(a) Give an account of Solomon's prayer during the dediçation of the temple. (b) Explain three ways leaders can use their resources for the development of t...

Answer Details

(a) An account of Solomon's prayer during the dedication of the temple (1 Kings 8:22-53).

When Solomon had finished building the temple and the ark had been brought in, he stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven, and prayed:

1. He praised God, declaring that there is no God like the Lord in heaven above or on earth beneath, who keeps covenant and mercy with His servants who walk before Him with all their heart.
2. He thanked God for keeping the promise made to his father David, that a son of his would sit on the throne and build a house for God's name.
3. He acknowledged God's greatness, asking how God, whom even the heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain, could dwell in a house that Solomon had built.
4. He asked God to hear the prayer that he offered, and that God's eyes might be open toward the temple night and day, toward the place of which God said, "My name shall be there."
5. He prayed that when a man sinned against his neighbour and swore an oath before the altar, God would judge, condemning the wicked and justifying the righteous.
6. He prayed that when Israel was defeated by enemies because of sin, and they turned again and confessed, God would forgive and bring them back to the land.
7. He prayed that when the heavens were shut up and there was no rain because of sin, God would hear from heaven, forgive, and send rain.
8. He prayed that in times of famine, plague, blight, mildew, locust or siege, when anyone spread out his hands toward the temple, God would hear, forgive and act, rendering to each according to his ways.
9. He prayed that the foreigner who came from a distant land because of God's name would also be heard, so that all peoples of the earth might know and fear God.
10. He prayed that when the people went out to battle, and when they were carried captive to an enemy land, if they repented and prayed toward the land, city and temple, God would hear and forgive, and grant them compassion before their captors.
11. He concluded by asking God to keep His eyes open to the pleas of His servant and of Israel, for He had separated them from all peoples as His inheritance.

(b) Three ways leaders can use their resources for the development of society.

1. Leaders can provide social amenities and infrastructure such as good roads, water, electricity, schools and hospitals for the benefit of all.
2. They can build and support places of worship, education and welfare, as Solomon dedicated the temple for the spiritual good of the people.
3. They can create employment and empower citizens through skills training, loans and support for agriculture and industry.
4. They can care for the poor, the widow, the orphan and the needy through relief and welfare programmes.
5. They can promote peace, justice and security so that the society can develop in a stable environment.