After twenty years of continuous, arduous construction, Solomon dedicates the temple he has built for “The Name.” With pomp, circumstance, and thousands of blood sacrifices, he lifts his hands toward heaven in the midst of his people and prays a powerful prayer. Most powerful of all is what he says in the last few words of verse 27.
A literal reading in the Hebrew language says, “Behold the heavens and the heavens of heavens cannot contain you.”
Read More God’s presence, name, greatnessThis Bible passage is another demonstration of an answer to the prayer Solomon made at the beginning of his reign. He had asked God: “Give me an understanding heart, to govern your people and distinguish right from wrong…” (1 Kings 3:9). The Lord made him the wisest man on earth and, as a bonus, the richest man as well.
Read More greatness, abundance, wisdom
From the very start of the Book of Esther, King Xerxes of Persia is introduced as great. He rules from his winter capital city of Susa over a vast land stretching from Northern India to the Upper Nile. His empire is multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-faith and his rule is impressive in its organization.
Read More greatness, King Xerxes