The ark of the covenant represents the presence of God to the people of Israel. In 1 Kings 8, having finally finished the temple, Solomon instructs the elders and leaders of Israel to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD into the temple. This was during the month of Ethanim, when the Feast of Tabernacles was observed.[efn_note]The Feast of Tabernacles (or Feast of Booths) is a Jewish festival in the fall that commemorates the 40-year wilderness journey of the Israelites (cf. Leviticus 23:34–43; Deuteronomy 16:13–15).[/efn_note]
After placing the ark of the covenant in the inner sanctuary under the wings of the cherubim, the cloud of the presence of God filled the temple, such that the priest could not minister because of the glory of God.
The Overwhelming Glory of God
In his prayer of dedication, Solomon recognizes that this house he has built cannot contain the glory of the living God:
But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You, how much less this house which I have built! (1 Kings 8:27)
Solomon, a man of wisdom, understands that God cannot be contained. He recognizes that He who made all things cannot be marked out by boundaries. He is above all things and contained by nothing. Recognizing the great power, glory, and majesty of the living God, Solomon proceeds to make supplications on behalf of the people of Israel, knowing that the LORD is the only One they can turn to. He is the Source of their provision and blessing in the land. His name is the only name that matters in all the earth.
Turning Away
Does the glory of God cause us to respond the same way? Do we really recognize who He is? We belong to the King of the universe, the Glorious One, who fulfills His promises and accomplishes His will without fail. Let us be continually reminded that He is the one we must cling to. He is the one worthy of devotion and service. Despite his tremendous wisdom and knowledge of God, Solomon turns away from Him (1 Kings 11). If one of the wisest men ever to live turned away, how prone are we to turning away from Him who provides for us? And yet, thankfully, even when we are faithless, He is faithful and full of grace. So let us continually be reminded of the glory, goodness, grace, and power of God, and let us hold steadfast to Him.
This teaching is based on Ken Boa’s Handbook to Scripture.
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