Solomon gathered the elders and leaders of Israel to bring the ark of the LORD’s covenant from the city of David to the newly built temple in Jerusalem. He chose to do so during a month with back-to-back festivals. This included the Feast of the Tabernacles, a time of celebration and remembrance of God’s faithfulness, who dwelled with the Israelites in a tent for 40 years in the wilderness. Solomon wanted to involve the whole nation when honoring God in the dedication of the temple.

Then the priests placed the ark in the Most Holy Place. As they did this, a cloud filled the temple, indicating the presence of God. The only thing in the ark were the two stone tablets that Moses received at Mount Horeb, where God made a covenant with Israel. The temple became the dwelling place of God and a symbol of his covenant with his people.

Solomon addressed the assembly and recounted how God fulfilled his promise to David by allowing Solomon to build the temple. God always seeks to have a relationship with us. He wants to fulfill his promises of bringing his kingdom of love to earth.
Application: Lord, thank you for making your dwelling among us. May we come to you and know you in spirit and truth.
One Word: God came to dwell among us