

Fourth Prayer

Here disease and hunger strike the land (Leviticus 26:19; 25; Deuteronomy 28:22-23; 38). Sin is not mentioned directly. Hunger is the result of plagues and enemies that come upon the people because of the plagues of the hearts of each of the members of God’s people. They pray to God to ask why He makes these plagues come. The plagues are instruments that God uses to discipline His people. They become the reason for self-examination of every member and it will lead to the discovery that life is not as God wishes. This has nothing to do with whether there are concrete sins, but that there is slowness in serving God.

We cannot deceive ourselves when we are in God’s presence. God will forgive if everyone recognizes the condition of his heart, for only He knows the heart. We often judge our brother as if we know exactly his heart. When self-examination is done – and that is God’s goal by sending hunger – what is in our hearts comes to light. It is about each one searching his own heart and not seeking the solution in all that another has done or could have done. If everyone says this in sincerity, there will be blessing again.

This is a case of personal unfaithfulness. If we see that, the reason for this is often the incorrect setting of our priorities. We then run to our own houses, abandoning the house of God (Haggai 1:9b). We must confess this and give God’s house again the first place. God will then give blessing again.

1 Kings 17:18

Fourth Prayer

Here disease and hunger strike the land (Leviticus 26:19; 25; Deuteronomy 28:22-23; 38). Sin is not mentioned directly. Hunger is the result of plagues and enemies that come upon the people because of the plagues of the hearts of each of the members of God’s people. They pray to God to ask why He makes these plagues come. The plagues are instruments that God uses to discipline His people. They become the reason for self-examination of every member and it will lead to the discovery that life is not as God wishes. This has nothing to do with whether there are concrete sins, but that there is slowness in serving God.

We cannot deceive ourselves when we are in God’s presence. God will forgive if everyone recognizes the condition of his heart, for only He knows the heart. We often judge our brother as if we know exactly his heart. When self-examination is done – and that is God’s goal by sending hunger – what is in our hearts comes to light. It is about each one searching his own heart and not seeking the solution in all that another has done or could have done. If everyone says this in sincerity, there will be blessing again.

This is a case of personal unfaithfulness. If we see that, the reason for this is often the incorrect setting of our priorities. We then run to our own houses, abandoning the house of God (Haggai 1:9b). We must confess this and give God’s house again the first place. God will then give blessing again.

1 Kings 17:19

Fourth Prayer

Here disease and hunger strike the land (Leviticus 26:19; 25; Deuteronomy 28:22-23; 38). Sin is not mentioned directly. Hunger is the result of plagues and enemies that come upon the people because of the plagues of the hearts of each of the members of God’s people. They pray to God to ask why He makes these plagues come. The plagues are instruments that God uses to discipline His people. They become the reason for self-examination of every member and it will lead to the discovery that life is not as God wishes. This has nothing to do with whether there are concrete sins, but that there is slowness in serving God.

We cannot deceive ourselves when we are in God’s presence. God will forgive if everyone recognizes the condition of his heart, for only He knows the heart. We often judge our brother as if we know exactly his heart. When self-examination is done – and that is God’s goal by sending hunger – what is in our hearts comes to light. It is about each one searching his own heart and not seeking the solution in all that another has done or could have done. If everyone says this in sincerity, there will be blessing again.

This is a case of personal unfaithfulness. If we see that, the reason for this is often the incorrect setting of our priorities. We then run to our own houses, abandoning the house of God (Haggai 1:9b). We must confess this and give God’s house again the first place. God will then give blessing again.

1 Kings 17:20

Fourth Prayer

Here disease and hunger strike the land (Leviticus 26:19; 25; Deuteronomy 28:22-23; 38). Sin is not mentioned directly. Hunger is the result of plagues and enemies that come upon the people because of the plagues of the hearts of each of the members of God’s people. They pray to God to ask why He makes these plagues come. The plagues are instruments that God uses to discipline His people. They become the reason for self-examination of every member and it will lead to the discovery that life is not as God wishes. This has nothing to do with whether there are concrete sins, but that there is slowness in serving God.

We cannot deceive ourselves when we are in God’s presence. God will forgive if everyone recognizes the condition of his heart, for only He knows the heart. We often judge our brother as if we know exactly his heart. When self-examination is done – and that is God’s goal by sending hunger – what is in our hearts comes to light. It is about each one searching his own heart and not seeking the solution in all that another has done or could have done. If everyone says this in sincerity, there will be blessing again.

This is a case of personal unfaithfulness. If we see that, the reason for this is often the incorrect setting of our priorities. We then run to our own houses, abandoning the house of God (Haggai 1:9b). We must confess this and give God’s house again the first place. God will then give blessing again.

1 Kings 17:21

Fifth Prayer

The second series of prayers begins with the fifth prayer. In this first prayer of the second series, the house of God also appears to be a refuge for foreigners (cf. Numbers 15:14; Isaiah 56:6-7).

The house of God in the New Testament, the church (1 Timothy 3:15), is first and foremost a house of prayer, where intercession is done for all people (1 Timothy 2:1-2). God wants us as His house to have an eye for all who do not yet belong to it and pray for them. There is no exception with God. No one is excluded from the opportunity to enter His house.

1 Kings 17:22

Fifth Prayer

The second series of prayers begins with the fifth prayer. In this first prayer of the second series, the house of God also appears to be a refuge for foreigners (cf. Numbers 15:14; Isaiah 56:6-7).

The house of God in the New Testament, the church (1 Timothy 3:15), is first and foremost a house of prayer, where intercession is done for all people (1 Timothy 2:1-2). God wants us as His house to have an eye for all who do not yet belong to it and pray for them. There is no exception with God. No one is excluded from the opportunity to enter His house.

1 Kings 17:23

Fifth Prayer

The second series of prayers begins with the fifth prayer. In this first prayer of the second series, the house of God also appears to be a refuge for foreigners (cf. Numbers 15:14; Isaiah 56:6-7).

The house of God in the New Testament, the church (1 Timothy 3:15), is first and foremost a house of prayer, where intercession is done for all people (1 Timothy 2:1-2). God wants us as His house to have an eye for all who do not yet belong to it and pray for them. There is no exception with God. No one is excluded from the opportunity to enter His house.

1 Kings 17:24

Sixth Prayer

Here the people go out against the enemy, contrary to 1 Kings 8:33, and pray to God for it (cf. 2 Chronicles 20:4-12). Praying toward the chosen city and temple means believing in the true presence of the God of the covenant in the temple. Fighting on God’s command does not exclude prayer, but makes it all the more necessary.

We can apply this in connection with the previous prayer to the battle for the gospel (Philippians 4:3). It is a battle against the evil powers of darkness to proclaim the good news on their territory. We all have this command (2 Timothy 4:5b).