Read 1 Kings 8
Highlights:
The Temple is finished; The priests carry in the Ark; Solomon prays;The glory of the Lord fills the House as trumpet players and singers with cymbals . . . psalteries and harps . . . as one (2 Chr. 5:12-13).
Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto His people Israel, according to all that He promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which He promised by the hand of Moses His servant (1 Kings 8:56).
The nation of Israel had surely not had much rest in its past even though they had been blessed abundantly. They had been led by God. He had taken care of them through much hardship and calamity.
They had been enslaved in Egypt. God raised up a deliverer in Moses to lead them out. Pharaoh chased them down with his army. When it appeared they were finished, God destroyed Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea.
Following that, Israel spent many years wandering in a strange wilderness. At times, they thought they might starve or thirst to death. God sent them food and water.
Finally, they arrived in the land of promise. They found there were many great enemies there. God used great military leaders like Joshua, Gideon and even David to defeat these heathen nations.
There is definitely a theme here. Everytime Israel fell into a place of tribulation, God made a way of deliverance for them. God is a provider for His people. He will never abandon them. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Heb. 13:5).
During the reigns of Saul and David, there was still much contention. Even though Israel had settled into their new home, they still had enemies around them. Not only did they have external enemies, but there was internal fighting.
Saul thought David would steal his throne. So, he hunted David until his death. David faced rebellion, led by his son, Absalom, who was trying to take his throne.
All that was past now. Most of Israel's enemies were defeated. Solomon would not have to fight the wars of his father, David. God had kept his promise to His people. They now lived in a place of refuge. Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the Law, and the service of God, and the promises (Rom. 9:4).
What a blessing to know that God still works the same today. If we call on Him, He will answer. God meets our needs sometimes before we even know we have a need.
Those who have become believers are also assured of a land of promise, as well. In Heaven there will be no enemies to fight. There will be no walls, houses or temples to build. Christ our Lord and Savior, himself, will have it all ready for us when we arrive. Make sure you are going. Accept Jesus as your Savior.
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:2-3).
Thought for Today:
We can thank God that the sacrifice of Jesus was greater than the sacrifice of a host of animals at the temple dedication.
Christ Revealed:
As the perfect Temple of God before whom all kings of the earth one day must bow (1 Kin. 8:54; John 2:19-21). Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a Name which is above every name (Phil. 2:9).
Word Studies:
8:2 Ethanim (later called Tishri), September/October; 8:37 blasting, blight; 8:47 bethink themselves, learn their lesson and repent.
Prayer Suggestion: Pray that your life will be a good testimony to others, even when faced with opposition (1 Pet. 2:12).
Optional Reading: Acts 25
Memory Verse for the Week: John 13:34