Before the building of the temple by Solomon, there as the tabernacle. Based on the descriptions in scripture (Exodus 26), I imagine that it was quite a sight to behold in terms of materials and craftsmanship. Then God’s presence came and His glory filled the tabernacle (40:34). What a sight that must have been!
Then, David wanted to build the temple and was not allowed, so he spent a great deal of time and effort collecting resources, making treaties and preparing for the building of the temple. Solomon began building the temple as described in 1 Kings 6 and in chapter 8 we read of the dedication of the temple. The amount of materials and fine craftsmanship involved might make one think the tabernacle was dwarfed by the magnificence of this temple. It was truly amazing, but it is God who makes them both incredible!
In Solomon’s dedication, He recognizes that there was no way for heaven and earth to contain God, much less a building on earth, no matter how amazing it was. It was a place for them to seek the presence and favor of the Lord. And what was most important? That they could find forgiveness.
In 2 Chronicles 7, as Solomon finishes His prayer, fire comes down from heaven and the glory of God fills that temple. The people responded by bowing down and worshiping Him. What would my response be? I think it would be to seek His forgiveness and worship Him as the One True God. Do I have to see such a sight to do this? I should be doing this anyway!
“But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!” (Psalm 40:16)
“Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (Psalm 105:3-4)
The tabernacle, and then the temple were incredible structures in which God manifested His glory for the Hebrew people. The tabernacle and the temple are gone. The covenant they were under is gone. But now, we have something greater than the old covenant. We have Jesus. He is our King, our Savior, our Priest, our Brother, and He is the head of the body, His church. Likewise, we have something greater than God manifesting His glory in the temple. We are now His temple and His Spirit dwells with us (1 Corinthians 3:16). It is not something everyone can see in terms of fire or cloud, but it is something people can see as we mold ourselves after the likeness of Christ, bearing fruit in His name (Romans 7:4; Philippians 1:11; Colossians 1:10).
I am humbled at the thought of God’s Spirit dwelling with me. It should prompt repentance, worship, praise and service. It should make me think twice about what I do and what I say. It should make me think twice about how I spend my time. Indeed, it should make me think about my God continually and make it my aim to please Him and bring glory to Him.
