Journal Through the Bible: Week 47 Tuesday

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I Kings 8:1-21

God had promised David that his son would follow him on the throne and that this son would build the Temple that would house the earthly tokens that had represented the covenant between God and Israel for over 400 years, especially the Ark of the Covenant. In this passage the Ark is transferred from its place in Zion, the City of David, to the Temple built by Solomon.

God's glory in the form of the shining cloud filled the house just as He had done when the Tabernacle was completed and dedicated. The priests could not minister there temporarily because of this holy event.

Does God issue any commands?

• God does not speak in this passage.

Does God make any promises?

• Solomon told the congregation of Israel that this Temple was a fulfillment of the verbal promise God made to David.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• The tablets of stone that contained the Ten Commandments were the only things still placed within the Ark of the Covenant. The commandments are the heart of the covenant! They are the standards by which free people who were formerly slaves live! Who sets slaves to sinners free? Jesus! And who shows them how to live righteously (like the commandments describe)? Jesus!

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• Solomon stated that he had built God a permanent home where He could dwell forever. In spite of Solomon's good intentions the sinfulness of the nation would cause God to remove Himself from that place and as a result this Temple was eventually destroyed. Man's work never prevails so God must provide permanent residence. First He dwells within believers (I Corinthians 6:19 calls believers the Temple of the Holy Spirit). Later believers will dwell with Him in Heaven where the permanent Temple is.

Psalm 132

Does God make any promises?

• God promises to dwell in Zion forever.
• God promises to clothe her priests and saints with salvation and make them shout for joy.
• God promised to abundantly provide for her and satisfy everyone within Zion with bread.

Does this psalm teach anything about Jesus?

• The promise of an eternal throne is fulfilled in David's descendant, Jesus. His crown shall flourish.

Does this psalm teach anything about yet-future events?

• David planned to build an earthly tabernacle for the LORD and worship there, but He also knew that he would worship at God's footstool, the Heavenly Temple, throughout eternity.
• The eternal throne will one day be established. And it will be eternal!
• God's love for Zion is eternal. He will dwell there forever.
• God will satisfy everyone who dwells in Zion. No one will be poor in Heaven.