Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who with his own hand has fulfilled what he promised with his own mouth to my father David. (1 Kings 8:15)
Of Solomon's many accomplishments, one looms large above the rest. He spared no expense in building a place for God to indwell, and Solomon's temple, fashioned by 200,000 workmen, soon ranked as one of the wonders of the world. From a distance, it shone like a snowcapped mountain. Inside, the walls and even the floors were plated with pure gold.
In many ways the scene in this chapter represents the high-water mark of the entire Old Testament, the fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel. Solomon called the nation together to dedicate the temple to God, and as thousands of people looked on in a huge public ceremony, the glory of the Lord came down to fill the temple. Even the priests were driven back by the mighty force.
God was making Solomon's temple the center of his activity on earth, and the crowd spontaneously decided to stay another two weeks to celebrate. Kneeling on a bronze platform, Solomon prayed aloud, "I have indeed built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell forever." Then he caught himself in astonishment. "But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!"
God had done it! His promises to Abraham and Moses had finally come true. In one of the most magnificent prayers ever prayed, Solomon reviewed the history of the covenant, and asked God to seal that agreement with his Presence in the temple. God responded: "I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple . . . my eyes and my heart will always be there" (9:3).
The Israelites now had land, a nation with secure boundaries, and a gleaming symbol of God's presence among them. All this came to pass in a land rich with silver and gold. On the famous day of the temple dedication, everyone saw the fire and the cloud of his Presence. No one could doubt God's faithfulness.
Life Question: What promises has God kept for you?
