1 Kings 8

April 13

1 Kings 8

Solomon built a temple for God. Before this time, the ark, which represented the presence of God in the camp of the Israelites, was situated in a tent, behind the curtain that separated it from the people. David wanted to build the temple for God, but God told him that he was not the one to build the temple, his son who followed him on the throne would build it. After David died Solomon got to work on building the temple. God showed He was pleased when the temple was dedicated and the cloud, which had led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land, filled the temple so the priests could not do their work because the glory of the Lord filled the temple.

When Solomon prayed, he prayed ”but will God really dwell on earth?” Solomon prayed that when Israel failed and turned away from God and God brought punishment on them, He would hear from heaven when they prayed toward the temple. God did dwell on earth. Jesus said; “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”" (John 2:19, NIV) John tells us Jesus was talking about his body when he said destroy this temple. He was filled with the presence of God. We pray to Him when we fail, when we turn from God when He brings punishment upon us for our sin.

Though the temple was torn down, Jesus, the new temple, continues to live. The writer of Hebrews wrote; "but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." (Hebrews 7:24-25, NIV) The temple Solomon built was an impressive structure, but it pointed beyond itself to Jesus. God dwelt among humanity and when we pray to him he will save us completely.