BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

Yesterday, we saw Israel bloom into a new Eden under Solomon’s wise rule. Splendor, abundance, peace, and blessing flow outward from Jerusalem toward the ends of the earth. But at this point, the temple at the heart of this garden land has been lying dormant, emptiness echoing down its golden halls.

In today’s reading, the final feature of Eden life falls into place: God’s loving, life-giving presence takes up residence in the temple.

With the magnificent Eden mansion finished and furnished, Solomon invites Yahweh to move in. The king has the ark of the covenant brought into the temple with an extravagant series of sacrifices (and no fatal oxcart mishaps this time). As soon as the priests set down the ark in the temple sanctuary, Yahweh’s glory fills his new house in a thick cloud.

The overwhelming intensity of Yahweh’s holy presence forces the temple priests to step outside—not because Yahweh’s holiness is bad, as the video explains, but because it’s so good.

Solomon sits on the throne of an Edenic kingdom, Yahweh’s holiness radiating life just across the street. Now, just like the first humans in the garden, Solomon faces a test: Will he rule by Yahweh’s wisdom and receive life on God’s terms, or will he choose what looks good in his own eyes and try to take life on his own terms?

Reflection Questions

• Look back to the dedication of the tabernacle in Leviticus 8. What parallels do you see to the dedication of the temple under Solomon?
• Compare Solomon’s speeches in today’s reading to Moses’ speeches at the end of Deuteronomy. What common themes do you notice?