1 Kings 8:9. There was nothing in the ark, &c. Strictly and properly speaking. But in a looser sense, the pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod were also in or by it, (Hebrews 9:4,) being placed by Moses, as God commanded, (Numbers 17:10,) before the ark of the testimony, in the most holy place. read more
The ark brought to the temple (8:1-21)People came from all over Israel to celebrate the dedication of the temple (see v. 65). The ceremony took place at the time of the mid-year festival season (8:1-2; see Leviticus 23:24,Leviticus 23:27,Leviticus 23:34).In transferring the ark from David’s temporary tent to the temple, Solomon, evidently remembering the mistake of his father, was careful to see that the priests and Levites carried the ark and all the holy vessels in the proper manner (3-9; cf.... read more
without = outside: i.e. outside the holy place. unto this day: i.e. 1 Kings written while Temple was still standing; therefore before its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar, and before the Captivity. Compare 2 Chronicles 5:9 , and See 1 Kings 9:21 ; 1Ki 12:19 . 2 Kings 8:22 ; 2 Kings 10:27 . read more
save, &c. Hebrews 9:4 speaks of the Ark as it was in the Tabernacle, not as in the Temple. Compare Hebrews 9:2 , Hebrews 9:3 , Hebrews 9:4 . when. Israel. The Septuagint reads "the Tables which Moses placed [there] in Horeb, which [Tables] the LORD covenanted with the sons of Israel". read more
1 Kings 8:9. There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, &c.— See Hebrews 9:4. Note; Though our eyes behold not the lustre of the Jewish temple, yet whilst by faith we are enabled to look to Jesus, all our requests will be granted, and at last with open face, we shall behold his brighter glory. read more
8. they drew out the staves—a little way, so as to project (see on :-; :-); and they were left in that position. The object was, that these projecting staves might serve as a guide to the high priest, in conducting him to that place where, once a year, he went to officiate before the ark; otherwise he might miss his way in the dark, the ark being wholly overshadowed by the wings of the cherubim. read more
9. There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone—Nothing else was ever in the ark, the articles mentioned (Hebrews 9:4) being not in, but by it, being laid in the most holy place before the testimony (Exodus 16:33; Numbers 17:10). read more
The entrance of the ark 8:1-11The Israelites regarded the ark as the throne of Yahweh. It was the place where He manifested His presence in a localized way and where He received the blood that atoned for the Israelites’ sins on the Day of Atonement. The ark had rested in David’s tabernacle in Zion since David had brought it from the house of Obed-edom (2 Samuel 6:17). It was the only item in the temple that was not new. Perhaps God did not change it to help the people realize that He,... read more
5. The temple dedication ch. 8This chapter climaxes the writer’s emphasis on the greatness of Yahweh as Israel’s God. It is the most detailed account of a dedication service in the Bible. It is also one of the most theologically significant texts in 1 and 2 Kings. read more
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Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 8:6-8
1 Kings 8:6-8. Under the wings of the cherubim Which Solomon had made. For the cherubim made by Moses were fixed to the mercy-seat and the ark, and were inseparable from it, and therefore, together with the ark, were placed under the wings of these cherubim. And they drew out the staves Not wholly, which was expressly forbidden, (Exodus 25:15; Numbers 4:6,) but in part. That the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place That is, the most holy, often called the holy place by... read more