Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 5-8)
The Bible begins and ends with the description of God's presence with his people. Before the fall, God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden. Revelation 21 tells us that one day, the dwelling place of God will be with man.
But in between Eden and the New Jerusalem, the presence of God is more complicated. And in many ways, that is what the Bible is about: How can a holy God be with people?
This week at Grace, we're looking at Solomon's most enduring physical accomplishment - the building of the temple.
Why Solomon built the temple, what it was like, and what it pointed to - all these teach us about what it means for God to dwell with us today.
Looking forward to opening the Scriptures with you on Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. If you're curious what an artistic recreation of Solomon's temple looks like, here's a helpful video.
Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers' houses of the people of Israel, before King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion.
And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.
Then Solomon said, “The Lord has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. I have indeed built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.”
Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart;
“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day, that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.
-1 Kings 8:1, 10-13, 22-23, 27-30