A Biblical Theology of Mission (Yahweh in His Temple as Witness – 1 Kings 8:41-43)

King Solomon stands before the newly completed temple of Yahweh and prays to Yahweh a prayer of dedication. He acknowledges that Yahweh has fulfilled his covenant of love and His promises to his father David and asks for God to continue to fulfill His promises. He knows that Yahweh cannot really dwell in this small temple because He fills the universe, but he asks that Yahweh would hear the prayers directed toward this temple, even those from people who do not belong to Israel.

⁴¹ As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your name— ⁴² for they will hear of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when they come and pray toward this temple, ⁴³ then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name. (1 Kings 8:41-43)

Solomon believes that all the people of earth need to know Yahweh, because He is not just a tribal god but rather the Creator God, the only true God, of all the earth. The great deeds He has done will attract non-Israelites who come to know Yahweh as the true God. Yahweh’s presence in the temple and the answering of prayers made to Him will only further the witness to Yahweh’s supremacy and sovereignty over all the world.

The power of God demonstrated in His people Israel does indeed draw Gentiles, non-Jews, to Yahweh. The queen of Sheba visits Solomon and testifies to Yahweh’s blessing on Israel:

⁶ She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. ⁷ But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. ⁸ How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! ⁹ Praise be to Yahweh your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of Yahweh’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.” (1 Kings 10:6-9)

The people of God, when they are trusting in and serving God, are a powerful witness to the world of the truthfulness of God’s sovereignty and the need to be in relationship with Him. Our obedience to Him is the paramount witness to Him.

³⁴ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34,35)