Solomon dedicates the temple (1 Kings 6:1, 8:30, 8:41)

Solomon's workers started building the temple during Ziv, the second month of the year. It had been four years since Solomon became king of Israel, and four hundred eighty years since the people of Israel left Egypt. Solomon stood facing the altar with everyone standing behind him. Then he lifted his arms toward heaven and prayed: LORD God of Israel, no other god in heaven or on earth is like you! You never forget the agreement you made with your people, and you are loyal to anyone who faithfully obeys your teachings. I am you servant, and the people of Israel belong to you. So whenever any of us look toward this temple and pray, answer from your home in heaven and forgive our sins. Foreigners will hear about you and your mighty power, and some of them will come to live among your people Israel. If any of them pray toward this temple, listen to them and hear their prayers.

The temple was the central place of worship for the Israelites. It was built on Mt. Moriah which is the place where Abraham offered Isaac (his only son) to God demonstrating a godly faith. Here Solomon speaks of the forgiveness of sins first to the Israelites and also to the gentiles who join them at this place. This is part of the Abrahamic Covenant where the Jews will be a blessing to the nations. Solomon also speaks of the covenant by which Israel is blessed. It is the Law of Moses whereby blessing comes from obedience to the law and curses from disobedience to the covenant. Ultimately it will be learned the hard way that men and women cannot obey and forgiveness will require grace apart from works in order to be saved.

Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, how many times have I tried to earn forgiveness for my sins? It comes from the school of hard knocks to discover that I cannot, but you can. I have learned nobody is holy like you are holy and thank God allows you to stand in my place for judgment!
Now it is not if I have obeyed the law, but have I received you as savior and I have. Thank you for counting me worthy to die for. Amen.