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Like last week’s reading from Kings, this week’s selection also features a prayer uttered by King Solomon. Whereas last week’s passage involved an appearance of God to Solomon in a dream, 1 Kings 8 contains a prayer offered before “all the assembly of Israel” at the dedication of the Jerusalem Temple, which Solomon has built … Continue reading “1 Kings 8:[1, 6, 10-11] 22-30, 41-43 Commentary by Cameron B.R. Howard”

When I was 19, I got my first pair of glasses. That prescription lasted for a long time. Now that I am in my 40’s, I have to make much more regular trips to the optometrist. Things get fuzzy and hazy much more rapidly, and I have learned that I cannot put off these visits. … Continue reading “1 Kings 8:[1, 6, 10-11] 22-30, 41-43 Commentary by Garrett Galvin”

It was common in the ancient Near East for kings (in imitation of the gods in the mythic tradition) to erect a temple early in their reign, and for very good reasons. Politically speaking, building a temple following the events that led to the king’s investiture drew attention to those successful, often military exploits and … Continue reading “1 Kings 5:1-5, 12-13; 8:1-6, 27-30 Commentary by Mark Throntveit”

At the height of Israel’s success as a monarchy, King Solomon stops and prays. After David declares his intention to build a temple for God, he is rebuked and redirected to a new vision of a house. Now, Solomon ascends to the Israelite kingship. With the changing of the guard, Solomon recalls the earlier promise … Continue reading “1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:27-30, 41-43 Commentary by Roger Nam”

Any prominent public space needs a rationale and a dedication. 1 Kings 5:1-5 and 8:1-13 provide both of these for the Temple. The distillation of 1 Kings 5-8 begins with the pledge to build the temple (1 Kings: 5:3-5) and ends with the statement of conclusion. (8:12-13) Chapters 5 and 8 are embedded in the … Continue reading “1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:1-13 Commentary by Stephen Reid”

It would certainly be easy to preach this week’s lectionary text as offering contemporary believers a model of faithful prayer. Indeed King Solomon, who when God offers him the opportunity to have any wish fulfilled asks not for glory and worldly success but for wisdom, is often held up as an example of a faithful … Continue reading “1 Kings 3:5-12 Commentary by Juliana Claassens”

Today’s Old Testament lesson is the famous text where Solomon asks God for wisdom. Somewhat oddly, the lection begins and ends in mid-paragraph (according to NRSV and NIV), and it might be better to include in the public Scripture reading and in the preaching both verses 3-4, on the front side, and verses 13-14 (and … Continue reading “1 Kings 3:5-12 Commentary by Brent A. Strawn”

“Ask me, what would you like me to give you?” Solomon is at the crucial beginnings of his kingship when God poses this generous question. The divine question is particularly meaningful when considering the circumstances regarding the royal succession from his father David. Solomon was not the heir apparent to the throne. That rite traditionally … Continue reading “1 Kings 3:5-12 Commentary by Roger Nam”

“What would you wish for if you could wish for anything?” It’s a game my friends and I used to play as children, inspired by tales like “Aladdin.” As I recall, our wishes usually had to do with wealth or fame or ponies. Our reading for today describes the biblical counterpart to that childhood game. … Continue reading “1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Commentary by Kathryn M. Schifferdecker”

The Old Testament readings for this week and next week both feature prayers of King Solomon. While next week’s reading from 1 Kings 8 will feature a public prayer in a formal, liturgical setting, this week’s passage describes a private exchange between God and Solomon, when God has appeared to Solomon in a dream. This … Continue reading “1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Commentary by Cameron B.R. Howard”