1 KINGS 8

THE ARK OF THE COVENANT TRANSPORTED TO THE TEMPLE

Solomon gathers the Israelites for a feast before transporting the ark of the covenant into the temple. Earlier in 2 Samuel 6, when moving the ark of the covenant to the tabernacle, David allows the ark to be carried incorrectly and a man named Uzzah is killed in the process. Solomon follows God’s instructions carefully and appoints the priests to correctly carry the ark of the covenant.

Once they arrive, the ark of the covenant is placed inside the innermost part of the temple, called the holy of holies or most holy place. God’s presence arrives in the form of a thick cloud and becomes so overwhelming that the priests could no longer stand.

Solomon offers a blessing over the temple and thanks God for allowing him to build His dwelling place. Solomon prays for the nation of Israel, desiring for them to honor God’s authority and turn their hearts towards God. Solomon prays that people of all nations would come to know God.

Solomon acknowledges that God’s presence is far too vast to be contained by the temple, but Solomon is amazed that God wants to dwell among His people. An abundance of sacrifices are offered and the Israelites feast, rejoicing over all that God had done for them.