1 Kings 8
When construction of the temple was complete, Solomon called all the people together. The priests and Levites then moved the Ark of the Covenant, and the Tabernacle with all its furnishings to the temple. Solomon and the people offered so many sheep and oxen in sacrifice during this move they couldn’t be counted. After the priests placed the ark in its new place and came out, the temple was completely filled with the presence of God in the form of a cloud. It was so filled the priests couldn’t work!!
Solomon then turned to the people and gave a speech about how God had chosen his father, David, as king. And how David had wanted to build a temple, but God said that his son would do it and now it was done!
Solomon then prayed to God. He praised Him and acknowledged that no earthly building could hold Him. However, Solomon asked that God would hear the prayers of the people in this special place and that it would be a special place they could connect with God. He prayed that God would answer the people’s prayers and forgive them when they repented of their sins.
After his prayer, Solomon turned back to the people and spoke a blessing over them. That they would continue to follow God and He would continue to be with them, leading and guiding them.
Finally they sacrificed again which included 22,000 bulls and 120,000 sheep. After the sacrifices, they celebrated for 7 days, then 7 more days; 14 days total. The people of Israel celebrated that God was with them!
Is God in some places and not in others? Are there places where we feel closer to God and feel His presence more? Where is the place you feel closest to God?