Lesson No. 39: THE TEMPLE DEDICATION
1 Kings 8:1-9:28; 2 Chronicles 5:1-7:22

As we study the dedication of the Temple, we should keep in mind that God through His Holy Spirit dwells in the hearts of His own people and not in buildings made with men’s hands (Acts 17:24). Solomon gathered the people not just to dedicate the Temple but to rededicate themselves to God’s service. Solomon could well be speaking these words to us today, “Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as at this day” (1 Kings 8:61). What was the difference between the Tabernacle and the Temple? And why did the Israelites change from one to the other? The Tabernacle was a portable place of worship designed for the people as they were traveling toward the Promised Land. A Tabernacle is a tent. The Temple was a permanent place to worship God after the Israelites were at peace in their land.

MESSAGE

A. God’s Glory Fills the Temple (1 Kings 8:1- 6, 10-11). As grand as the Temple was, it was empty without the furnishings from the Tabernacle, especially the ark of the covenant. The crowning part of the construction of the Temple was bringing the ark into the Temple and putting the building to its intended use. The priests carried the ark. Solomon was in charge of the service and the entire nation was either present or represented at the dedication. Other activities were set aside for this great occasion.

1. There is a lesson here about timely service to the Lord. The Temple would be dedicated only once, and it was imperative that those who wanted to be a part of this service leave off their other pursuits and attend the service. Never miss any opportunity that God is giving you to serve and worship Him whenever they occur (1 Kings 8:1-3).

2. There were so many animals sacrifices made on this day that they could not be counted. This taught a great lesson that without the shedding of blood there could be no remission of sin (Heb. 9:22).

3. These sacrificial animals were worth a lot of money but this was a special occasion and no cost was spared to show reverence and respect to the Lord (1 Kings 8:5).

4. In cheerful giving, we offer to the Lord no less than our best or without really thinking or feeling that we are sacrificing for it (2 Samuel 24:24).

5. God’s glory filled the Temple and He honored this dedication service by His presence. The cloud indicated God’s willingness to accept the worship of the people of Israel and hear their prayers (1 Kings 8:10-11).

B. Solomon’s Message on God’s Faithfulness (1 Kings 8:18-21). At any great event, it is important to look back at the history of God’s faithfulness and goodness not only in the life of our Ekklesia but in our individual lives as well.

1. It is always best and beneficial for us to put God’s will over and above our own will and desires (1 Kings 8:18-21; Rom. 12:2; 1 John 2:17). Both David and Solomon followed what God wanted each of them to accomplish. David conceived the building of the Temple, Solomon constructed it. At the end, we see God keeping His Word, giving honor to whom honor is due and blessing what was done for His name and glory.

2. Solomon has been willing to make his father’s project his own and has willingly used his wisdom and all his resources to build what his father David has planned (1 Kings 8:21). Let us make the ministry as our own and as servants and workers of the Lord do it with all our might, heart and soul.

3. Some like David can plan, and others like Solomon can build. Each one is a part of the wonderful work of the Lord (1 Cor. 3:6-8).

4. There is continuity in the work of the Lord when all involved are willing to do their part without complaint (Phil. 2:14; 1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 6:6).

—BP’s Messages/
David Robinson, Through the Bible/
Life Application Study Bible 12.11.16