1 Ki. 8: Home Permanent

1 Kings 8:11 "And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple."

This is big time. All of Israel was ordered to assemble at the completed temple. The priests were bringing the ark into the temple from Zion. This is sort of the completion of what God promised way back in the time of Abraham. The promised land was conquered. God had a permanent place for his presence among the people of Israel.

So many sacrifices were made that they were immeasurable. What a mess. This showed a renewed (again) devotion to the work of God in their midst.

I think I don't know why the ark was said to have nothing except the stone tablets inside as the priests brought it into the Most Holy Place. What happened to the jar of manna? Aaron's staff? Were they taken by the Philistines? Wouldn't the ark have the same lethal effect on the Philistines who tried to move/touch it? If these things were taken, why were the stone tablets left? I wonder.

At any rate, the glory of the LORD filled temple so intensely that even the commissioned priests could not perform their duties. God's simple glory was so great that priests didn't have to do anything.

Solomon recognizes the fulfillment of prophecy, in that the temple was promised to David that it would be built by his son. Here it was. Built. What an amazing thought, to witness fulfillment of prophecy firsthand. To (maybe) have witnessed the original prophecy, and then to see it take place exactly as spoken. How often did/does that happen?

I just love Solomon's prayer of dedication in vs. 22-61. It's long-winded, but it's really Solomon talking to God. I don't see any real pretense or showmanship. Solomon is thankful for the covenant of love. Love. The covenant is more than just, "here's some land, live peacefully." This covenant was made because God loved his people and keeps his promise to his people.

Solomon also realizes how little consequence his building is for a God who cannot be contained by the highest heavens. Solomon built a place where "the Name" will dwell. And God said his Name would be there. This is all coming from God. Solomon realizes also that his people need mercy and forgiveness. Pretty humble coming from the richest, wisest man on earth. His prayer includes requests for discipline and justice when (not "if," v. 46) people screw up. I love that. He asks for correction. He expects God to show his holiness. Amazing.

Solomon seeks comfort and rest in God. He appears to realize that he's really nothing without God and his mercy.

So many sacrifices were being offered at this dedication that the courtyard had to be consecrated, since the altar was too small to handle the 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats. It was a two week celebration, and God was the host with the most. That's my kind of party...right?