1 Kings 8

1 tunc congregavit omnes maiores natu Israhel cum principibus tribuum et duces familiarum filiorum Israhel ad regem Salomonem in Hierusalem ut deferrent arcam foederis Domini de civitate David id est de Sion

2 convenitque ad regem Salomonem universus Israhel in mense hethanim in sollemni die ipse est mensis septimus

3 veneruntque cuncti senes ex Israhel et tulerunt sacerdotes arcam

4 et portaverunt arcam Domini et tabernaculum foederis et omnia vasa sanctuarii quae erant in tabernaculo et ferebant ea sacerdotes et Levitae

5 rex autem Salomon et omnis multitudo Israhel quae convenerat ad eum gradiebatur cum illo ante arcam et immolabant oves et boves absque aestimatione et numero

6 et intulerunt sacerdotes arcam foederis Domini in locum suum in oraculum templi in sanctum sanctorum subter alas cherubin

7 siquidem cherubin expandebant alas super locum arcae et protegebant arcam et vectes eius desuper

8 cumque eminerent vectes et apparerent summitates eorum foris sanctuarium ante oraculum non apparebant ultra extrinsecus qui et fuerunt ibi usque in praesentem diem

9 in arca autem non est aliud nisi duae tabulae lapideae quas posuerat in ea Moses in Horeb quando pepigit foedus Dominus cum filiis Israhel cum egrederentur de terra Aegypti

10 factum est autem cum exissent sacerdotes de sanctuario nebula implevit domum Domini

11 et non poterant sacerdotes stare et ministrare propter nebulam impleverat enim gloria Domini domum Domini

12 tunc ait Salomon Dominus dixit ut habitaret in nebula

13 aedificans aedificavi domum in habitaculum tuum firmissimum solium tuum in sempiternum

14 convertitque rex faciem suam et benedixit omni ecclesiae Israhel omnis enim ecclesia Israhel stabat

15 et ait benedictus Dominus Deus Israhel qui locutus est ore suo ad David patrem meum et in manibus eius perfecit dicens

16 a die qua eduxi populum meum Israhel de Aegypto non elegi civitatem de universis tribubus Israhel ut aedificaretur domus et esset nomen meum ibi sed elegi David ut esset super populum meum Israhel

17 voluitque David pater meus aedificare domum nomini Domini Dei Israhel

18 et ait Dominus ad David patrem meum quod cogitasti in corde tuo aedificare domum nomini meo bene fecisti hoc ipsum mente tractans

19 verumtamen tu non aedificabis domum sed filius tuus qui egredietur de renibus tuis ipse aedificabit domum nomini meo

20 confirmavit Dominus sermonem suum quem locutus est stetique pro David patre meo et sedi super thronum Israhel sicut locutus est Dominus et aedificavi domum nomini Domini Dei Israhel

21 et constitui ibi locum arcae in qua foedus est Domini quod percussit cum patribus nostris quando egressi sunt de terra Aegypti

22 stetit autem Salomon ante altare Domini in conspectu ecclesiae Israhel et expandit manus suas in caelum

23 et ait Domine Deus Israhel non est similis tui Deus in caelo desuper et super terra deorsum qui custodis pactum et misericordiam servis tuis qui ambulant coram te in toto corde suo

24 qui custodisti servo tuo David patri meo quae locutus es ei ore locutus es et manibus perfecisti ut et haec dies probat

25 nunc igitur Domine Deus Israhel conserva famulo tuo David patri meo quae locutus es ei dicens non auferetur de te vir coram me qui sedeat super thronum Israhel ita tamen si custodierint filii tui viam suam ut ambulent coram me sicut tu ambulasti in conspectu meo

26 et nunc Deus Israhel firmentur verba tua quae locutus es servo tuo David patri meo

27 ergone putandum est quod vere Deus habitet super terram si enim caelum et caeli caelorum te capere non possunt quanto magis domus haec quam aedificavi

28 sed respice ad orationem servi tui et ad preces eius Domine Deus meus audi hymnum et orationem quam servus tuus orat coram te hodie

29 ut sint oculi tui aperti super domum hanc nocte et die super domum de qua dixisti erit nomen meum ibi ut exaudias orationem qua orat te servus tuus in loco isto

30 ut exaudias deprecationem servi tui et populi tui Israhel quodcumque oraverint in loco isto et exaudies in loco habitaculi tui in caelo et cum exaudieris propitius eris

31 si peccaverit homo in proximum suum et habuerit aliquod iuramentum quo teneatur adstrictus et venerit propter iuramentum coram altari tuo in domum tuam

32 tu exaudies in caelo et facies et iudicabis servos tuos condemnans impium et reddens viam suam super caput eius iustificansque iustum et retribuens ei secundum iustitiam suam

33 si fugerit populus tuus Israhel inimicos suos quia peccaturus est tibi et agentes paenitentiam et confitentes nomini tuo venerint et oraverint et deprecati te fuerint in domo hac

34 exaudi in caelo et dimitte peccatum populi tui Israhel et reduces eos in terram quam dedisti patribus eorum

35 si clausum fuerit caelum et non pluerit propter peccata eorum et orantes in loco isto paenitentiam egerint nomini tuo et a peccatis suis conversi fuerint propter adflictionem suam

36 exaudi eos in caelo et dimitte peccata servorum tuorum et populi tui Israhel et ostende eis viam bonam per quam ambulent et da pluviam super terram tuam quam dedisti populo tuo in possessionem

37 fames si oborta fuerit in terra aut pestilentia aut corruptus aer aurugo lucusta rubigo et adflixerit eum et inimicus eius portas obsidens omnis plaga universa infirmitas

38 cuncta devotatio et inprecatio quae acciderit omni homini de populo tuo Israhel si quis cognoverit plagam cordis sui et expanderit manus suas in domo hac

39 tu audies in caelo in loco habitationis tuae et repropitiaberis et facies ut des unicuique secundum omnes vias suas sicut videris cor eius quia tu nosti solus cor omnium filiorum hominum

40 ut timeant te cunctis diebus quibus vivunt super faciem terrae quam dedisti patribus nostris

41 insuper et alienigena qui non est de populo tuo Israhel cum venerit de terra longinqua propter nomen tuum audietur enim nomen tuum magnum et manus tua fortis et brachium tuum

42 extentum ubique cum venerit ergo et oraverit in loco hoc

43 tu exaudies in caelo in firmamento habitaculi tui et facies omnia pro quibus invocaverit te alienigena ut discant universi populi terrarum nomen tuum timere sicut populus tuus Israhel et probent quia nomen tuum invocatum est super domum hanc quam aedificavi

44 si egressus fuerit populus tuus ad bellum contra inimicos suos per viam quocumque miseris eos orabunt te contra viam civitatis quam elegisti et contra domum quam aedificavi nomini tuo

45 et exaudies in caelo orationem eorum et preces eorum et facies iudicium eorum

46 quod si peccaverint tibi non est enim homo qui non peccet et iratus tradideris eos inimicis suis et capti ducti fuerint in terram inimicorum longe vel prope

47 et egerint paenitentiam in corde suo in loco captivitatis et conversi deprecati te fuerint in captivitate sua dicentes peccavimus inique egimus impie gessimus

48 et reversi fuerint ad te in universo corde suo et tota anima sua in terra inimicorum suorum ad quam captivi ducti sunt et oraverint te contra viam terrae suae quam dedisti patribus eorum et civitatis quam elegisti et templi quod aedificavi nomini tuo

49 exaudies in caelo in firmamento solii tui orationem eorum et preces et facies iudicium eorum

50 et propitiaberis populo tuo qui peccavit tibi et omnibus iniquitatibus eorum quibus praevaricati sunt in te et dabis misericordiam coram eis qui eos captivos habuerint ut misereantur eis

51 populus enim tuus est et hereditas tua quos eduxisti de terra Aegypti de medio fornacis ferreae

52 ut sint oculi tui aperti ad deprecationem servi tui et populi tui Israhel et exaudias eos in universis pro quibus invocaverint te

53 tu enim separasti eos tibi in hereditatem de universis populis terrae sicut locutus es per Mosen servum tuum quando eduxisti patres nostros de Aegypto Domine Deus

54 factum est autem cum conplesset Salomon orans Dominum omnem orationem et deprecationem hanc surrexit de conspectu altaris Domini utrumque enim genu in terram fixerat et manus expanderat ad caelum

55 stetit ergo et benedixit omni ecclesiae Israhel voce magna dicens

56 benedictus Dominus qui dedit requiem populo suo Israhel iuxta omnia quae locutus est non cecidit ne unus quidem sermo ex omnibus bonis quae locutus est per Mosen servum suum

57 sit Dominus Deus noster nobiscum sicut fuit cum patribus nostris non derelinquens nos neque proiciens

58 sed inclinet corda nostra ad se ut ambulemus in universis viis eius et custodiamus mandata eius et caerimonias et iudicia quaecumque mandavit patribus nostris

59 et sint sermones mei isti quibus deprecatus sum coram Domino adpropinquantes Domino Deo nostro die et nocte ut faciat iudicium servo suo et populo suo Israhel per singulos dies

60 et sciant omnes populi terrae quia Dominus ipse est Deus et non est ultra absque eo

61 sit quoque cor nostrum perfectum cum Domino Deo nostro ut ambulemus in decretis eius et custodiamus mandata eius sicut et hodie

62 igitur rex et omnis Israhel cum eo immolabant victimas coram Domino

63 mactavitque Salomon hostias pacificas quas immolavit Domino boum viginti duo milia ovium centum viginti milia et dedicaverunt templum Domini rex et filii Israhel

64 in die illa sanctificavit rex medium atrii quod erat ante domum Domini fecit quippe ibi holocaustum et sacrificium et adipem pacificorum quia altare aereum quod erat coram Domino minus erat et capere non poterat holocausta et sacrificium et adipem pacificorum

65 fecit ergo Salomon in tempore illo festivitatem celebrem et omnis Israhel cum eo multitudo magna ab introitu Emath usque ad rivum Aegypti coram Domino Deo nostro septem diebus et septem diebus id est quattuordecim diebus

66 et in die octava dimisit populos qui benedicentes regi profecti sunt in tabernacula sua laetantes et alacri corde super omnibus bonis quae fecerat Dominus David servo suo et Israhel populo suo

1 Kings 8 Commentary

Chapter 8

The dedication of the temple. (1-11) The occasion. (12-21) Solomon's prayer. (22-53) His blessing and exhortation. (54-61) Solomon's peace-offerings. (62-66)

Verses 1-11 The bringing in the ark, is the end which must crown the work: this was done with great solemnity. The ark was fixed in the place appointed for its rest in the inner part of the house, whence they expected God to speak to them, even in the most holy place. The staves of the ark were drawn out, so as to direct the high priest to the mercy-seat over the ark, when he went in, once a year, to sprinkle the blood there; so that they continued of use, though there was no longer occasion to carry it by them. The glory of God appearing in a cloud may signify, 1. The darkness of that dispensation, in comparison with the light of the gospel, by which, with open face, we behold, as in a glass, the glory of the Lord. 2. The darkness of our present state, in comparison with the sight of God, which will be the happiness of heaven, where the Divine glory is unveiled.

Verses 12-21 Solomon encouraged the priests, who were much astonished at the dark cloud. The dark dispensations of Providence should quicken us in fleeing for refuge to the hope of the gospel. Nothing can more reconcile us to them, than to consider what God has said, and to compare his word and works together. Whatever good we do, we must look on it as the performance of God's promise to us, not of our promises to him.

Verses 22-53 In this excellent prayer, Solomon does as we should do in every prayer; he gives glory to God. Fresh experiences of the truth of God's promises call for larger praises. He sues for grace and favour from God. The experiences we have of God's performing his promises, should encourage us to depend upon them, and to plead them with him; and those who expect further mercies, must be thankful for former mercies. God's promises must be the guide of our desires, and the ground of our hopes and expectations in prayer. The sacrifices, the incense, and the whole service of the temple, were all typical of the Redeemer's offices, oblation, and intercession. The temple, therefore, was continually to be remembered. Under one word, "forgive," Solomon expressed all that he could ask in behalf of his people. For, as all misery springs from sin, forgiveness of sin prepares the way for the removal of every evil, and the receiving of every good. Without it, no deliverance can prove a blessing. In addition to the teaching of the word of God, Solomon entreated the Lord himself to teach the people to profit by all, even by their chastisements. They shall know every man the plague of his own heart, what it is that pains him; and shall spread their hands in prayer toward this house; whether the trouble be of body or mind, they shall represent it before God. Inward burdens seem especially meant. Sin is the plague of our own hearts; our in-dwelling corruptions are our spiritual diseases: every true Israelite endeavours to know these, that he may mortify them, and watch against the risings of them. These drive him to his knees; lamenting these, he spreads forth his hands in prayer. After many particulars, Solomon concludes with the general request, that God would hearken to his praying people. No place, now, under the gospel, can add to the prayers made in or towards it. The substance is Christ; whatever we ask in his name, it shall be given us. In this manner the Israel of God is established and sanctified, the backslider is recovered and healed. In this manner the stranger is brought nigh, the mourner is comforted, the name of God is glorified. Sin is the cause of all our troubles; repentance and forgiveness lead to all human happiness.

Verses 54-61 Never was a congregation dismissed with what was more likely to affect them, and to abide with them. What Solomon asks for in this prayer, is still granted in the intercession of Christ, of which his supplication was a type. We shall receive grace sufficient, suitable, and seasonable, in every time of need. No human heart is of itself willing to obey the gospel call to repentance, faith, and newness of life, walking in all the commandments of the Lord, yet Solomon exhorts the people to be perfect. This is the scriptural method, it is our duty to obey the command of the law and the call of the gospel, seeing we have broken the law. When our hearts are inclined thereto, feeling our sinfulness and weakness, we pray for Divine assistance; thus are we made able to serve God through Jesus Christ.

Verses 62-66 Solomon offered a great sacrifice. He kept the feast of tabernacles, as it seems, after the feast of dedication. Thus should we go home, rejoicing, from holy ordinances, thankful for God's Goodness

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 8

This chapter gives an account of the introduction of the ark into the temple, 1Ki 8:1-9 of the glory of the Lord filling it, 1Ki 8:10,11 of a speech Solomon made to the people concerning the building of the temple, and how he came to be engaged in it, 1Ki 8:12-21, of a prayer of his he put up on this occasion, requesting, that what supplications soever were made at any time, or on any account, by Israelites or strangers, might be accepted by the Lord, 1Ki 8:22-53, and of his blessing the people of Israel at the close of it, with some useful exhortations, 1Ki 8:54-61, and of the great number of sacrifices offered up by him, and the feast he made for the people, upon which he dismissed them, 1Ki 8:62-66.