1 Kings 8:12-21

1 Kings 8:12-21

[12] Then spake  Solomon,  The LORD  said  that he would dwell  in the thick darkness.  [13] I have surely  thee an house  to dwell in,  a settled place  for thee to abide in  for ever.  [14] And the king  his face  about,  and blessed  all the congregation  of Israel:  (and all the congregation  of Israel  stood;)  [15] And he said,  Blessed  be the LORD  God  of Israel,  which spake  with his mouth  unto David  my father,  and hath with his hand  fulfilled  it, saying,  [16] Since the day  that I brought forth  my people  Israel  out of Egypt,  I chose  no city  out of all the tribes  of Israel  to build  an house,  that my name  might be therein; but I chose  David  to be over my people  Israel.  [17] And it was in the heart  of David  my father  to build  an house  for the name  of the LORD  God  of Israel.  [18] And the LORD  said  unto David  my father,  Whereas  it was in thine heart  to build  an house  unto my name,  thou didst well  that it was in thine heart.  [19] Nevertheless  thou shalt not build  the house;  but thy son  that shall come forth out  of thy loins,  he shall build  the house  unto my name.  [20] And the LORD  hath performed  his word  that he spake,  and I am risen up  in the room of David  my father,  and sit  on the throne  of Israel,  as the LORD  promised,  and have built  an house  for the name  of the LORD  God  of Israel.  [21] And I have set  there a place  for the ark,  wherein is the covenant  of the LORD,  which he made  with our fathers,  when he brought them out  of the land  of Egypt. 

What does 1 Kings 8:12-21 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

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" occurs14times 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." [1]