INTRODUCTION: The work is finished, but Solomon realizes that all is vain unless the Lord blesses the work. Solomon pleads with the Lord that the temple would be a place of prayer and that all prayers directed toward it would be heard of the Lord and answered.

1. THE ARK BROUGHT TO THE TEMPLE (1 Kings 8:1-11 [1] Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion. [2] And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. [3] And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. [4] And they brought up the ark of the LORD, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle, even those did the priests and the Levites bring up. [5] And king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel, that were assembled unto him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, that could not be told nor numbered for multitude. [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. [7] For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above. [8] And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day. [9] There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. [10] And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, [11] So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.
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1. The Assembling of the Men of Israel (1 Kings 8:1-2 [1] Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion. [2] And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month.
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1. Those assembled by Solomon (1 Kings 8:1Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.
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1. The elders of Israel, heads of the tribes, and chief of the fathers
2. Assembled to King Solomon in Jerusalem
3. Assembled for the bringing up of the ark of the covenant
1. Out of the city of David – this name was given to the southern portion of the eastern ridge of Jerusalem; it was the portion originally taken by David (2 Samuel 5:6-9 [6] And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither. [7] Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David. [8] And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house. [9] So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.
   See All...). Solomon’s temple was on Mount Moriah (2 Chronicles 3:1Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.
   See All...) and was located to the north of the city of David.
2. Which is Zion – Zion was later used to refer to the entire city of Jerusalem and also to the heavenly abode of God.
2. Those who assembled themselves (1 Kings 8:2And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month.
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1. All the men of Israel
2. At the feast of the seventh month of Ethanim – probably refers to the Feast of Tabernacles, the seventh of the seven major annual feasts (Leviticus 23) and the feast that pictured the final rest of Israel and God dwelling with them; a most appropriate time
2. The Ark Brought Up from the Tabernacle (1 Kings 8:3-5 [3] And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. [4] And they brought up the ark of the LORD, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle, even those did the priests and the Levites bring up. [5] And king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel, that were assembled unto him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, that could not be told nor numbered for multitude.
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1. The priests brought up (1 Kings 8:3-4 [3] And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. [4] And they brought up the ark of the LORD, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle, even those did the priests and the Levites bring up.
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1. The ark of the Lord
2. The tabernacle of the congregation
1. At this time, the tabernacle made by Moses was in Gibeon (1 Chronicles 16:39And Zadok the priest, and his brethren the priests, before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place that was at Gibeon,
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 1:3So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.
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2. The ark was in a tabernacle that David had specifically pitched for it (2 Samuel 6:17And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
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3. According to this verse, the tabernacle of the congregation was brought to the temple. The tabernacle David pitched was never called the tabernacle of the congregation. That was the name for the tabernacle made by Moses. Evidently, the tabernacle of Moses was brought to the temple and perhaps stored there in recognition of the continuation of the tabernacle/temple service.
3. All the holy vessels of the tabernacle
2. The sacrifices that were made (1 Kings 8:5And king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel, that were assembled unto him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, that could not be told nor numbered for multitude.
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1. By Solomon and the congregation
2. More than could be told or numbered
3. The Ark Brought into the Most Holy Place (1 Kings 8:6-9 [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. [7] For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above. [8] And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day. [9] There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.
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1. The ark of the covenant brought in (1 Kings 8:6-7 [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. [7] For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.
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1. Unto his place (1 Kings 8:6And 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.
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2. Into the oracle of the house (1 Kings 8:6And 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.
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3. To the most holy place (1 Kings 8:6And 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.
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4. Under the wings of the cherubims (1 Kings 8:7For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.
   See All...; see 2 Kings 19:15And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.
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2. The staves of the ark drawn out (1 Kings 8:8-9 [8] And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day. [9] There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.
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1. These were the poles that were placed in the rings at the four corners of the ark in order to carry it (Exodus 25:14And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them.
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2. In Moses’ time, the staves were not to be removed from the rings of the ark (Exodus 25:15The staves shall be in the rings of the ark: they shall not be taken from it.
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3. The staves in Solomon’s temple were still under the wings of the cherubims (1 Kings 8:7For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.
   See All...), but they were drawn out so that the ends of the staves could be seen in the holy place before the most holy place (1 Kings 8:8And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day.
   See All...). This would be possible if the staves were fairly long (about 15 cubits). Seeing the ends of the staves protruding through the veil would have been comforting to the priests as they fulfilled their daily tasks assuring them that the ark was still there.
1. This pictures those things we have been given to assure us that the rest will come. Primary among these gifts is the earnest of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
   See All...; 2 Corinthians 5:5Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
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2. The ends of these staves could not be seen by those on the outside of the temple – “without” (1 Kings 8:8And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day.
   See All...). In the New Testament, those who are without are the lost. They cannot see or understand the foretastes we have of glory.
3. At the time of the writing of 1 Kings, the staves were said to be there “unto this day” (1 Kings 8:8And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day.
   See All...). We can say the same about the glimpses of eternity for the saint. They are not just for our forefathers. They are still there for us today.
3. The tables of stone in the ark (1 Kings 8:9There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.
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1. The tables with the Ten Commandments were placed in the ark as a testimony (Exodus 25:21And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.
   See All...; Deuteronomy 10:5And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me.
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2. At one point, there were three items in the ark (Hebrews 9:4Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
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1. The Ten Commandments
2. The golden pot of manna (Exodus 16:33-34 [33] And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations. [34] As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.
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3. Aaron’s rod that budded (Numbers 17:10And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.
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4. The Glory of the Lord Filled the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-11 [10] And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, [11] So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.
   See All...).
1. The cloud filled the house of the Lord (1 Kings 8:10And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD,
   See All...).
2. The priests could not stand to minister in the cloud (1 Kings 8:11So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.
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3. The glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord (1 Kings 8:11So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.
   See All...), as it did at the dedication of the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35 [34] Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. [35] And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
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2. THE BLESSING OF THE LORD (1 Kings 8:12-21 [12] Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. [13] I have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever. [14] And the king turned his face about, and blessed all the congregation of Israel: (and all the congregation of Israel stood;) [15] And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which spake with his mouth unto David my father, and hath with his hand fulfilled it, saying, [16] Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel. [17] And it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel. [18] And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart. [19] Nevertheless thou shalt not build the house; but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house unto my name. [20] And the LORD hath performed his word that he spake, and I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel. [21] And I have set there a place for the ark, wherein is the covenant of the LORD, which he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.
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1. The Dwelling Place of the Lord (1 Kings 8:12-13 [12] Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. [13] I have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever.
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1. The Lord to dwell in thick darkness (1 Kings 8:12Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.
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1. When He came down to Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:21And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
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2. Making darkness His secret place (Psalm 18:11He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
   See All...; Psalm 97:2Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
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3. Required to minimize the effects of His glory (Exodus 33:20And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
   See All...; 1 Timothy 6:16Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
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2. Solomon built a house for the Lord to dwell in (1 Kings 8:13I have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever.
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1. A settled place; as opposed to the wandering tabernacle
2. A place to abide forever
2. The Blessings of King Solomon (1 Kings 8:14-15 [14] And the king turned his face about, and blessed all the congregation of Israel: (and all the congregation of Israel stood;) [15] And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which spake with his mouth unto David my father, and hath with his hand fulfilled it, saying,
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1. He turned to face the congregation and the people stood (1 Kings 8:14And the king turned his face about, and blessed all the congregation of Israel: (and all the congregation of Israel stood;)
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2. He praised the Lord for His words (1 Kings 8:15And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which spake with his mouth unto David my father, and hath with his hand fulfilled it, saying,
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3. The Promise to David of the Temple (1 Kings 8:16-19 [16] Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel. [17] And it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel. [18] And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart. [19] Nevertheless thou shalt not build the house; but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house unto my name.
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1. The Lord chose David to be king (1 Kings 8:16Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel.
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2. It was in the heart of David to build a house for the Lord (1 Kings 8:17And it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.
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3. The Lord was pleased that David desired to build Him the house (1 Kings 8:18And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart.
   See All...).
4. David could not build the house, but Solomon would (1 Kings 8:19Nevertheless thou shalt not build the house; but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house unto my name.
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4. The Fulfillment through Solomon of the Promise (1 Kings 8:20-21 [20] And the LORD hath performed his word that he spake, and I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel. [21] And I have set there a place for the ark, wherein is the covenant of the LORD, which he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.
   See All...)
1. The Lord has allowed Solomon to build the house (1 Kings 8:20And the LORD hath performed his word that he spake, and I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.
   See All...).
2. A place has been given for the ark of the Lord (1 Kings 8:21And I have set there a place for the ark, wherein is the covenant of the LORD, which he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.
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3. THE PRAYER OF THE DEDICATION (1 Kings 8:22-30 [22] And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven: [23] And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart: [24] Who hast kept with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him: thou spakest also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day. [25] Therefore now, LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel; so that thy children take heed to their way, that they walk before me as thou hast walked before me. [26] And now, O God of Israel, let thy word, I pray thee, be verified, which thou spakest unto thy servant David my father. [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? [28] Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day: [29] That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place. [30] And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive.
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1. Solomon Approached the Altar to Pray (1 Kings 8:22And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:
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1. He stood before the altar in the presence of the congregation.
2. He spread his hands to pray (Exodus 9:29And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD's.
   See All..., 33; Isaiah 1:15And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
   See All...; 1 Timothy 2:8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
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2. Solomon Spoke to the Lord (1 Kings 8:23-30 [23] And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart: [24] Who hast kept with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him: thou spakest also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day. [25] Therefore now, LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel; so that thy children take heed to their way, that they walk before me as thou hast walked before me. [26] And now, O God of Israel, let thy word, I pray thee, be verified, which thou spakest unto thy servant David my father. [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? [28] Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day: [29] That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place. [30] And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive.
   See All...).
1. He praised the Lord God of Israel (1 Kings 8:23-24 [23] And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart: [24] Who hast kept with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him: thou spakest also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day.
   See All...).
2. He reminded the Lord of His promises (1 Kings 8:25-26 [25] Therefore now, LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel; so that thy children take heed to their way, that they walk before me as thou hast walked before me. [26] And now, O God of Israel, let thy word, I pray thee, be verified, which thou spakest unto thy servant David my father.
   See All...).
3. He spoke of the inadequacy of the temple (1 Kings 8:27But 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?
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4. He sought God’s ear for the prayers of the temple (1 Kings 8:28-30 [28] Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day: [29] That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place. [30] And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive.
   See All...).
4. THE PLEA GIVEN AT THE DEDICATION (1 Kings 8:31-53 [31] If any man trespass against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house: [32] Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness. [33] When thy people Israel be smitten down before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and shall turn again to thee, and confess thy name, and pray, and make supplication unto thee in this house: [34] Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers. [35] When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them: [36] Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance. [37] If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpiller; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be; [38] What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house: [39] Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;) [40] That they may fear thee all the days that they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers. [41] Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name's sake; [42] (For they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy strong hand, and of thy stretched out arm;) when he shall come and pray toward this house; [43] Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name. [44] If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, whithersoever thou shalt send them, and shall pray unto the LORD toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house that I have built for thy name: [45] Then hear thou in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. [46] If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near; [47] Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness; [48] And so return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul, in the land of their enemies, which led them away captive, and pray unto thee toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, the city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name: [49] Then hear thou their prayer and their supplication in heaven thy dwelling place, and maintain their cause, [50] And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them: [51] For they be thy people, and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the furnace of iron: [52] That thine eyes may be open unto the supplication of thy servant, and unto the supplication of thy people Israel, to hearken unto them in all that they call for unto thee. [53] For thou didst separate them from among all the people of the earth, to be thine inheritance, as thou spakest by the hand of Moses thy servant, when thou broughtest our fathers out of Egypt, O LORD God.
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1. When a Man Trespasses against His Neighbor (1 Kings 8:31-32 [31] If any man trespass against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house: [32] Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.
   See All...)
2. When Israel is Smitten before Her Enemies (1 Kings 8:33-34 [33] When thy people Israel be smitten down before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and shall turn again to thee, and confess thy name, and pray, and make supplication unto thee in this house: [34] Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers.
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3. When Rain is Held Back from the Land (1 Kings 8:35-36 [35] When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them: [36] Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.
   See All...)
4. When Famine and Pestilence Come to the Land (1 Kings 8:37-40 [37] If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpiller; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be; [38] What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house: [39] Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;) [40] That they may fear thee all the days that they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers.
   See All...)
5. When a Stranger Calls on the Name of the Lord (1 Kings 8:41-43 [41] Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name's sake; [42] (For they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy strong hand, and of thy stretched out arm;) when he shall come and pray toward this house; [43] Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.
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6. When Israel Seeks Help before Going to Battle (1 Kings 8:44-45 [44] If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, whithersoever thou shalt send them, and shall pray unto the LORD toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house that I have built for thy name: [45] Then hear thou in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.
   See All...)
7. When Israel is Taken Captive because of Sin (1 Kings 8:46-53 [46] If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near; [47] Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness; [48] And so return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul, in the land of their enemies, which led them away captive, and pray unto thee toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, the city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name: [49] Then hear thou their prayer and their supplication in heaven thy dwelling place, and maintain their cause, [50] And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them: [51] For they be thy people, and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the furnace of iron: [52] That thine eyes may be open unto the supplication of thy servant, and unto the supplication of thy people Israel, to hearken unto them in all that they call for unto thee. [53] For thou didst separate them from among all the people of the earth, to be thine inheritance, as thou spakest by the hand of Moses thy servant, when thou broughtest our fathers out of Egypt, O LORD God.
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5. THE BLESSING OF THE CONGREGATION (1 Kings 8:54-61 [54] And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven. [55] And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying, [56] Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. [57] The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us: [58] That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers. [59] And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the LORD, be nigh unto the LORD our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require: [60] That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else. [61] Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.
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1. Solomon Rose from His Prayer (1 Kings 8:54-55 [54] And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven. [55] And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying,
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2. Solomon Blessed the Congregation (1 Kings 8:56-61 [56] Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. [57] The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us: [58] That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers. [59] And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the LORD, be nigh unto the LORD our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require: [60] That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else. [61] Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.
   See All...).
1. He spoke of God’s faithfulness (1 Kings 8:56-57 [56] Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. [57] The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:
   See All..., 59-60).
2. He spoke of the need for their faithfulness (1 Kings 8:58That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers.
   See All..., 61).
6. THE SACRIFICES OF THE DEDICATION (1 Kings 8:62-64 [62] And the king, and all Israel with him, offered sacrifice before the LORD. [63] And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the LORD, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD. [64] The same day did the king hallow the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings: because the brasen altar that was before the LORD was too little to receive the burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings.
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1. The Peace Offerings Dedicating the House of the Lord (1 Kings 8:62-63 [62] And the king, and all Israel with him, offered sacrifice before the LORD. [63] And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the LORD, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD.
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1. The king and all Israel offered (1 Kings 8:62And the king, and all Israel with him, offered sacrifice before the LORD.
   See All...).
2. The offering included (1 Kings 8:63And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the LORD, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD.
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1. 22,000 oxen
2. 120,000 sheep
2. The Hallowed Middle Court for the Abundance of Offerings (1 Kings 8:64The same day did the king hallow the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings: because the brasen altar that was before the LORD was too little to receive the burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings.
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1. With burnt offerings, meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings
2. The brazen altar was too little to receive the offerings.
7. THE FEAST OF THE DEDICATION (1 Kings 8:65-66 [65] And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, even fourteen days. [66] On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people.
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1. Held for Two Periods of Seven Days (1 Kings 8:65And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, even fourteen days.
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2. The People Sent Home on the Eighth Day (1 Kings 8:66On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people.
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CONCLUSION: The house of the Lord is finished and has been dedicated by prayer and sacrifice. The people return to their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the Lord has done for David his servant and for Israel his people.