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
The Dedication of the Temple. Solomon’s Prayer1. The chief of the fathers] i.e. heads of families. Out of the city] The Temple and Palace were built on the site of Araunah’s threshing floor (2 Chronicles 3:1), which would naturally be outside the city walls and on higher ground: cp. 1 Kings 9:24. 2. Ethanim] The later Tishri, corresponding to Sept.-Oct. The feast referred to was Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:34).3. The priests] 2 Chronicles 5:4 has ’the Levites,’ certain of whom (the Kohathites)... read more
(6-8) And the priests brought in the ark.—It is clear from this description that the ark was placed lengthways between the cherubim, so that the staves by which it was borne, when drawn out (though still partly attached to the ark) were seen—probably by projections visible through the veil—in the Holy Place; although, as the narrative remarks with characteristic minuteness of accuracy, “not without” from the porch. The reason why this detail is dwelt upon is obvious. Up to this time it had been... read more
(9) There was nothing.—The emphasis of this (repeated in 2 Chronicles 5:10) is remarkable, and seems intended to make it clear that the various things laid up “before the testimony”—the pot of manna (Exodus 16:33-34), the rod of Aaron (Numbers 17:10), the copy of the Law (Deuteronomy 31:24-26)—were not in the ark, but (as in the last case is actually stated), at “the side of the ark.” Unless any change afterwards took place—which is highly improbable—this clear statement must determine the... read more
Solomon's Temple 1 Kings 8:11 The whole of this chapter is taken up with the account of the consummation of Solomon's magnum opus. The great work of his life, for the accomplishment of which he had been called to the throne, was the building of the temple. It was the sacred task bequeathed to him by his father David the cherished dream of David's later years, for which he had prepared with all his might. I. I read the account of the elaborate and magnificent preparations for the temple and... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Kings 8:9
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