Synopsis of the Chapter
Solomon blesses the people and gives thanks to God, because He fulfilled in him the promises made to David about the building of the temple, and he beseeches Him to hear the prayers of those who pray in the temple.
Verse 13: The Bronze Platform ¶
13. SOLOMON HAD MADE A BRONZE PLATFORM, in the manner of a raised podium, on which, sitting and teaching, or kneeling and praying, he could be heard by all the surrounding people. Whence he adds: IN THE MIDST OF THE GREAT HALL — that is, in the midst of the court of the people, as I said in chapter IV, 9.
Verse 28: Blight and Mildew ¶
28. BLIGHT AND MILDEW — these are diseases of crops, when they contract a rust and as it were a jaundice, a jaundice-like color, like that of bronze and gold, so that they wither and are consumed.
Verse 41: Arise, O Lord, into Your Resting Place ¶
41. ARISE, O LORD, INTO YOUR RESTING PLACE — that in this temple, which You commanded me to build, You may rest with us and among us, and dwell continually. The resting place of God, therefore, is the temple; for there He is worshipped with prayers, vows, sacrifices, etc.
Verse 42: Turn Not Away the Face of Your Anointed ¶
42. TURN NOT AWAY THE FACE OF YOUR ANOINTED — that is, of me myself, who have been made by You the anointed one, that is, anointed as king. Do not reject me, whom You have made king, as I pray to You with suppliant face turned intently toward heaven; do not offend me and my face, and put me to shame.