Question 1

What does it mean that the Lord would dwell in the thick darkness?

Accepted Answer

When Solomon says that the Lord would dwell in the thick darkness, he is talking about the dark cloud that filled the temple. The people and priests were frightened by this, but Solomon explains that this is actually a sign of God’s presence, not his anger. God sometimes chose to appear in a cloud so people would have a sense of his holiness and glory without being overwhelmed. The darkness reminds them that they cannot fully see or control God, yet he is truly there with them in mercy.

Question 2

Why does Solomon say he built a house for God to dwell in forever?

Accepted Answer

Solomon says he has built a house for God to dwell in, a settled place for him to abide in forever, to show that this temple is not like the old tabernacle that moved from place to place. It is meant to be a fixed center of worship where God’s name is honored. Solomon is not saying God is limited to a building, but that God has chosen to put his name and his special presence there. He rejoices that God has come to take possession of this house.

Question 3

What promise to David is Solomon saying God has fulfilled?

Accepted Answer

Solomon reminds the people that God once promised David that, though David desired to build a house for God, it would be David’s son who would build it. God also promised that David’s son would sit on the throne of Israel. Now Solomon can point to both things: he is sitting on David’s throne, and the temple has been built. By saying God spoke with his mouth and fulfilled it with his hand, Solomon is stressing that God both promises and actually brings those promises to pass.

Question 4

Why was David not allowed to build the house for the Lord’s name?

Accepted Answer

David had it in his heart to build a house for the name of the Lord, and God said that this desire was good. God accepted his intention, even though David himself was not the one to carry it out. Instead, God chose David’s son to build the temple. The passage does not repeat every reason, but it makes clear that God’s plan was for the work to pass to the next generation. This shows that God values a sincere heart, even when a person’s plans are not the ones he brings to completion.

Question 5

What is the significance of the ark and the covenant in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Solomon says he has set a place in the temple for the ark, which holds the covenant of the Lord made with Israel’s fathers when God brought them out of Egypt. The ark is not just a religious object; it is a sign of God’s agreement with his people, based on his saving them from slavery. By giving the ark a resting place in the temple, Solomon is showing that this house is centered on God’s promises and commands. It connects the new temple with God’s past acts of rescue and faithfulness.

Question 6

Why does Solomon bless the congregation of Israel at the temple dedication?

Accepted Answer

When the dark cloud fills the temple, the people are likely frightened and unsure what it means. Solomon turns from facing the inner part of the temple and blesses the whole congregation to calm and encourage them. He praises God for keeping his word and speaks peace to the people. His blessing helps them see this event as a great kindness from God, not a threat. It also reminds them that having God dwell among them is an honor and that they stand under God’s favor.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s choice of David and the temple city?

Accepted Answer

Solomon explains that from the time God brought Israel out of Egypt, he had not chosen any city for a house for his name. Instead, he first chose a person, David, to rule his people. Later, God put it in David’s heart to want a house for God’s name and then chose David’s son to build it. By saying this, Solomon shows that the temple and its location are not human ideas for self-glory, but part of God’s plan. God chooses both the leader and the place in his own time.

Question 8

How can someone today apply the idea that God valued what was in David’s heart?

Accepted Answer

The passage shows that God told David he did well that it was in his heart to build a house for God, even though David did not get to do the work. This reminds us that God looks at our intentions and desires to honor him, not only at what we manage to finish. Someone today can take comfort that sincere plans to serve God are noticed and accepted by him, even if circumstances change. It encourages us to keep a willing, humble heart and to trust God with the results.

1 Kings 8:12

¶ Then spake Solomon, The Lord said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

Solomon Blesses the LORD

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1 Kings 8:12

¶ Then spake Solomon, The Lord said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

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Solomon Blesses the LORD

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