The Temple of Solomon

and proceeded happily, so at last this arduous, costly, and very magnificent Temple construction was completed within seven years, with GOD, according to every desire. (v. 37. 38.)

Thereupon King Solomon assembled all the princes and most prominent members of the twelve tribes in Jerusalem, who were all to be present at the solemn dedication of the House of the LORD. (1 Kings 8:1, 9.) Everything that King David had dedicated in gold, silver, and precious vessels for the divine service was brought up into the Temple, (1 Kings 7:51.) and the priests carried the Ark of the Covenant The sacred chest containing the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. into the Holy of Holies The innermost sanctum of the Temple, intended as the dwelling place of God’s presence. and placed it in its designated spot. Also, the Tabernacle of Moses The portable tent-sanctuary used by the Israelites during the Exodus., in which the divine service had been held until now, was carried up into the Temple with all the holy furnishings that were in the Tabernacle, in the presence of the King and a great procession original: "Comitat," from the Latin comitatus, meaning a retinue or ceremonial escort.. (1 Kings 8:4.)

Now when this had happened, and the golden lampstands, tables of showbread, and the rest were placed in their proper positions in the Temple, and everything there was now fully in order, GOD immediately made His gracious presence known through a visible sign. For a cloud and mist filled the House of the LORD, so that the priests could not stand in the Temple, nor perform their office because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the House of the LORD. (1 Kings 8:10–11; 2 Chronicles 5:11.) At this, an inward joy and exultation arose among all the people. (1 Kings 8:12–21.) And Solomon stepped before the altar of the LORD in the sight of all Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven, and in a very beautiful and long prayer, handed over the newly built house to GOD the LORD to be His Temple and Sanctuary. (v. 22–53.)

Immediately afterward, when burnt offerings and other sacrifices were offered and brought upon the high altar, GOD, to testify to His gracious pleasure, caused a very bright fire to fall from heaven in the sight of all the Israelites (who were present in an innumerable multitude), which consumed the offerings on the altar with its heat. (2 Chronicles 7:1.) When all the people saw this, they were filled with joy, fell down on their faces to the earth, and lauded and praised GOD. (v. 3–7.) They continued original: "continuirten." in such devotion for a full seven days, and when these had been completed with praying, singing, lauding, and thanking amidst much inward joy and testimony, they returned home again, happy and of good cheer over all the good that GOD had done for His people Israel. (1 Kings 8:65–66.)

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