Monday 08 February 2010
- Bible Book:
- 1 Kings
"There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone that Moses had placed there at Horeb where the Lord made a covenant with the Israelites, when they came out of the land of Egypt." (v.9)
Background
The books of 1 and 2 Kings cover the history of the Israelitesfrom the reign of Solomon through the division of the kingdom tothe freeing of King Jehoiachin from exile approximately 500 yearslater. Chapters 1 to 11 of 1 Kings focus particularly on the reignof Solomon, son of David, who is best known as the king who askedfor wisdom when God offered him any gift he chose. But here inchapter 8 we read about Solomon's dedication of the Temple (theconstruction of which has been described in minute detail inchapters 4-6). This narrative can also be found in
The dedication of the Temple seems to have taken place during theFeast of Tabernacles (
The Israelites' escape from slavery (Exodus 1-15) and God'scovenant promise to protect them if they are faithful are thedefining events in Israel's history and in their understanding ofGod. Throughout the Old Testament, God is repeatedly referred to asthe god who rescued God's own people with "an outstretched arm"(eg Exodus 3:20;
In placing the ark (containing the Law of Moses) in the holiestpart of the Temple, the Israelites demonstrate an inspiringattitude to worship. It seems that this Temple is to be a place ofthanksgiving - not self-seeking - and one in which faith in God forthe future is enhanced by celebrating all that God has done in thepast, and remembering all that God's people are called to dotoday.
To Ponder
What are your priorities when you meet withothers to worship God?
What important events have influenced and definedyour relationship with God?