APRIL 13

        Solomon built the Temple first, and this project took seven 
years. He then built the king's house and the other structures and 
courts that made up the Temple area. The entire project took about 
twenty years to complete.

        The New Testament does not give us as much instruction as to 
the meaning of the Temple as it does the Tabernacle. Some see the 
Tabernacle as a picture of Christ in His humility on earth, and the 
Temple as a type of His present ministry in glory, building that 
"holy Temple" of living stones. Others feel the Tabernacle typifies 
our pilgrim life today, while the Temple (a permanent building) 
typifies our glorious reign with Christ when He returns.

        It is sad that the Jews trusted the presence of their Temple 
instead of the promises of the Lord; for in less than 500 years the 
Temple was destroyed, as the Jews went into captivity for their 
sins.

        Chapter 8 records the dedication of the magnificent Temple. 
God had filled the Temple with His glory when the Ark was brought 
in. Solomon addressed the people and reminded them of God's 
faithfulness to keep His promises. Then he prayed to the Lord on 
behalf of his family; for those who had sinned; the Gentile 
strangers; and the exiled nations. The key thought of Solomon's 
prayer was that God might hear the cries and be merciful to them, in 
spite of their sins. Solomon realized that the condition of Israel's 
heart was more important than the presence of the Temple. He knew 
that sin would bring chastening, but repentance would bring 
forgiveness and blessing.