2 Ch. 5: Return of the Ark

2 Chronicles 5:7 "The priests then brought the ark of the LORD's covenant to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, and put it beneath the wings of the cherubim." 

Now that the construction of the temple was complete, there was still one item missing. The ark, of course. It had since made it's return to Israel after being in captivity, and was now ready to be installed in the temple. 

And it was a giant celebration, and there were so many sacrifices that the number couldn't be counted...they lost track of how much they sacrificed. Which makes me wonder quietly to myself...when was the last time I lost track of myself in prayer or something like that with God? It admittedly doesn't happen often. If ever.

These cherubim were built in the temple with their wings touching the walls and each other. I always pictured the ark having cherubim wings already on it (Exodus 25 says as much). Maybe they broke off? Also, and I've covered this...the only thing remaining in the ark at this point are the stone tablets of the law. No mention of the jar of manna or Aaron's stick.

At this point, I want to remember the point of the ark. It was the actual place where God was present. The presence of God was between the wings. There God met with Moses and talked to him. It was Israel's symbol. Carried into battle. Kidnapped as collateral. Taken as plunder. Now the ark had a permanent home in Solomon's Temple, and God gave a pretty intense sign, filling the temple with his glory so that the priests couldn't do anything or see anything. It was God's glory that made the priests useless at this point.