In Chapter 8, we hit a high point of what has been building, not just the temple itself but the anticipation of having a temple. Solomon was anticipating how the temple would be used to honor God while being an honorable place for God to reside with the people. Of course, the Ark would need to be transported!
As we read this chapter, keep in mind how it sets up a great reminder for us in how we understand the whole book! You might want to return often to remember the “roots” Solomon established, or attempted to establish. The intentions for the temple were honorable, respectful, and showed King Solomon wanted to not only please God but also shine on the legacy left by his father, King David.
Of course, it was an affair to remember. All of the elders and tribal leaders would be present to celebrate the Festival of Shelters together. Such a perfect time to dedicate the temple! In case you’re not familiar, the Festival of Shelters, also known as Festival of Tabernacles, is a Jewish holiday held in the fall to celebrate the gathering of the harvest as well as the Jewish exodus from Egypt. It’s a big deal and still celebrated today.
It’s good to see the care and honor the priests take in handling the Ark. You can almost feel the awe and privilege they must have felt. I loved the picture of the Ark under the wings. Had Solomon prepared that perfect resting place intentionally?
Was all of this pomp and circumstance pleasing to God? I’d have to say it was judging by God’s appearance in the cloud. I don’t think God “was” the cloud, but the cloud helped illuminate. We can just imagine how “the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of the LORD.”
Can you imagine being there in that moment when the LORD revealed himself? What were the priests feeling? Could the other people gathered see the cloud?
There are times in our own lives where we can look back and see God’s fingerprints all over the place. At the time, perhaps our eyes had been too clouded to see God at work. Even now, God is at work inside you. I don’t know about you, but I am hopeful he is transforming me more and more into the likeness of his son.
When people look at me, I want them to see Jesus. As the people looked at the Ark before it was placed in the holiest place of all in the temple, did they see God? What does the radiance of God look like in you?
Take some time today to think about the majesty of God and how you are protected by him and/or reflect him in your life. Do you need a reawakening of the power of God that lives inside you? You are the temple of God. How does that make you feel?
Let’s pray …
Father, thank you for how you are working in my heart to refresh and renew me each day. I look forward to spending time with you, listening for your voice, and acting in ways that will glorify you. Equip me in such a way that people see Jesus alive in my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
