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1 Kings 8

66 verses

TL;DR

Solomon gathers Israel to bring the Ark to the new temple, delivers an extensive prayer of dedication, and offers sacrifices and a feast, affirming God’s covenant and presence in Jerusalem.

Summary

Solomon convenes the elders, priests, and the entire nation at the feast in the seventh month to bring the Ark of the Covenant from Zion into the new temple. The Ark is carried by priests and Levites, and the people offer countless sacrifices before God. Solomon delivers a lengthy prayer, recalling David’s covenant, asking God to dwell in the temple, and invoking blessings for Israel and foreigners alike. He calls upon God to hear prayers for justice, forgiveness, and the welfare of all people, emphasizing the covenant’s enduring faithfulness. The chapter concludes with great sacrifices—peace offerings, burnt offerings, and a feast lasting fourteen days—expressing gratitude for God’s promise and blessing.

Outline
  1. Gathering of Israel and bringing the Ark into the new temple
  2. Solomon’s extended prayer and dedication of the temple
  3. Sacrificial rites and communal feast celebrating God’s covenant
Themes
Worship and covenantDivine presence and blessingPrayer, supplication, and intercession
Keywords
Ark of the Covenantcovenantcherubimprayersacrificededicationblessing
People
SolomonDavidPriestsLevitesElders of IsraelAll Israel
Places
JerusalemZionCity of DavidHouse of the LordTemple court
Things
Ark of the Covenantcherubimtables of stonealtarpeace offeringsburnt offerings
Key Verses
  • 1 Kings 8:3: Describes the assembly of Israel and the Ark being taken.
  • 1 Kings 8:10: Solomon’s prayer begins, recalling David’s covenant.
  • 1 Kings 8:63: Summary of the sacrificial offering, marking the temple’s dedication.
Questions
  • How does Solomon’s prayer reflect the covenantal relationship between God and Israel?
  • What role does the Ark play in establishing the temple’s sanctity?
  • In what ways does the text invite foreign nations into the worship of Israel’s God?
Sentiment

positive
Reveals faithfulness, gratitude, and hope for divine presence.