Bible Commentaries

DAVID'S PROVISIONS PUT IN THE TEMPLE

(v.1)

The work of building being completed, Solomon also brought into the temple the things that David had collected and dedicated to the Lord, silver and gold and other furnishings. These were put in the treasuries of the house of the Lord, evidently in a different room than either of the sanctuaries. But the reminder of David's part was not to be lost, for he had put down the enemies of the Lord.

THE ARK PUT IN ITS PROPER PLACE

(vv.2-14)

The bringing of the ark to the temple required a special public observance, for this was to be an occasion of great rejoicing. Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the 12 tribes, the chief fathers of Israel, to Jerusalem for this observance. This was at the time of the feast of the seventh month, very likely the Feast of Tabernacles, which began on the 15th day of this month, for it pictures the blessing of Israel's millennial glory.

When the people were assembled, the Levites took up the ark, according to the prescribed order, and also brought the tabernacle and its furnishings up to the temple (vv.4-5). Does this not tell us that, though the temple adds to the truth that is illustrated in the tabernacle, yet nothing of the truth connected with the tabernacle was to be lost, but rather incorporated into the teaching of the temple?

As this work was being done, King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel were sacrificing sheep and oxen that could not be counted or numbered for multitude (v.6). Every one of these offerings is symbolical of the one offering of Christ, but the number speaks of the worship of One who is worthy of unlimited adoration because of the unlimited value of His sacrifice.

The priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord into the most holy place and set it under the wings of the two cherubim whose wings were spread from wall to wall. The poles for carrying the ark were left in place so as to be seen inside the holiest of all, but of course could not be seen outside (vv.7-8). The poles were no longer necessary for carrying the ark, but remained as a reminder that the ark (Christ in figure) had been a pilgrim at one time, just as we shall be reminded for eternity that the Lord Jesus was once on earth as an outcast sojourner (v.9). All this history on earth will be a matter for our eternal appreciation.

Nothing but the two tables of the law were in the ark (v.10). There will be the reminder for eternity that the law has been perfectly kept, not by mankind, but in the heart of the Lord Jesus. who not only kept the law Himself, but fulfilled all the law's claims against sinners (Psalms 40:8).

After having placed, the ark in the Most Holy Place, the priests came out (v, 11), and the Levites who were singers under Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun were stationed at the east of the bronze altar, clothed in white linen, having various stringed instruments, and with them 120 priests with trumpets (v.12).

The trumpeters and singers were "as one," their harmony beautiful as the stringed instruments also joined in, and thus the gathering unitedly thanked and praised the Lord, saying, "For He is good, for His mercy endures forever" (v.13). All this is symbolical of the spontaneous great joy that will fill the hearts of Israel at the dawning of the millennial age. The Lord then expressed His own approval by filling the temple with the cloud of His glory, so that for the time even the priests could not enter there (v.14).