1 Kings chapter 8 is ‘move in day’ at the temple. King Solomon stood before the nation to dedicate of the Temple. This was the culmination of David’s desire to honor God, yet Solomon’s words make me cringe. Like an awkward politician, Solomon cannot resist taking credit even at the most solemn moment. “The priests then brought the ark of the Lord’s covenant to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place… When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the Lord. Just as when Moses dedicated the tabernacle (Exodus 40); “the glory of the Lord filled his temple”. Then Solomon said, “I have indeed built a magnificent temple for You, a place for You to dwell forever”.
Solomon began his dedication speech by rightly exalting God’s faithfulness, “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“. But then he misquoted God’s promise to keep an heir of David on the throne; “if only your sons are careful in all they do to walk before me as you have done“. There is no provision in the law to “do the best you can”! Sadly, this is exactly how many live today; they compare themselves to other imperfect men, rather than the perfect righteousness of God. It is only when we realize that we cannot be “good enough” that we understand our own need for the Savior. Romans 3:20 explains, “Through the Law comes the knowledge of sin”. Solomon prayed for the nation, “When they sin against You for there is no one who does not sin… if they have a change of heart… and repent and plead with You… hear their prayer… And forgive Your people, who have sinned against You“. It seems that Solomon doesn’t include himself! Is it pride that kept him from saying, “When I sin, forgive me”? Is pride keeping you from asking for forgiveness?
The chapter ends with a celebration. “Solomon offered a sacrifice of fellowship offerings to the Lord: twenty-two thousand cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the temple of the Lord“. Remember from Leviticus chapter 3, the “fellowship offering” was divided between the altar, the priest, and the offerer. It was only done AFTER the burnt offering (for forgiveness). This offering was an extra offering, given along with a prayer of need, or a prayer of thanks. This was a celebration of thanksgiving to God. “They celebrated it before the Lord our God for seven days and seven days more, fourteen days in all. No one wanted to leave! On the following day he sent the people away. They blessed the king and then went home, joyful and glad in heart for all the good things the Lord had done.” Living in that place of forgiveness creates a joy that is unmatched. Is joy missing in your celebration? First seek forgiveness and the joy will always follow.