Today's Reading:

1 Kings 7
1 Kings 8
Psalm 11

David had moved the Ark from Obed-Edom’s house to Jerusalem in the “City of David,” where the Tabernacle was located. The terms Jerusalem, City of David, and Zion are quite often used interchangeably. These terms together show that a small hill becomes the focal point for Israel, God’s covenant, and His dwelling place.

• Jerusalem- A broad term for the entire city, both ancient and modern. Also known as a Jebusite city, which David conquered. It becomes the capital of the Kingdom when united. It is the site of the Temple on Mount Moriah, the Spiritual Center.
• The City of David- The original center of Jerusalem and fortified area south of the Temple Mount. This is where David’s palace was and where he brought the Ark. Solomon expanded the city and built the Temple to the north of Mount Moriah.
• Zion- The name of the Jebusite fortress on the same hill that David captured. The Fortress of Zion is also the City of David (2 Samuel 5:7). Zion expanded to include the Temple area. In the book of Psalms, Zion is synonymous with: the entire city of Jerusalem, God’s dwelling place, and the Daughters of Zion. Today, Zion is on the W/SW side of the old city where David’s tomb is and where Solomon built the Temple.

Now that the Temple was completed, Solomon built his palace, which took 13 years to complete, almost double the time it took them to build God’s dwelling place. This reflected Solomon’s priorities and became a symbol of his wealth. Together, the palace and halls that were built formed a complex near the Temple and were enclosed by a courtyard. Here is a list of the buildings:

• The Temple (House of the Lord)- Main structure of God’s dwelling place.
• Solomon’s Palace (Royal Residence)- King Solomon’s personal living quarters. Large, impressive palace complex where he also conducted the kingdom’s business.
• The Throne Hall (Hall of Justice)- Also called Hall of Judgment. This is where Solomon sat on his famous ivory throne to hear cases and make judgments (think of it like a courthouse).
• The House of the Forest of Lebanon- Massive reception hall and armory, about 150 feet long by 75 feet wide and 45 feet tall. It was named for the cedar pillars that resembled a forest. This was used for official banquets, storing the weapons and the king’s wealth.
• The Hall of Pillars- A large hall used for ceremonial purposes and public gatherings. Like an entryway to the other parts of the palace complex.
• Palace for Pharaoh’s Daughter- A separate palace for Solomon’s Egyptian wife. This was a political marriage alliance, and she was given her own residence within the complex.

Solomon then brought in a skilled craftsman from Tyre named Huram. Note that this is not the King of Tyre Huram (Hiram). God had filled Huram the half-Israelite with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to build the bronze items. The same as God had given to Bezalel to build the Tabernacle furnishings (Exodus 31:1-5). The two massive pillars were named Jachin/Jakin (south) and Boaz (north). They were each about 34-40 feet tall with ornate capitals and stood at the entrance like “Pillars of Strength.” The pillars were reminders of God’s power and strength, and of creating the Messianic Line through David. The names of the pillars mean, “He will establish” (Jachin) and “In Him is strength” (Boaz).

The Molten Sea was a huge bronze basin, like a small pool, about 15 feet in diameter, and could hold well over 11,000 gallons. The basin rested on 12 oxen, grouped in threes, each facing outward towards the four cardinal directions. This was to be used for priestly washing and replaced the smaller Tabernacle laver. They also built 10 bronze stands with basin sinks on wheels for washing sacrifices. Along with the larger items, pots, shovels, bowls, and decorative chains were cast in bronze. There were close to 479 years between the building of the Ark of the Covenant and the furnishings in Exodus to the time of Solomon building the Temple.

Solomon also had new gold furnishings made for inside the Temple, including the altar, the table for the showbread, lampstands, basins, and other items. The intricate work took several years to complete. While some older Tabernacle items may have been repurposed, many were worn by years of travel through the wilderness and the conquest of the Promised Land. Only the Ark of the Covenant itself was not remade.

In the end, Solomon held a dedication ceremony during the Feast of Tabernacles to move the Ark of the Covenant containing the two stone tablets to the Temple. This was to emphasize God’s presence among His people. Note that the golden jar of manna and Aaron’s rod that budded were not mentioned at all in 1 Kings 7-8. This implied that they were no longer inside of the Ark (possibly taken when the Philistines had stolen the Ark). 2 Maccabees 2:4-8 is a book not included in the Protestant canon; it tells that Jeremiah the prophet hid the Ark and its holy items and will be revealed on earth in the end times. The greater truth is that the Temple is now fulfilled in Jesus Christ Himself, and God’s presence dwells in every believer through the Holy Spirit.

The cloud filled the Temple, which was God’s presence, although He is not confined within the walls. Solomon blessed the people, praised the Lord for His love, promises kept, and promises fulfilled. In 1 Kings 8:27, Solomon had asked, “But will God really dwell on earth?” This humble prayer request was Solomon’s way of asking God to hear the prayers offered in the Temple. When an Israelite could not worship at the Temple, they were to pray towards the direction of the Temple so that God would hear them. God knows the heart. He is omniscient, knowing all things, past, present, and future. Solomon also asked God to bless the foreigners who came to worship Him. He dedicated the Temple with 22,000 cattle, 120,000 sheep, and goats. That is one giant feast for all the Israelites, like a week-long barbecue. There were so many sacrifices that they had to move to use the entire courtyard in front of the Temple.

Psalm 11
David’s unwavering trust in God as his refuge. God hates violence and will uphold justice. Have confidence in God even when the enemies seem to be winning, and friends urge you to flee. Do not listen to fear-driven advice, as God knows and sees all. He tests and refines the righteous. He will judge the wicked and, in an intimate fellowship, “The upright will see His face.”

When the Ark was brought into the Temple, the cloud of God’s glory filled the house so powerfully that the priests could not continue their service. Yet Solomon prayed, “Will God really dwell on earth?” (1 Kings 8:27).

How does knowing that God’s presence is no longer limited to a building — but now lives in every believer through the Holy Spirit — change the way you live daily? Where do you need to be more aware of God’s presence with you right now?

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