Kings 8-10

 

Chp 8

 

Solomon summons the leaders of Israel and instructs them to move the ark of the covenant from Zion to the City of David.  The priests position the ark in the inner sanctuary of the temple, which is the Most Holy Place.  It was placed under the wings of the cherubim.  When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, a cloud filled the temple for the glory of the Lord was present t.

 

While the entire assembly was gathered Solomon blesses them.  He thanked God for fulfilling what he had promised.  He acknowledged that the Lord had been faithful to them since the time he brought them out of Egypt.  He mentions that his father

David desired in his heart to build a temple for the Lord, but the Lord indicated that it would not be him but his son and the Lord kept his promise.

 

Solomon stands before the assembly and offers a prayer of dedication to the Lord, he praise him for his faithfulness and fulfilling his promises. Offerings are sacrificed to the Lord and Solomon observed the festival at that time and they celebrate for 14 days.

 

Cp 9

Once the building of the temple and the royal palace was completed, the Lord appears to Solomon a second time as he did at Gibeon. The Lord acknowledges he heard his prayer and the temple would be consecrated by putting his name there forever.  He was informed that as long as he remained faithful and adhere to the commands given by the Lord that a royal throne would be established as he promised his father David.  However, if they turned away and worshiped others gods, Israel would be cut off from the promised land, the temple would be rejected and Israel would become an object of ridicule among the people.

 

  

Chp 10

Speaks about queen of Sheba visit to Solomon. She brings a caravan of carrying spices, gold and stones. She tested knowledge asking difficult questions but nothing was too hard for Solomon because of his wisdom from the Lord.

It continues to speak about Solomon’s splendor – revenue from merchants, traders and Arabian kings.  He constructed an elaborate throne covered with ivory and fine gold. He was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. Large audiences’ sought to hear the wisdom that God had put into his heart.