Dedication of the Temple: Solomon’s Speech (1 Kings 8:12 – 21; 2 Chronicles 6:1 – 11)

Scripture Text:

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1 Kings 8:12 – 21

2 Chronicles 6:1 – 11

 

Questions:

1. Why does God appear as a “dark cloud” (see Exodus 19:16)?

2. Does Solomon say that God lives in the temple? How does he speak about God’s presence there?

3. In Solomon’s speech to the people, what do you learn about . . .

• God?
• David?
• Solomon?

4. What main point do you think Solomon tried to make in this speech?

5. Are you shy of speech-making? Is there something the people around you need to hear? Do they seem open to hearing it?

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The Ark of the LORD’s Covenant Brought to the Temple (1 Kings 8:1 – 11; 2 Chronicles 5:2 – 14)

Scripture Text:

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1 Kings 8:1 – 11

2 Chronicles 5:2 – 14

 

Questions:

1. Complete this sentence: “I come from a long line of ____________ s.” How long a line? Will the line continue?

2. Do you have any heirlooms? How did they come into your hands? Where do you keep them (or, what do you do with them)?

3. When was the last time your whole family got together? What was the occasion?

4. What was the best thing about a parade when you were a child? What is the best part now?

5. Why was the temple built on Mount Moriah instead of Mount Zion (see 2 Chronicles 3:1; 1 Chronicles 21:25 – 28)?

6. What has Solomon learned from David’s mistakes in moving the ark?

7. Why is the ark placed in the inner sanctuary? Why is the length of the carrying poles noted? Any message here about the character of God?

8. In moving the ark, what was the king’s role? The Levites’ role? The priests’ role? Which of these roles would you have liked to play?

9. What happened in the temple that seems to have resulted from the musical praise to the Lord? What experiences in Israel’s history does this remind you of (see Exodus 19:9; Exodus 40:34)?

10. What is your “ark” – something you must have in your life to feel close to God? Are you close now? If not, what move is needed?

11. When have you felt spiritually “at home”? Are you at home now, or still journeying toward “Zion”?

12. When have you been especially aware of God’s holiness, glory or faithfulness?

13. Have you seen God’s promises fulfilled in your life recently?

14. Had you received an invitation from Solomon to attend the Temple dedication, would you have gone:

• to get a few days off work?
• to be part of an important event?
• to hear superb music?
• to hobnob with the king and important people?
• to see what was on the inside?

15. If together we are God’s temple (as 1 Corinthians 3:16 says), how can we make sure that we are filled with the glory of the Lord when we meet? Or can we?

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Building the Temple: Solomon’s Sacrifices and the Staff (1 Kings 9:25; 2 Chronicles 8:12 – 16)

Scripture Text:

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1 Kings 9:25

2 Chronicles 8:12 – 16

 

Questions:

1. Why does Solomon sacrifice three times a year (1 Kings 9:25; 2 Chronicles 8:12, 13; see also  Exodus 23:14 -17)?

2. Does Solomon’s sacrifices make him a traditionalist? Does it make him legalistic? Explain your answer. (2 Chronicles 8:12 – 16)

3. How is your own worship of God like Solomon’s? Does his example suggest any changes you need to make?

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