1 Kings 8 | 2 Chronicles 5:1-7:10

After Solomon had completed all the work of building the temple, and all of the utensils and furnishings, he called all of Israel together to dedicate and consecrate that place for the worship of God’s Name.  All of the furnishings and utensils in the tabernacle of Moses at Gibeon were brought to the temple in Jerusalem, and the ark of the covenant was brought there from Zion, where David had pitched a tent for it.

Please note the emphasis on the Lord’s Name in relationship to this temple.  From the beginning, Solomon planned to build it as a place to honor the Name of God, and in various places God confirmed that He would place His Name there.  This temple is not a place where God dwelt, since not even the heavens can contain Him, but the scriptures say that He placed His Name there, so that it might be glorified, and sought by all the peoples.

Solomon and Israel take 2 weeks to consecrate and dedicate the temple in Jerusalem, and he prays a great prayer for God to hear the requests of all who appeal to His Name in that place, regardless of where they are located, or even if they are strangers from foreign countries.

The Lord hears all of the prayers of Solomon and the people, and His presence fills the temple, and fire comes down from heaven and burns up all the sacrifices presented to Him there.