Godly and ungodly men alike can be financially profitable. But they cannot be spiritually profitable without adhering to and abiding with God. With wealth comes unique distractions and temptations contrary to God. Wealth opens doors that we likely would be better off without. Loving money is a root of all evil, (1Ti 6:10)
Dedicating the Temple
Having placed the Ark of the Covenant in the holy place, Solomon proceeds to pray before the people, seeking God’s presence on God’s terms. With Israel’s future in mind and prays as one very knowledgeable of the books of Moses. He ends the dedication of the temple with a national feast spanning fourteen days.
Bringing up the Ark of Yahweh
Not that Solomon has completed the building of Israel’s temple, he planned a great national dedication service to coincide with two of Israel’s feasts. He brought up the Ark of the Yahweh into the holy place. It was the only original piece from the days of Moses. Then God filled the house with a cloud so glorious and intense that everything stopped.
Tags: Ark of the Covenant; Temple, Solomon
Extravagance and Excellence
Having completed the Temple of God, Solomon now builds his palace which is a large complex area consisting of many structures and courtyards. Then we read of the furnishing for the temple, with all the upgrades. Ten lamps instead of one, ten lavers instead of one. Then there was the bronze pillars and basin.
Tags: Palace, Pillars, Temple, Cleansing, Priesthood
The House of Grace
Details and dimensions are given for the building of the temple which after over seven years of construction Solomon completed. Specific instructions from the Lord were given that no iron tool be wielded at the site. Everything in the holy place and holiest place was overlaid with gold.
Tags: Solomon, Temple, Gold, Holiest Place