This is part of a video series covering the entire Bible in 4 years, one chapter at a time. Start at the beginning with Genesis 1 (Youtube link: https://youtu.be/wC2qD4RGOdo)) and work through the playlist. Or go to https://www.peace.org.au/bible.html for more information.
In this video listen to 1 Kings Chapter 8, read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.
In 1 Kings Chapter 8 we have one of the longest chapters in the Bible. It is all about the dedication of the temple.
Apparently, according to Dentan, the opening of the temple was delayed by 11 months so it could coincide with the seventh month, the feast of tabernacles. The symbolism that God has come to live among us does fit the opening of God’s house.
The ark of the covenant is brought into the temple in the proper way. Inside was the ten commandments only. What happened to the manna, and aaron’s staff? Was it lost when it went to the land of the Philistines? Or was it removed when it was returned and many men died looking into it?
Even though no building is a perfect symbol of God’s house, he fills this building with his glory. This is to show that the later temple, built of human lives and hearts, is to be filled with his glory too.
Solomon thought he had built a place for God to dwell forever, but the people had no concept of temples or of God. Why did God allow such misunderstanding to remain? Because he was allowing a type to be established so we could understand the real thing. Yes a temple is real, but the temple of God as seen in the NT is the real real.
In Solomon’s prayer he acknowledges that the heavens cannot contain God, let alone this building. If the heavens cannot contain God - then what are we dealing with? God is not to be measured by time or space. He is not only eternal, he is ageographical. He is in no time or in no place, rather he IS all. This is why buildings are very poor illustrations of God.
In Solomon’s prayer we see a hint that the poor spiritual condition of people affects the climate. So yes climate change is caused by people.
Nov 10, 2021 | Message by David Alley