Verses 12-21
Solomon’s address to the people 8:12-21
God previously said He would dwell in the cloudy pillar (Leviticus 16:2). Solomon hoped God would now dwell in the temple forever (i.e., from then on).
Solomon emphasized the desire of David’s heart to build the temple (1 Kings 8:17-18). God raised up Solomon to do that, as He had promised. The temple was a house for the reputation (name) of Yahweh; it made a statement about Him. "Name" occurs 14 times in 1 Kings 8:16-20. The Mosaic Covenant was the basis of Israel’s ongoing fellowship with God (1 Kings 8:21). Solomon demonstrated humility and gratitude in what he said.
"This statement reflects the strong emphasis placed on justice in the theology of the Old Testament. Since God is just, He expects His representatives to be just also. The Temple was to be a place where this was recognized." [Note: Homer Heater Jr., "A Theology of Samuel and Kings," in A Biblical Theology of the Old Testament, p. 128.]
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