Download Study Materials
The Dedication of the Temple… (5 things)
- 1st – The preparations… vs. 1-14 Read: II Chronicles 5:1-14
- 1st – Solomon assembled everyone – people and leaders – to Jerusalem… vs. 1-3
- They gathered in October (7th month) – during the time of the ‘Feast of Tabernacles’…
- The Temple had been complete for 11 months – I Kings 6:38 – but Solomon had waited…
- He wanted to wait for the perfect opportunity to dedicate the ‘House of the Lord’…
- The Feast of Tabernacles was a required Feast of Israel – Exodus 23:14-17
- Meaning all of the people would already be gathered in Jerusalem…
- It was also the year of Jubilee – Leviticus 25
- The people all gathered 2 days before Yom Kippur – ‘The day of Atonement’…
- The one day a year when the High Priest entered into the ‘Holiest of All’!
- Then on Yom Kippur – the trumpets were blown loud throughout the land…
- Announcing it was a Holy year – to proclaim freedom for all who live in Israel…
- All debts were forgiven – all borrowed land restored – all slaves set free!
- Making it the perfect time to dedicate the Temple…
- The people were already coming to celebrate the exodus from Egypt – Tabernacles…
- And they were all the more excited because of the Year of Jubilee…
- Now in addition to what would already be a HUGE celebration – the Dedication!
- It would end up being a 14-day festival – rejoicing in the Goodness of God!
- Often when people come to church / Bible study – it is with a long face…
- They are there because they feel like the are performing their required duty to God…
- But we forget that God has taken us out of Egypt / world – and called us His people…
- More than that all our sin debt is forgiven – Jubilee – Jesus has set us free!
- And we come to the ‘House of the Lord’ to worship our Great God…
- It should not be a burden – it should be the highlight of the week – a celebration!
- They gathered in October (7th month) – during the time of the ‘Feast of Tabernacles’…
- 2nd – The Ark was placed by King David on Mt. Zion – I Chronicles 13… vs. 4-5
- It was not far from the Temple – Mt. Zion is only ¼ mile from Mt. Moriah…
- And once everyone had arrived the priests picked up the Ark – on poles…
- David had tried to move the Ark on a cart – pulled by ox…
- And when the ox stumbled – Uzzah touched the Ark to keep it from falling…
- And the anger of the Lord blazed out – and He killed Uzzah – I Chronicles 13:10
- The Bible had specific instructions on how to move the Ark- Exodus 25:14
- Solomon did not make the same mistake as David – he followed the Word!
- Suppose you came across a bomb – and your life depended on disarming it…
- But the bomb had an instruction manual – would you ignore it / or read it…
- God has given us an instruction manual – the Bible – so we do not blow up our lives…
- The only question is do we read it – or do we try to just guess / and end up with a mess!
- It was not far from the Temple – Mt. Zion is only ¼ mile from Mt. Moriah…
- 3rd – Solomon and the people offered sacrifices beyond counting… vs. 6-10
- The priests placed the Ark in the Holiest of All – beneath the two golden cherubim…
- There was nothing in the Ark – expect the commandments of God…
- Interesting that the golden pot of manna was no longer in the Ark – Exodus 16:33
- It had been placed in the Ark to remind the people God would provide!
- Also Aarons budding rod was no longer in the Ark – Numbers 17:10
- It had been placed there to remind people not to rebel against the Lord!
- All that was left was the Word – because only the Word lasts forever – Luke 21:33…
- One day we will all be with Jesus – worshiping before the Throne of God…
- And when that day comes all rebellions against the Lord will cease…
- And in that day no one will ever have to worry about food again…
- But even through rebellions and worry disappear – the Word of God is eternal!
- The priests placed the Ark in the Holiest of All – beneath the two golden cherubim…
- 4th – As the priests came out of the ‘Holiest of All’… vs. 11-14
- And the Levites who were the singers – 120 in all – began to sing ‘His mercy endures forever’
- The presence of God filled the Temple – and the priests had to stop their work…
- God had come to dwell among His people – just as he had been in the wilderness…
- When God had led Israel for 40 years– cloud by day / fire by night – Exodus 13:21
- Like when the Tabernacle was done – and God filled it – Exodus 40:34
- God still wants to meet with His people – fill us with His presence…
- II Corinthians 6:16 – “You are the temple of the living God…”
- The great mystery of the church is that Jesus does not live in a building…
- The church is not stick and bricks – it is you and I – we are the temple of God!
- And the Levites who were the singers – 120 in all – began to sing ‘His mercy endures forever’
- 1st – Solomon assembled everyone – people and leaders – to Jerusalem… vs. 1-3
- 2nd – A chosen city / king… vs. 1-11 Read: II Chronicles 6:1-11
- 1st – Solomon turned to address the nation… vs. 1-7
- Since Egypt God had never chosen a city – a place people could come to meet with Him…
- In fact the Tabernacle had moved several times over the years – Shiloh / Gibeon…
- And God had never chosen a King – Israel had been led by a series of judges…
- But now God had chosen Jerusalem – and He chose David to be the King!
- All because David wanted to build a Temple for the Lord!
- Because David had a heart for the Lord – God choose to use David…
- A lot of people talk about wanting to be used by God – serving the Lord…
- But then they go off and live their lives with no thought how to please God…
- When we have a heart for the Lord – then we are going to be used by the Lord!
- I Peter 3:12 – “The Lord watches over those who do right, his ears are open to their prayers.”
- Since Egypt God had never chosen a city – a place people could come to meet with Him…
- 2nd – David had the idea for the Temple – but it was Solomon who finished the work… vs. 8-11
- He built the temple for the ‘name’ (stated 4 times) of the Lord God of Israel…
- The Temple was not a house for the Lord – no building could ever contain Him…
- Isaiah 66:1 – “This is what the LORD says: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you ever build me a temple as good as that?’”
- The Temple was the place where God would come to meet with Israel!
- So often we get the idea that God lives in the church – the ‘House of God’…
- That is why people build huge ornate buildings / cathedrals…
- The ‘house of God’ is heaven – and the entire earth is just His footstool…
- So it does not matter if a church is tile and cement / or grass and sticks…
- The church is not for God – the church is for us – a place to come ‘meet’ with God!
- He built the temple for the ‘name’ (stated 4 times) of the Lord God of Israel…
- 1st – Solomon turned to address the nation… vs. 1-7
- 3rd – The prayer of Solomon… vs. 12-18 Read: II Chronicles 6:12-18
- 1st – Solomon built a bronze platform 4’ high in the courtyard… vs. 12-13
- Then Solomon stretched out his hands towards heaven – knelt down and prayed…
- Now for me this does seem to be a bit showy – the bronze platform is a bit much…
- But there is nothing wrong with a public prayer to God…
- But we need to watch the motive of the heart – do not pray to impress others…
- Matthew 6:5 – “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the churches where everyone can see them…”
- People who use big words – pray REALLY loud – just to sound more spiritual…
- God is not impressed – at best they are acting like a fool embarrassing themselves…
- Prayer should be natural – simple conversation with God – no matter who is there!
- 2nd – Solomon began – ‘There is no God like the Lord – He keeps all of His promises’… vs. 14-18
- God had been faithful to His promise to David – his son did build the Temple…
- God also promised that one of his sons would always sit on the throne of Israel…
- If – they followed the commands of the Lord – were obedient to His Word!
- God is ALWAYS faithful to His promises
- II Corinthians 1:20 – “All the promises of God are Yes and Amen…”
- God cannot lie – and He never changes His mind – God says it / that settles it!
- If God promises to take care of all your needs – He will!
- If God promises you salvation through faith in Jesus – heaven in your destination!
- But we also have a responsibility – we need to follow and obey the Lord!
- God had been faithful to His promise to David – his son did build the Temple…
- 1st – Solomon built a bronze platform 4’ high in the courtyard… vs. 12-13
- 4th – Praying towards the Temple… vs. 19-42 Read: II Chronicles 6:19-42
- 1st – Solomon asked to God listen to the prayers made TOWARDS the Temple… vs. 19-23
- Not that the people prayed TO the Temple – it was just a symbol…
- The Temple represented the way for sinful people – to get access to a Holy God!
- In fact every Jew to this day faces towards Jerusalem when they pray…
- Every Jewish church is built facing Jerusalem / where the Temple once stood…
- Solomon prayed – asking God to do 5 things if people prayed towards the Temple!
- First – if a judge needed to know who was telling the truth and who was lying…
- A person would take an oath before the Temple – knowing God would judge!
- The same way it used to be in a court – you would swear on the Bible…
- To remind you that if you lied – God knows – and you WILL answer to Him!
- Not that the people prayed TO the Temple – it was just a symbol…
- 2nd – If Israel rebelled – and was defeated by her enemies… vs. 24-25
- But then Israel called out to the Lord – and prayed towards the Temple…
- Solomon asked that God hear them – and bring them back to the Land…
- When Israel was sent to captivity in Babylon – as a consequence for their sins…
- Daniel would pray 3 times a day facing Jerusalem – for God to bring them home – Daniel 6:10
- And after 70 years of captivity – God listened and the people came back to Israel!
- 3rd – If the heavens no longer give rain – because of sin – causing a famine or plague… vs. 26-31
- But Israel prayed towards the Temple – God would hear them and bring the rain…
- God knows how to get our attention – one of the best ways is food…
- When we are full/in need nothing – we tend to get arrogant – ignore God…
- So God will allows us to go through times of ‘famine’ – no food / no money…
- God desires to teach us – His kids – how to live a pure and holy life!
- 4th –If Israel went to war – and they pray towards the Temple – give them victory… vs. 32-35
- Or if a foreigner came to the Temple to learn about God…
- Give them whatever they ask for – so the whole world will hear about You!
- In Acts 8 – an Ethiopian eunuch traveled hundreds of miles – to come to the Temple…
- And because the Eunuch was seeking God – God was seeking the Eunuch!
- Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”
- God has always had a heart for all nations to come and worship before Him!
- 5th – If Israel sinned – and who does not sin – forgive them… vs. 36-42
- Even if they are captive in a foreign land – help them be an example to a lost world!
- God did not promise to take them out of captivity – just be a good example in captivity!
- When we pray to God – we expect that He is going to save us from hard times…
- But often God will instead use those hard times – to let Jesus shine through our lives!
- We no longer need a Temple to pray towards…
- John 1:14 – “The Word became human and [set up His tabernacle] among us…”
- Jesus did all the work for us – Jesus died on the cross so that we could come to God…
- The one and only way to talk to God – is through faith in Jesus Christ!
- Through Him we have complete access – to our Holy and Perfect God!
- I Timothy 2:5 – “For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus.”
- Even if they are captive in a foreign land – help them be an example to a lost world!
- 1st – Solomon asked to God listen to the prayers made TOWARDS the Temple… vs. 19-23
He is always looking for us – waiting for us / our nation to come home!
5th – The answer from God… vs. 1- Read: II Chronicles 7:1-22
1st – When Solomon had finished – fire came down and consumed the burnt offering… vs. 1-12
Then the Glory of the Lord filled the Temple – and the priests could not enter…
When the people saw it – they worshiped – ‘His mercy endures forever.”
They offered 22,000 bulls / and 120,000 sheep peace offerings to God…
They had to use the courtyard for some of the sacrifices – the Altar was too small!
After 14 days of celebration Solomon sent the people home – then God gave him a 2nd dream…
It had been over 15 years since Solomon first had the dream in Gibeon…
That is a LONG time to go without hearing anything from the Lord…
We often get the impression that people in the Bible heard from God every day…
Every time they went to prayer – God was quick to send His answer…
It turns out that is not true – there were often YEARS in between hearing from God…
It may only be a couple of chapters for us – it was often decades for them!
If it seems like God is not answering our prayers – we should check out heart…
Sin can keep us from hearing from the Lord – leaves prayers unanswered…
Our prayers hit the ceiling of our sin – and we end up talking to ourselves! – Psalm 66:18
But just because God does not answer right away – does not mean He is not listening…
I Peter 3:12 – “The Lords… ears are open to the prayers of those who do right.”
Often we give up praying because we do not get a quick answer…
We are not to simply pray once – we are to be praying – I Thessalonians 5:17
So often we miss God’s answer simply because we stop asking!
God has a book where He records every time we talk about Him – Malachi 1:16
The Lord is listening – we just need to be patient and wait for his answer!
3rd – God’s command for His People… vs. 13-16
When God judges sent judgment on the Land because of sin (famine / pestilence)…
It was the responsibility of His people – the believers – to humble themselves and pray…
If they did – He would hear – and He would heal their Land!
This is a powerful message to the church in American today…
We have a reputation of being a Christian nation – founded on the Bible…
Yet as a nation we have rejected God – no prayer / no Bible…
We the church want to pass the blame – look to politicians to fix the problem…
But God says it starts with us – if we humble ourselves and pray – then God will heal!
4th – As for Solomon… vs. 17-22
If Solomon continued to follow God’s commands – as his father David had…
Then God would establish his dynasty over the nation of Israel forever!
Solomon built the Temple – he prayed beautiful prayers in public…
He gave countless amounts of riches / silver / and gold – to the Lord…
But it was not about what Solomon did – it was about what he continued to do!
We are not Christians because of what God did in our lives 10 years ago…
The question we need to ask is what is God doing in our lives right now…
It is easy to try and hold onto the past – ‘depending on the good old days’…
But our relationship with God is not about what God did yesterday…
We need to make sure the Lord is working in our lives today!
Because if Solomon or his sons abandoned the Lord – worshiped other gods…
Then God would reject the Temple – and let it be completely destroyed…
The Temple was impressive now – but people would stand amazed at its ruins!
People would ask what happened – the answer – Israel rejected their God!
Solomon’s Temple stood for almost 400 years – through 21 kings of Israel…
But ultimately the kings of Israel and the people – did abandon the Lord…
So in 587 B.C. God allowed King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to destroy it!
God although rejected the Temple – He never rejected Israel…
God promised to the nation of Israel would always be His people…
Jeremiah 31:36 – “I am as likely to reject my people Israel as I am to do away with the laws of nature!”
As long as the sun rises – waves crash on the seashore – Israel is God’s nation!
Even thought they were hard – and abandoned God – God did not abandon them!
That should bring great comfort to our hearts – cause no matter how bad we get…
Like the parable of the ‘Lost sheep’ – Matthew 18:12 – God never gives up on us…
But Jesus is never ever farther away than turning around (repentance)
Leave a Reply