1 Kings 8:1

¶ Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which [is] Zion.

Then Solomon {H8010} assembled {H6950} the elders {H2205} of Israel {H3478}, and all the heads {H7218} of the tribes {H4294}, the chief {H5387} of the fathers {H1} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, unto king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} in Jerusalem {H3389}, that they might bring up {H5927} the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285} of the LORD {H3068} out of the city {H5892} of David {H1732}, which is Zion {H6726}.

Then Shlomo assembled all the leaders of Isra'el, all the heads of the tribes and the chiefs of the paternal clans of the people of Isra'el, to King Shlomo in Yerushalayim, to bring the ark for the covenant of ADONAI out of the City of David, also known as Tziyon.

At that time Solomon assembled before him in Jerusalem the elders of Israel—all the tribal heads and family leaders of the Israelites—to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Zion, the City of David.

Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the princes of the fathers’housesof the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of Jehovah out of the city of David, which is Zion.

Commentary

1 Kings 8:1 marks the beginning of the highly anticipated dedication ceremony for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem. This verse sets the stage for one of the most significant events in Israelite history, signifying the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and, by extension, the visible presence of God among His people.

Context

Following seven years of construction, King Solomon had finally completed the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, a project initiated by the vision of his father, King David. This verse describes Solomon's strategic assembly of all the key leaders of Israel: the elders, heads of tribes, and chief fathers. Their purpose was to collectively participate in the solemn act of bringing the Ark of the Covenant from its temporary dwelling in the City of David (Zion) into its permanent resting place within the Holy of Holies in the Temple. This event symbolizes the centralization of Israelite worship and the fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among His people.

Key Themes

  • Unity and Leadership: Solomon's act of assembling all the leaders from every part of Israel underscores the national significance of the event. It portrays a unified Israel, under divine leadership, participating in a pivotal moment for their spiritual identity.
  • Divine Presence: The primary focus is the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God's tangible presence, His throne, and His covenant with Israel (Exodus 25:22). Moving the Ark into the Temple signified God's willingness to inhabit this new sanctuary among His chosen people.
  • Fulfillment and Dedication: This verse initiates the climactic dedication of the Temple, the physical manifestation of God's dwelling place, and the culmination of David's vision and Solomon's monumental effort (1 Kings 6:1).

Significance and Application

The scene in 1 Kings 8:1 highlights the profound importance of God's presence at the center of His people's lives and worship. For ancient Israel, the Ark and the Temple were the focal points of their relationship with God. Today, while we do not have a physical Ark or a single Temple in Jerusalem as the sole dwelling place of God, the principles remain:

  • God Desires to Dwell Among Us: Just as God chose to dwell in the Temple, through Christ, He now dwells among believers and within the body of Christ, the Church (John 1:14, 1 Corinthians 3:16).
  • Unity in Purpose: The assembly of all Israel's leaders serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity in pursuing God's purposes. When leaders and people are united in seeking God's will and presence, great things can be accomplished for His glory.
  • Reverence for God's Presence: The solemnity of bringing the Ark into the Temple teaches us to approach God's presence with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness and majesty.

This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical account but a foundational statement about God's desire for intimate communion with humanity and the importance of creating spaces, both physical and spiritual, where His presence is honored and sought.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 5:2 (5 votes)

    Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which [is] Zion.

  • 2 Chronicles 5:10 (5 votes)

    [There was] nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put [therein] at Horeb, when the LORD made [a covenant] with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:25 (4 votes)

    ¶ So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy.

  • 2 Samuel 6:12 (3 votes)

    ¶ And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that [pertaineth] unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.

  • 2 Samuel 6:17 (3 votes)

    And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel.

  • Ezra 3:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel [were] in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.