1 Kings 8
Pastor Mark Hudson
Here is a suggested outline for 1 Kings 8 per D.R. Davis
Celebration and sacrifices 1-13
Blessing Israel and Yahweh 14-21
Solomon’s prayer of dedication 22-53
Blessing Israel and Yahweh 54-61
Celebration and sacrifices 62-66
What is important about this structure, called a chiasm, after a letter in the Greek alphabet that looks like an X. In this structure the middle section, that has no parallel is how the author intends us to see what stands out or what is important. Clearly Solomon’s prayers are what is significant in this chapter.
This chapter, at 66 verses, covers key material. The narrator slows down to describes a number of events and prayers. First, the ark needs to be carried into the temple. The ark was in Jerusalem but not yet in the temple, so Solomon directed the priests to bring the ark from Zion to the temple. He is careful to move the ark the way God prescribed since he might have remembered David’s problem with moving the ark in II Samuel 6. Note the emphasis on the ark, repeated 8 times in vs. 1-9. Inside the ark is a copy of the 10 commandments.
Solomon carefully follows David’s plans and God’s directives. Moses around 500 years earlier is still a gigantic figure for the Jews. As we read this section, Solomon must be aware how important this event is. There is only one temple in the entire land. This is not like building a church or even synagogue. This is why it is not a good analogy to use temple building language or motivation for building a church. While we might encourage unity, worship, and heeding God’s will, we should not motivate people to give based on the giving to the temple. At least we have to be careful when the author narrators the gold and beautiful cypress and cedar wood.
Also notice the presence of God that arrives in the form of a cloud in v. 10. If you follow the image of a cloud in the exodus to lead them (Ex. 13:21) or in Numbers 16:42 when the cloud is a precursor for judgment. Here God is pleased with what Solomon is doing and the cloud signals God’s presence in the temple bringing His blessing. This is no insignificant moment. Solomon seems to know this by his declaration in vs. 12-13
Then Solomon blesses both God and Israel. This is what God want to do: bless His people. God is a giver not a taker. So, God, through Solomon, is blessing His people in these verses and in Solomon’s prayer in vs. 22-53.
A few things to take note of as you read this chapter. First, this is a significant chapter. The narrator slows down and records a very long prayer. That alone signals importance to the reader. But just think of how important v. 10 is for the Old Testament. God has been dwelling in a tent for almost 500 years since the exodus. Now Solomon built what David prepared for and God’s presence ‘moves in’ to the temple. This transforms this feast of tabernacle like nothing else could. The temple with the ark inside, God’s presence anointing this place, becomes the central place of worship. Granted, Israel soon is split and separated from Judah soon, but the temple plays a significant role in Israel’s worship even during Jesus’ day, a thousand years later.
You have to look at the sound, deep, and moving theology Solomon expresses in his prayer. I especially like v. 27. Even though Solomon is committed to building this house of worship, he does not think this building can contain God Who is immense, unboxable (okay, this is not a word, but you get the idea), eternal, and omnipresent because He is spirit. Yet, Solomon, after confessing this truth, asks God to listen to people who pray at this temple. God can be so far away and yet so intimate and personal.
Keep reading from vs. 22-53 and notice the if / then statements formulating conditional sentences. If we do this and pray to you, Solomon prays, then hear, and forgive. Like Moses, Solomon anticipates that God’s judgement will include exile. While he may not have had in mind the exile that took place in 722 and 587, Solomon prayed for forgiveness and restoration. Knowing humanity’s rebellious nature and God’s holiness, Solomon must have known exile was a distinct probability.
Solomon is neither an optimist nor a pessimist. He is a realist who knows human beings ( v. 46 “for there is no one who does not sin), Solomon also knows the grace of God. In v. 23, “there is no God like You” showing Solomon claims to know the greatness of God in His forgiveness, compassion, and justice. Solomon shows the profundity of his theology and his observations of humanity.
Dear Lord, we cannot fully understand the boundaries of Your love and compassion. While we try to comprehend Your greatness, we can only try because there is none like You. Thank You that know Your fullness dwells in every believer around the world. This is a staggering truth. We are temples for You to dwell in. Help us to remain faithful. Keep us from sin that will harm the gospel, the body of Christ, and more importantly, You. Fill us as You filled that temple. Keep us humble and wanting more of You. In Christ’s glorious name. Amen.