The early chapters of 2 Chronicles repeat the story of Solomon's early days as king, his fidelity to God, his request for wisdom from God so as to be a good ruler, and, of course, the building of the temple and the holy of holies within to house the ark. God keeps His promises; He honors the covenant. He is good and kind, and His mercy endures forever. There is no other god like Him. He alone knows the hearts of men. Solomon and the Israelites are to honor God by being faithful of heart, seeking to keep the Lord's commands. They also do Him honor by building the temple, and by worshipping God according to the ways revealed to the people through David and Solomon.
I am struck here and elsewhere by the emphasis on the heart. It is inevitable that a man will sin, as David did. Yet the man who is faithful of heart recognizes his sin, has remorse, seeks forgiveness, endures penance, and is made whole in the eyes of God.
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