June 13: 1 Kings 8, 2 Chronicles 5

June 13, 1 Kings 8, 2 Chronicles 5

1 Kings 8 is the detailed summary of bringing the Ark into the Temple and dedicating the Temple. Like his father David, King Solomon assembled all the leaders and people to dedicate the Temple. The priests and the Levites bring in the Ark, which contained only they 2 tablets of stone, with the Ten Commandments on them - which God gave to Moses at Horeb. It was such an epic event, they couldn't even count how many animals were sacrificed to God. The presence of the Lord was so heavy, that the cloud filled the House of the Lord, so much so, that the priests couldn't even stand in there anymore, because the Glory of the Lord filled it so much. Imagine that!!! 

Solomon then presents an extensive prayer of thanks to God and Blesses God for the Temple. Solomon speaks the truths of Gods greatness, and he was not ignorant of the fact that God couldn't be contained to a building. If the people obeyed, God would be with them. If they sinned, they were already seeking God’s forgiveness. Solomon then did more sacrifices to the Lord in thanks, and blessed the people and sent them home.

2 Chronicles 5 is not much different than that of 1 Kings 8, but continues on into subsequent chapters in more detail. This chapter focuses on the bringing in of the Ark and praises to God for He is Good.

To sum it all up:

• Solomon’s prayer… and he was not ignorant of the fact that God couldn't be contained to a building. Do we also realize this? God doesn't reside in a particular building on Sundays, but is with us 24/7 and also with the whole world.