This day is the highest point in Israel’s history. What joy and delight the people must have felt today. All God’s promises have come true, and in their shining faces nothing but joy can be seen.
Final completion
1 Kings 7:51, 2 Chronicles 5:1
The dedication of the temple
1 Kings 8:1-11, 2 Chronicles 5:2-14
Dedication of the Temple 972BC
A prayer of thanks
Psalm 118: 1-4, 29
The one true God
Psalm 115
A call to praise God
Psalm 134:1-3, 135:21
A hymn of thanksgiving
Psalm 136
Solomon’s address
1 Kings 8:12-21, 2 Chronicles 6:1-11
The Chronicler is in his element. This is just the sort of stuff he loves. Pomp and circumstance, glory to God, it’s all there. At a solemn assembly, the ark is brought into the Temple and put in its place. Songs of praise fill the air, and so does something else - a cloud that drives the priests out of the Holy Place. God’s presence fills the Temple to such an extent that temporarily there is no room for anyone else. The cloud of God’s glory has descended, and everyone’s spine tingled.
Joyous, triumphant hymns of praise are sung - this is a special place, this is a special day.
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