THE TEMPLE FILLED WITH GLORY 1 Kings 8:1 When the Temple was finished it was dedicated in connection with the Feast of Tabernacles. All Israel in its most festive attire welcomed the Ark to its resting-place, with sacrifices and offerings that defied calculation. The budding rod and manna had gone... [ Continue Reading ]
BREAKING THREE COMMANDMENTS 1 Kings 21:1; 1 Kings 1:1; 1 Kings 2:1; 1 Kings 3:1; 1 Kings 4:1; 1 Kings 5:1; 1 Kings 6:1; 1 Kings 7:1; 1 Kings 8:1;... [ Continue Reading ]
THE BUILDER'S DEDICATION ADDRESS 1 Kings 8:12 Solomon, standing on the great platform within, view of the vast, thronging multitudes, recited tie steps that had led them to that illustrious hour. His whole speech was of God's dealings. Why do _we_ not speak of God more often, as the most important... [ Continue Reading ]
GOD GREATER THAN ANY TEMPLE 1 Kings 8:22 Solomon's different attitudes are specially mentioned. First he stood with hands outspread, 1 Kings 8:22; then, as indicated by 1 Kings 8:54, he came to his knees. These attitudes show expectant faith, as well as profound humility and reverence. The more we... [ Continue Reading ]
APPEALS TO THE GOD OF MERCY 1 Kings 8:33 Solomon's prayer is evidently based on the book of Deuteronomy, and tends to confirm the old belief that, with the rest of the Pentateuch, this book came from the hand of Moses. In 2 Chronicles 20:7, Jehoshaphat pleaded this prayer as though it were substan... [ Continue Reading ]
A PLEA FOR NATIONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS 1 Kings 8:44 How true it is that there is no man that sinneth not, 1 Kings 8:46! Only one that ever walked this earth was holy, guileless, and undefiled, Hebrews 7:26. When we fail to watch and abide in Christ, we are easily carried into captivity. How many of God... [ Continue Reading ]
PETITION AND SACRIFICE 1 Kings 8:54 The man, as we have seen, who kneels most humbly before God is empowered to bless the people in God's name. What an august and noble testimony the king bore: “There hath not failed one word of all His good promise,” 1 Kings 8:56. Joshua had said that before Solom... [ Continue Reading ]