Bible Study – The Dedication of the Temple and God’s Covenant with Solomon

Key Verse

“And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.”
— (1 Kings 9:4-5)

The Dedication of the Temple and God’s Covenant with Solomon

1 Kings 8-9
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BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

The Temple’s construction was a significant project for Israel, fulfilling God’s promise to dwell among His people. King David understood its importance but was forbidden from building it due to his history as a warrior. Instead, Solomon began construction in the fourth year of his reign—about 480 years after Israel’s exodus from Egypt—and completed it in seven years. Built with large stones and cedar overlaid with gold and silver, the Temple followed the Tabernacle’s design but at double the scale. The Children of Israel gave generously to its construction.
In today’s text, Solomon and Israel’s leaders brought the Ark and holy vessels from the Tabernacle, dedicating the Temple. God’s presence, symbolized by the cloud, filled the house. The dedication lasted seven days, followed by the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles. It was important that the Temple be built exactly to the specifications given by God so that He could dwell there. Just so, it is important that our lives are pure and in agreement with God’s Word, so that He is able to dwell within us.
God’s second appearance to Solomon assured him that his prayers would be answered but also carried a warning, echoing Moses’ words in Deuteronomy. Chapter 9 outlines the Temple’s construction—Solomon spent seven years on this project and thirteen years on his own house, which was twice its size. Hiram, King of Tyre, sent 120 talents of gold (about four-and-a-half tons), and Solomon gave him twenty cities, though Hiram found them displeasing. The cities were later returned to Solomon.
Solomon was a prolific builder, fortifying Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer—cities equipped with horses, chariots, and supplies. He strengthened Jerusalem’s wall (Millo) and established a seaport at Ezion-geber on the northern tip of the Red Sea, hiring Hiram’s sailors to form a navy. Archaeological evidence shows advanced copper mining and smelting in the area.
Israel observed three major feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Solomon led by example, bringing sacrifices and incense to the Temple for the priests. Incense, symbolizing prayers ascending to God, was made using a sacred formula reserved strictly for worship. Each day we have the opportunity to follow God’s directions. We will need His strength and grace to succeed. He has promised to help us if we ask.

 

A TESTIMONY FROM OUR DAY

As Christians, we are called to obey God’s commands and uphold His statutes, though this can sometimes be challenging. In those moments, we must seek His grace to follow His will, knowing He will guide, help, and encourage us.
Years ago, God led me to move my family from Denver to Portland. Balancing two jobs and raising teenagers, I worried about how we would manage the transition. Then, a colleague mentioned that her husband, who owned a moving company, could help—at an incredibly low price, including loading and unloading. Through this, God showed me that when we follow His lead, He works out the details in remarkable ways.
God promised Solomon an established kingdom if he served Him wholeheartedly, as David had. His success depended on obedience—just as ours does. While we cannot control life’s circumstances or others’ actions, we can choose to obey God. Whatever challenges arise, He promises daily help when we walk in obedience. If we step out in faith and follow His plan, He will enable us. The rewards of obedience are certain—because God promised!

 

A CLOSER LOOK

Question 1
What does the fact that Solomon called together the elders of Israel and all the Heads of the tribes for the dedication of the Temple say about how he viewed that event? I Kings 8:1
Question 2
How did God manifest Himself in the Temple? I Kings 8:6-7, 10-11, 27-28, 62-66.
Question 3
Although we do not sacrifice the way the Israelites did as recorded in chapter 8, how might we include sacrifice in our lives to help make us a more perfect temple for God?
Question 4
When did God appear to Solomon the second time and why? I Kings 9:2-9
Question 5
Using Solomon as a case study (I Kings 9:3-5), what blessings does obedience to God bring? Reflecting on this, how do you see God’s blessings in your own life through obedience?

 

TAKE HOME

It was important that the Temple be built exactly tothespecifi cationsgivenbyGodsothatHecoulddwell there. Just so, it is important that our lives are pure and in agreement with God’s Word, so that He is able to dwell within us.
Each day we have the opportunity to follow God’s directions. We will need His strength and grace to succeed. He has promised to help us if we ask.