Dedicating the Temple

2 Chronicles Chapter 5

Solomon assembled all the leaders of Israel in Jerusalem. The Ark of the Lord's covenant was brought from the city of David to its new place in the Templ. The assembly was the annual Festival of Shelters in early autumn. The Levites moved the Ark along with its special tent and sacred utensils. Solomon and the community sacrificed sheep and oxen before the Ark.

Then the priests carried the Ark into the inner sanctuary of the Temple, into the Most Holy Place, and placed it beneath the wings of the cherubim which formed a canopy over its carrying poles. Nothing was in the Ark except the two stone tablets Moses had placed there at Mount Sinai when the Lord made his convenant with the people of Israel after they left Egypt.

All the priest who were present purified themselves. And the Levites were dressed in fine linen robes and played musical instruments. They sang and praised the Lord and at that moment, a cloud filled the Temple and the priests could not continue because the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of God.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Why the great emphasis on the Temple? 1. It sybolized religious authority. 2. It symbolized God's holiness. 3. It symbolized God's covenant with Israel. 4. It was a symbol of forgiveness. 5. It prepared the people for the Messiah. 6. It was a testimony to human effort and creativity. 7. It was a place of prayer. The Temple took seven years to build. The Most Holy Place was entered by the priests on this day to place the Ark in its resting place, but then it was entered only once a year by a priest on the Day of Atonement.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? What pageantry this chapter presents with all its pomp and circumstance and what a wonderful first service in the new Temple of the Lord. This first service began with honoring God and acknowledging his presence and goodness. Just like our own worship should be today. When we praise God first, then we can prepare to present our needs to him. His love and mercy should inspire us daily. Practice praying to him each morning or evening. Do it at the same time of day each day so that it becomes a part of your routine. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
Update on my niece Suzanne, she is healing but her leg was crushed and will take many months of doctoring. She is in a nursing home for rehab care. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.