The Temple of Solomon

...and proceeded successfully, so too was this laborious, costly,
and very magnificent Temple construction finally completed within seven years, with God’s help, according to
every wish. (v. 37, 38.)

Thereupon King Solomon assembled all the princes and most prominent
leaders of the twelve tribes in Jerusalem, all of whom were to be present at the sol-
emn 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 divine worship was brought up into the Temple,
(1 Kings 7, 51.) The priests carried the Ark of the Covenant into the Holy of Holies
and placed it in its designated spot. Also, the Tabernacle
of Moses The portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their desert wanderings., at which divine worship had been held until now, was
carried up into the Temple along with all the vessels of the sanctuary that were in the Tabernacle, in the presence of the
King and a great procession original: "Comitat," referring to a formal retinue or accompanying group.. (1 Kings
8, 4.) When this had now occurred, and the golden lampstands, showbread
tables, and the rest were placed in their proper locations in the Temple, and eve-
rything was now fully in order there, God immediately made His gracious
presence known through a visi-
ble 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 duties because of the cloud, for
the glory of the LORD filled the House of the LORD. (1 Kings 8, 10. 11.
2 Chron. 5, 11.) At this, there arose among all the people an inward joy
and exultation. (1 Kings 8, 12-21.) And Solomon stood before the altar of the
LORD in the eyes of all Israel, spread out his hands
toward heaven, and handed over to God the LORD, in a very beautiful and
long prayer, the newly built house as His Temple and Sanctuary.
(v. 22-53.)

Immediately thereafter, when burnt offerings and other sacrifices were offered
and brought onto the high altar, God, to witness His gracious
approval, caused a very bright fire to fall from heaven before the eyes of all the Israelites, who were present in countless numbers;
this fire consumed the sacrifices on the
altar through its heat. (2 Chron. 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.) In such devotion they continued
for seven full days, and when these were completed with praying, singing, praising and
thanking amidst many inward joys and testimonies,
they returned home again, happy and of good cheer for
all the good that God had done for His people Israel. (1 Kings
8, 65. 66.)