1 Kings 8:60–61 (ESV)

60 that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other.

Solomon requested God’s blessing upon his people in order that his people might be drawn near in their hearts to him. Perhaps most surprising of all is the reason Solomon gave for this to be the case, namely, that all the peoples of the earth should understand and know the God of Israel as the only true God.

This would only happen, Solomon said, if Israel did walk in the commandments of the Lord God. By this emphasis, Solomon underlined something that needs to be said to God’s people in every generation. We live in the midst of a watching world and if we live no differently than the people who do not know God, then they will not be led to seek the Lord and to find in him the same redemption that we have found. Ungodly living drives others away from the Lord, and we are entreated that we are to let our light shine before the world.