1 Kings 8:55 And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying,

1 Kings 8 Images and Notes

Brief Summary: The building and furniture of the temple were very glorious, but the dedication of it exceeds in glory as much as prayer and praise, the work of saints, exceed the casting of metal and the graving of stones, the work of the craftsman. The temple was designed for the keeping up of the correspondence between God and his people; and here we have an account of the solemnity of their first meeting there. I. The representatives of all Israel were called together (v. 1, v. 2), to keep a feast to the honour of God, for fourteen days (v. 65). II. The priests brought the ark into the most holy place, and fixed it there (v. 3-9). III. God took possession of it by a cloud (v. 10, v. 11). IV. Solomon, with thankful acknowledgments to God, informed the people touching the occasion of their meeting (v. 12-21). V. In a long prayer he recommended to God's gracious acceptance all the prayers that should be made in or towards this place (v. 22-53). VI. He dismissed the assembly with a blessing and an exhortation (v. 54-61). VII. He offered abundance of sacrifices, on which he and his people feasted, and so parted, with great satisfaction (v. 62-66). These were Israel's golden days, days of the Son of man in type.

Outline
The dedication of the temple. (1-11)
The occasion. (12-21)
Solomon's prayer. (22-53)
His blessing and exhortation. (54-61)
Solomon's peace-offerings. (62-66)

Painting of the Jordan by Chernetsov

1 Kings 8:27 - But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

Reconstruction of the Temple of Solomon

1 Kings 8;6 - And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy [place, even] under the wings of the cherubims.

ARCHAEOLOGY

Ark Relief at Capernaum Synagogue

The ancient Ark of the covenant of Israel is one the most famous items in all of antiquity. There is no trace of the Ark of the covenant, yet it is memorialized by this Scripture block at the synagogue of Capernaum, created in Greco-Roman style. In the Bible the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines, and later returned because of sudden plagues that happened upon their lands. Through the valley of sorek it was taken back to Israel to Beth-shemesh.

Painted sketch of ancient writing instruments

Important Topics for Bible Study

Quick Reference Map

Map of the Kingdoms of David and Solomon (Click to Enlarge)

Ancient Customs

Ancient People

Geography
the wilderness
the mount of God

Quick Reference Maps

The Empire of David and Solomon
Ophir and Tarshish
Israel and Judah During the Time of Rehoboam
Samaria
Zaraphath and Mount Carmel
Ramoth Gilead

Map of the Kidron Valley in the City of David (Click to Enlarge)

The Old Testament

1 Kings Resources

Saul, Israel's First King
King David
King Solomon
The Divided Kingdom
The Northern Kingdom of Israel
The Southern Kingdom of Judah
The Assyrian Captivity
The Babylonian Captivity