Secrets of King Solomon’s Burnt-Offering Sacrifice
Solomon son of David took a firm grip on the reins of his kingdom. GOD was with him and gave him much help. Solomon addressed all Israel-the commanders and captains, the judges, every leader, and all the heads of families.
Then Solomon and the entire company went to the worship centre at Gibeon-that’s where the Tent of Meeting of God was, the one that Moses the servant of God made in the wilderness. The Chest of God, though, was in Jerusalem-David had brought it up from Kiriath Jerim, prepared a special place for it, and pitched a tent for it.
But the Bronze Altar that Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made was in Gibeon, in its place before the Tabernacle of God; and that is where Solomon and the congregation gathered to pray. Solomon worshipped God at the Bronze Altar in front of the Tent of Meeting; he sacrificed a thousand Whole-Burnt-Offerings on it.
That night God appeared to Solomon. God said, “What do you want from me? Ask.”
2 Chronicles 1:1-7 (MSG)
One of the favourite things that King Solomon is known for is the one thousand Burnt-Offerings that he sacrificed to God. This sacrificed is believed to have activated God’s special and abundant blessing of wisdom and riches upon his life. He became the wealthiest and wisest king that ever lived.
There are vital lessons for us to learn about this significant sacrifice. It’s such a significant one as it does not only attract and earn God’s immediate attention, but it activates unprecedented blessings of God on King Solomon.
As Christians, how do we seek God’s face? Where do we seek Him? Do we offer our services in the right environment, and offer our sacrifices on the right ordained altar?
Let’s take a deep thought through the burnt offerings of King Solomon:
- First, he took firm grip of the reins of his kingdom. That is he was in control of his life, circles, and affairs. He could credibly lead the administration of his household, business, career, community and nation. He was already a King that was rightly in-charge of his kingdom.
- Secondly, his self-discipline, righteous living and fear of God had earned him the support and help of God. God was with Him and gave him help.
- Consequently, his people have out-rightly imposed their confidence in him to lead them. They could trust and follow his lead without fear or bias. After he had shared his vision and goals, they whole nation voluntarily commit themselves to his leadership in making sacrifice to God. King Solomon and the entire company went to the worship centre at Gibeon
- Most importantly, King Solomon was able to identify the meeting place and altar that is ordained and pleasing to God. He led the people all the way to the Bronze Altar located inside the Tent of Meeting that his great-great grandfather, Moses had built in obedience to God.
Sequel to this critical foundation, King Solomon went ahead and sacrificed a thousand Burnt-Offering on the altar to God. And God was quite pleased with him, and gave him a blank cheque to ask whatever he wanted.
Most often, we seek God’s face and plead His blessings upon our lives. It is expedient that we learn to be self-disciplined in controlling our affairs, and develop our capacity to influence other people in our circle to God. Above all, we should serve God sacrificially in the right environment and on the acceptably ordained altar.
