1 Kings 8 is the grand opening of the temple— a place that will hold a special significance for Israel's relationship with God moving forward. Solomon acknowledges God is bigger than the temple, but the temple becomes the place for Israel and the rest of the world to meet God. It was an anchor point to experience the divine, providing stability for Israel to love out the covenant so that "all peoples on earth may know the LORD God" (v.60). The theme continues: Israel is blessed and walks with God not only for their sake, but so all people on earth may know God.