Lesson 11: Solomon - Speech, Prayer, Dedication 

Introduction: 1 Kings 8 and 9 deal with the events surrounding the 
completion of the temple.  We should understand the nature of a 
temple and its implications.  It is interesting that the surrounding 
nations had similar buildings for their temples (i.e. a room like 
the Most Holy Place etc.).  However, the Israelites had no idol in 
the inner sanctuary, only a box - the ark of the covenant..


I. The Ark Was Brought Into The Temple (1 Kgs. 8:1-11)
	A. Feast in the month of Ethanim, the seventh month
	B. So many sacrifices were made that they could not 
	   be numbered.
	C. The ark was place in the inner sanctuary,  the Most 
	   Holy Place.
	D. "The cloud filled the house of the Lord."


II. Solomon's Speech (1 Kgs. 8:12-21)
	A. The nature of the temple is defined.
	B. Solomon reminded Israel of David's wish to build a 
	   temple (1 Chron. 28:5, 6).
	C. Solomon reminded them of Egypt.
	D. They are also reminded of God's promise.  (See also 
	   2 Sam. 7:11-16.)

Principles:
	1. A temple is a prepared place for God to dwell.
	2. Sacrifices are made to prepare the dwelling place 
	   of God.
	3. God promised that He would live there.


III. Solomon's Prayer (1 Kgs. 8:22-53)
	A. Prayer offered before the altar, in public
	B. Solomon prayed on his knees on a scaffold built 
	   for the purpose.  (Compare 1 Kgs.8:22, 54; 
	   2 Chron. 6:12-13.)
	C. Promises of God were emphasized.
	D. Solomon petitioned God to hear the prayers of His 
	   people for mercy and forgiveness.
	E. Some of the characteristics of God are outlined in 
	   this prayer.

Principles:
	1. We should pray together as God's people.
	2. Forgiveness is always conditional.


IV. Blessing Of The Congregation (1 Kgs. 8:54-61)
	A. God's promises were fulfilled.
	B. Therefore, Solomon prayed for God's continued 
	   presence.
	C. He also prayed for faithfulness of the people.
	D. All people of the earth were to know that the Lord 
	   is God because of Israel's relationship with God.
	E. Therefore, they were to keep God's commandments.


V. Dedication Of The Temple (1 Kgs. 8:62-66)
	A. Peace offering of 22,000 bulls and 120,000 sheep
	B. On the same day, Solomon offered burnt offerings, 
	   grain offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings.
	C. The court in front of the house of the Lord was used.
	D. Solomon and all of Israel feasted.  On the eighth
	   day, the people returned to their tents, thankful 
	   for what God had done for thePrinciples:
		1. As God's people, we have no greater blessing 
		   than God's continuing presence.
		2. The world should be able to see that the Lord 
		   is God because of the relationship we have with 
		   God.
		3. Our worship should overflow.  We should never 
		   think "it is enough."


VI. God Appeared To Solomon (1 Kgs. 9:1-9)
	A. God's promise to dwell in the temple (vs. 3).
	B. Conditions of the covenant were restated.


Questions:
1. Compare the accounts of the bringing of the ark to Jerusalem 
   in 2 Sam. 6:12-19 and 1 Chron. 15-16.  
2. On what occasion was the ark brought into the temple 
   (1 Kgs. 8:2; Lev. 23:34)?
3. What was the most important part of the temple?  Explain.
4. What were the contents of the ark (1 Kgs. 8:9; Heb. 9:4; 
   Ex. 16:32-34; 25:16, 21; 31:18; 32:15-16; 34:1-4, 27-28; 
   Deut. 9:9-11; 10:1-5; Num. 17:10)?
5. How did God show His approval of the temple (1 Kgs. 8:10-11; 
   compare Ex. 40:34-38)?
6. What was the temple (1 Kgs. 8:13)?  How do other statements 
   in this chapter modify this statement?
7. What is God's temple today (1 Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19-20; 
   2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:19-22; 1 Pet. 2:1-5)?
8. What promises did Solomon say were fulfilled (2 Sam. 7:11-16)?
9. What characteristic of God was especially prominent in 
   Solomon's prayer (1 Kgs. 8:22-26)?  Notice the influence of 
   Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28.
10. What important spiritual insight did Solomon express in 
    1 Kgs. 8:27?
11. What was Solomon's view toward foreigners (1 Kgs. 8:41-43; 
    59, 60).  What was Israel's mission in the world?
12. What unusual measure was taken due to the abundance of 
    animals sacrificed (1 Kgs. 8:62-64)?    Why were the people 
    "joyful and glad of heart" as they returned to their homes?
13. Was God's commitment to "put His name there forever" 
    (1 Kgs. 9:3) conditional or unconditional?  Note also the 
    reference in 1 Kgs. 9:1-9 to 2 Sam. 7:11-16.