Bible in 365 Days

1 Kings 8-9

1 Kings 8

The Temple being finished, the great ceremony of dedication commenced. The permanent link between Tabernacle and Temple was the Ark of the Covenant. With great care and impressive ceremony, they had carried the Ark over Jordan into the land. For a long time it had remained at Gilgal, and then was taken to Shiloh. Captured by the Philistines, it had brought discomfiture and defeat. For twenty years it had found a resting place at Kirjathjearim, then for three months in the house of Obed-edom, and at length was brought into the city by David. At last it found its way into a House built by one who desired to be loyal to God, but who nevertheless was in many respects already falling short of the true ideal of submission. That the glory of the Lord filled the House was an evidence of the grace of Jehovah.

When Solomon saw the glory, he uttered a cry of exultation, and then blessed the congregation. Then standing by the altar of burnt-offering, he offered the dedicatory prayer. In its opening he recognized the proved faithfulness of God, and appealed to Him to continue it toward His people. Rising from prayer, the king again pronounced blessing on the people, and expressed an earnest desire for the continued presence of Jehovah. Whereas it is true that the presence of Jehovah was dependent on the obedience of the people, Solomon recognized that it was also true that their obedience was dependent on His presence, as he said, "Let Him not leave us, nor forsake us; that He may incline our hearts unto Him."

Following the blessing came the offerings. At the close of the ceremonies the joyful people returned to their tents. It was the most perfect moment of national realization in the land. The Temple was erected, and the presence of God visibly manifested.

1 Kings 9

Jehovah now appeared to Solomon for the second time, and declared that his prayer was heard and answered, but insisted that there were conditions for the people to fulfil. These conditions were clearly stated, and there were most solemn warnings of what would happen if they were broken.

As we read the story, we know the sad and terrible sequel. Notwithstanding all the divine faithfulness, the conditions were not kept either by king or people, and the penalty was the ultimate destruction of the Temple and the expulsion of the nation from its position and service.

How slow the human heart is to learn this lesson. It would seem to be a perpetual peril in the presence of which men fall, that of recognizing God's faithfulness and rejoicing in it, while yet being unfaithful, so that defeat and disaster are the inevitable issues.

The material magnificence of the kingdom is set forth in the remainder of the chapter. Solomon's present of cities to Hiram, his multiplication of cities throughout his own kingdom, and his creation of a commercial navy, are all chronicled. The elements of failure are to be traced throughout. Hiram was dissatisfied with the cities presented to him. The cities the king built became hotbeds of evil, and the ships introduced to the land things that had evil effect.