1 Kings 8:6-13 – A growing and glowing life

In 1 Kings 6:16-23, we saw how the inner sanctuary of the temple was constructed. We learned that in the inner sanctuary, a thirty feet cube much like the Holy of holies of Moses’ tabernacle was constructed.  Solomon also had two massive 15 feet cherubim made with the tips of their outstretched wings touching each other inside this cube. According to 1 Kings 8:6-9, when Solomon had the priest bring the ark of the covenant to the temple, he had it placed underneath the outspread wings of the two cherubim. Thus these cherubim formed a covering over the ark and the poles that were used to carry it. However, we were told that the poles were too long and could be seen from the outside of the confine of this cube. This was much like the throne room of God where the high priest would meet with Him once a year.

Verse 9 tells us that in the ark only the two tablets of stones of the Ten Commandments that Moses placed inside at Horeb were found. There was no mention of the rod of Aaron and the jar of manna. Only the two stone tablets were highlighted to show the connection of Israel to the covenant made with God at Mount Sinai. This could well suggest the importance of God’s Word to us.

Verses 10-11 tell us that once the ark was placed in the Holy of holies, the glory cloud of God filled the place until the priests could not stand to minister. With the cloud of His glory filling the temple, His presence also filled that place. So awesome was the sight that Solomon felt satisfied and elated. He took it as God’s approval. For God who dwelt in the thick cloud had descended and now dwelt in the lofty house that he had built for Him. The temple would mark God’s invisible presence among them.

The three critical elements that underscored Israel’s relationship with God were His presence, His Word, and His covenant. These are also the three critical elements in our worship and walk with God that we must not overlook. We need to seek His ever-abiding presence in our life. We need to be intimately acquainted with His Word. And we need to nurture an ongoing relationship with Him, constantly and consistently. Seek not only to grow in the Lord but also to glow for the Lord!