I Kings 8-9

“Whatever prayer, whatever plea is made by any man or by all your people Israel, each knowing the affliction of his own heart … then hear in heaven your dwelling place and forgive and act …” (8:38-39). At the Temple’s dedication, Solomon’s prayer of blessing turned into a prayer for mercy.  Recognizing the distance between God and sinful people, Solomon asked God to hear their prayers, forgive, and respond (even to foreigners, v41). The Temple’s purpose of God and His people meeting together was impossible without mercy.

“The LORD our God be with us” (8:57). Jesus is Emanuel, “God with us,” the full demonstration of God’s mercy. United with Christ, we are welcomed into the Holy of Holies.