David's Charge to Solomon Fulfilled
H. Cay. 2 Chronicles 6:12-15 And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands:… I. SOLOMON'S AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF HIS EARTHLY FATHER. II. HIS REVERENCE OF HIS HEAVENLY FATHER. What sublimity and yet what humility is there evinced in this prayer of the king! Had he been an outcast like Manasseh, praying to God for restoration to his lost throne, he could not have humbled himself deeper in the dust. Listen to his lowly words: "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee; how much less this house which I have built!" etc. Who is this on bended knees and with bended heart that offers up these lowly petitions? A king? Yea, I say unto you, and more than a king. 'Tis Solomon in all his glory. True greatness is ever founded on humility. As it is in the natural world, so is it in the moral world — the higher the structure, the deeper the foundation. The lofty Alps, upon whose snowy head the stars of heaven seem to rest, have their foundations deep in the heart of the earth. Never was Solomon so exalted, never was he nearer heaven, than when on bended knees we behold him a suppliant at the footstool of God's throne. The highest rank, the loftiest genius, the most splendid crown, receive a double splendour from the grace of humility. (H. Cay.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands: WEB: He stood before the altar of Yahweh in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread forth his hands