Dedication of the Temple. I Kings 8

 

I Kings 8 -Dedication of the Temple

 

When the ark is brought from the tabernacle and installed in the place prepared for it in the holy of holies, the glory of the Lord fills the temple.

In Solomon’s prayer of dedication, he says that this temple is to be a place for the name of God, and a place where God’s people are to approach Him. Solomon understands that the temple is, as David had said, the footstool of God.

Solomon said, “the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee.” God is omni-present – He is everywhere. He is also transcendent, above His creation.

This is what they are to do when their temple is destroyed, and they are captives in a strange land. He will open his window toward Jerusalem and pray toward that temple, confessing the sins of the people and his own sins.  God will answer this prayer.

The altars in the temple could not accommodate all the animal sacrifices mentioned in this passage.  Therefore, temporary altars were erected to handle the large number of animals which were sacrificed at this time. After the animals were offered, they were taken off the altars and divided among the people. It was a time of great celebration and picnicking.

The temple was a place of testimony, bearing witness that God keeps His word. It was a place of prayer. Solomon was concerned that God hear the prayers of his people and of strangers. It was a place of blessing and sacrifice. The two goes together, we give our best to the Lord and share our best with others. It was a place of witness to the world. Solomon had a missionary vision to share with the Gentile nations.

 

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J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible. Nelsons Quick Reference Commentary.