Untitled Sermon
Such a view of the temple challenges all small-minded views about its worship. Many of the Chronicler’s contemporaries were doubtless tempted to succumb to fear of outside threats (e.g. Ezra 4:1–24; Esth. 4:1–3), forgetting not only Hiram’s contributions but also those even of Persian emperors for the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 1:1–4; 6:1–14). But God’s authority could not be confined to the land of Israel, any more than it is limited to the familiar churches and denominations in which Christians worship today. Also, Hiram’s recognition of God is another step towards God’s wider purposes for the nations. It points not only to the temple’s role as ‘a house of prayer for all nations’ (Isa. 56:7; Mark 11:17; cf. 2 Chr. 6:32–33), but beyond it to the church, where in Christ all human barriers can be broken down (Eph. 2:11–22). Such co-operation can become reality, however, only when worship becomes the highest priority and full account is taken of God’s authority among the powers of earth and heaven (vv. 6, 12).