March 18 – The People Gave Thanks to God

Sunday School Lesson

March 18

The People Gave Thanks to God

 

Devotional Reading: Psalm 138

 

Background Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:1-11

 

2 Chronicles 7:1-9

 

1 Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house.

 

2 And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house.

 

3 And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth forever.

 

4 Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the Lord.

 

5 And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

 

6 And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the Lord, which David the king had made to praise the Lord, because his mercy endureth for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood.

 

7 Moreover Solomon hallowed the middle of the court that was before the house of the Lord: for there he offered burnt offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, because the brasen altar which Solomon had made was not able to receive the burnt offerings, and the meat offerings, and the fat.

 

8 Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt.

 

9 And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days.

 

Key Verse

 

When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.—2 Chronicles 7:3

 

Lesson Aims

 

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

 

1. Describe God’s response to Solomon’s prayer of dedication at the temple and how Solomon and the people gave thanks to God.

 

2. Explain why giving thanks to God receives the emphasis it does in today’s passage.

 

3. Suggest one specific way to make giving thanks a consistent part of his or her daily walk.

 

 

Introduction

 

1. The “Write” Advice

 

When our son graduated from college in June of 2011, the school’s president addressed the class as was customary. The content was pretty typical fare for a graduation speech, and I couldn’t tell you much of what he said that day. But I have never forgotten one piece of advice the president offered those graduates: they should write a thank-you note to each person who gave them a graduation present.

 

He went on to emphasize the need for handwritten notes. He urged the graduates not to send thank-you cards having preprinted messages; graduates should instead write personal messages of thanks, no matter how small the gift. To my recollection, I have not heard such advice in any other graduation ceremony I have attended before or since.

 

A prominent reminder to God’s people throughout Scripture is to be thankful. The Psalms include many such exhortations (Psalm 95:2; 100:4; 116:17), as does the New Testament (Ephesians 5:20; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 2:7). As Paul told the Thessalonians, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

 

In today’s lesson we see the important role that giving thanks played in celebrating the dedication of Solomon’s temple. The nation of Israel observed not just a day of thanksgiving (as is commonly done in countries such as the United States and Canada) but a celebration that spanned two weeks (2 Chronicles 7:8-10)!

 

1. Lesson Background

 

The background for last week’s lesson on Solomon’s dedicatory prayer also applies to this week’s lesson, so that information need not be repeated here. The conclusion to Solomon’s eloquent prayer, which immediately precedes today’s lesson text, is of such power that its wording is also closely reflected in a psalm:

 

Arise, O Lord, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy. For thy servant David’s sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.

 

—Psalm 132:8-10

 

Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness. O Lord God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant.

 

—2 Chronicles 6:41, 42

 

1. Fire from God

 

                                                               (2 Chronicles 7:1-3)

 

1. Glory Comes Down (vv. 1, 2)

 

1a. Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices.

 

Solomon had concluded his dedicatory prayer with the plea that the Lord would “arise” and come into His “resting place” (see above). The immediately ensuing fire . . . from heaven is dramatic evidence that the Lord is pleased with the sentiment.

 

As the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the temple, so many sacrifices had been offered that it became impossible to keep track of their number (2 Chronicles 5:5, 6). What is consumed after the completion of Solomon’s prayer is apparently whatever remains on the altar at this point. The scene reminds us somewhat of the confrontation that occurs later between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (see 1 Kings 18:38). Similar demonstrations of heavenly fire associated with an altar had also accompanied the dedication of the tabernacle (Leviticus 9:23, 24) and David’s offering prepared on a threshing floor to stop a pestilence (plague) sent upon the people of Israel (1 Chronicles 21:14-27). In each case, fire signifies God’s acceptance of the offerings given. So it is with the fire that consumes Solomon’s sacrifices.

 

How to Say It

 

AsaphAy-saff.

BaalBay-ul.

ElijahEe-lye-juh.

EphesiansEe-fee-zhunz.

HamathHay-muth.

LevitesLee-vites.

LeviticusLeh-vit-ih-kus.

OrontesAwe-rahnt-eez.

PhilippiansFih-lip-ee-unz.

tabernacletah-burr-nah-kul.

ThessaloniansThess-uh-lo-nee-unz (th as in thin).

 

1b. And the glory of the Lord filled the house.

 

The phrasing here is virtually identical to that found in 2 Chronicles 5:14 (see the Lesson Background of lesson 2, page 243). It also echoes what took place when the assembling of the tabernacle was completed (Exodus 40:34, 35). God’s blessing upon and approval of Solomon’s temple is obvious to all present.

 

What Do You Think?

 

As a congregation, how can we know when our sensing of God presence is genuine?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

Regarding His love

 

Regarding His correction

 

Other

 

2. And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house.

 

This too is exactly what transpired at the completion of the tabernacle. On that occasion Moses was not able to enter that structure because of the overwhelming presence of the glory of the Lord. Neither could the priests conduct their ministry when the ark of the covenant was brought into the temple due to the overwhelming nature of the sacred presence (2 Chronicles 5:14).

 

1. People Bow Down (v. 3)

 

3a. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the Lord.

 

The immediate response of all the children of Israel befits such a display of Heaven-sent power. This response also calls to mind the people’s reaction at the dedication of the tabernacle when fire came forth and consumed the sacrifices on the altar (Leviticus 9:24). A similar outpouring of praise will occur much later following the descent of heavenly fire in answer to Elijah’s prayer on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:39).

 

3b. Saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth forever.

 

The words the people utter in praise were also voiced when the Ark of the Covenant was placed within the temple (2 Chronicles 5:13). This refrain is in fact an integral part of Israelite worship within the Old Testament record. “David delivered first this psalm [which included this refrain] to thank the Lord into the hand of Asaph and his brethren” for use as part of the worship ceremony that accompanied bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 16:7, 34). That the refrain became a kind of worship standard is indicated later in 1 Chronicles 16 where a list of names is included, designating those responsible for various matters of temple worship. Verse 41 records that all these individuals were chosen “to give thanks to the Lord, because his mercy endureth for ever.”

 

This refrain is also found in Psalms 100, 106, 107, 118, and 136. Each of the latter’s 26 verses concludes with the refrain. Furthermore, when the prophet Jeremiah pictures the return of God’s people to Jerusalem from captivity, he describes them using these very words in celebrating their return (Jeremiah 33:10, 11). And when God’s people do return and lay the foundation of the second temple, the words of this refrain form part of their grateful worship (Ezra 3:10, 11). All in all, this refrain occurs about 40 times in the Old Testament.

 

What Do You Think?

 

What changes might we experience by being more mindful of God’s goodness, mercy, and love? Why?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

In our families

 

In our churches

 

In our workplace

 

Personally

 

1. Worship by People

 

                                                             (2 Chronicles 7:4-6)

 

1. Their Sacrifices (vv. 4, 5)

 

4. Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the Lord.

 

Now come the actions of worship that follow the posture and words of worship of the previous verse. It should be highlighted that both king and people take part in this. In other nations of the ancient Near East, the king is commonly viewed as a deity to whom worship is offered. Solomon understands his proper place in this ceremony; he is just as much a worshipper as any member of the common people.

 

5. And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

 

When the Ark of the Covenant had been carried into the temple, so many sheep and oxen were sacrificed that it was impossible to keep count (2 Chronicles 5:6). Numbers of animals offered in the current instance are given, and the figures are staggering to consider. The sacrifice of 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep dwarfs those of later reform celebrations in 2 Chronicles 29:32; 30:24; 35:7-9.

 

What Do You Think?

 

What steps can we take to better express our reverence and thanks to God?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

In worship

 

In prayers

 

In conversation

 

Other

 

Some claim that such numbers cannot be taken literally, estimating that the slaughter of 142,000 animals would require 20 sacrifices per minute for 10 hours a day for 12 straight days. So the figures are said to reflect an enormous number but need not be considered an actual, literal count. However, see comments on verse 7, below.

 

Later the Lord appears to Solomon and tells him, “I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for a house of sacrifice” (2 Chronicles 7:12; see lesson 4). The temple’s function as a “house of sacrifice” is certainly being fulfilled on this memorable dedication ceremony!

 

“How Much Is Too Much”

 

“The biggest party on earth” is how the Shah of Iran described the gala he had planned for 1971. The party was to celebrate the 2,500th anniversary of the founding of the Persian Empire by Cyrus the Great (note Ezra 1:2). Ecstatic because of his role in the event, the Shah designated himself Shahanshah—“King of Kings.”

 

In October 1971, the world’s political elite came to Iran to observe the Shah’s attempt to show how his reign replicated the greatness of the ancient kingdom. A colossal tent city made of silk was erected for the occasion. Eighteen tons of food and as many as 25,000 bottles of wine and liquor were flown in. Six hundred guests dined for more than five hours. It was a truly grand occasion, the epitome of excess. But the Shah found himself in exile a few years later, replaced by an Islamic dictatorship. The excesses of his lifestyle played a significant part in bringing him down.

 

The abundance of sacrifices Solomon brought to the temple dedication can be seen in a different light: they were intended to glorify God for His goodness to Israel. These sacrifices constituted the epitome of true worship. They were offered to exalt a gracious God whose “mercy endureth forever.” Is that why you give back to the Lord?

 

—C. R. B.

 

1. Their Music (v. 6)

 

6. And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the Lord, which David the king had made to praise the Lord, because his mercy endureth forever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood.

 

Worship through music is an integral part of the ceremony. The mention of David is noteworthy. Even though David was not permitted to build the temple, he was allowed to contribute “abundantly” to the project (1 Chronicles 22:5). Part of that preparation was organizing the ministry of worship through music, which was something very close to David’s heart. Second Samuel 23:1 refers to him as “the sweet psalmist of Israel.” On use of the refrain his mercy endureth for ever, see comments on 2 Chronicles 7:3, above.

 

The fact that David the king had made certain instruments of musick to use in worship and that he praised by their ministry fits well with his own status as a musician (see 1 Samuel 16:23; 2 Samuel 6:5). These skills form the backdrop of David’s expertise in organizing the music ministry during his reign (1 Chronicles 16:4-7; 25:1-7).

 

What Do You Think?

 

What are some ways we can ascribe worthiness to God?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

In good times

 

In hard times

 

III. Further Actions

 

                                                                 (2 Chronicles 7:7-9)

 

1. Many Offerings (v. 7)

 

7. Moreover Solomon hallowed the middle of the court that was before the house of the Lord: for there he offered burnt offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, because the brasen altar which Solomon had made was not able to receive the burnt offerings, and the meat offerings, and the fat.

 

Here we see how the numbers of 2 Chronicles 7:5 can be taken literally: Solomon has hallowed (dedicated) additional sacred space for the various sacrifices of the occasion. In addition, the entire ceremony of dedication lasts two weeks (see further on 7:9). Thus, while the task of offering the sacrifices requires a significant effort from the priests and Levites present, the numbers of the sacrificial animals do not need to be interpreted in any way other than literally.

 

The types of offerings noted reflect the totality of the people’s worship and devotion to the Lord. Usually burnt offerings (described in Leviticus 1) address issues of sin or of dedication to the Lord. The term meat offerings represents the grain offerings, with the word meat describing the choice part of the grain as opposed to the worthless chaff; compare Leviticus 2:14; Isaiah 62:8). These offerings symbolize thanksgiving, and the regulations for presenting them are found in Leviticus 2. Peace offerings are the only offerings in which a portion may be eaten by the worshipper and the priest (Leviticus 3; 7:11-18); the fat of such offerings is to be presented only to the Lord (3:16, 17).

 

The phrase the brasen altar which Solomon had made is not to be understood as indicating that the king has dreamed up his own ad hoc addition to the temple furnishings. This altar was part of the original design for the tabernacle (the precursor to the temple), as noted in Exodus 27:1-8; 38:1-7. Solomon made this altar in the sense that he authorized its size be scaled up to match the larger size of the temple (2 Chronicles 4:1). Even given its larger size, however, it is not able to receive the various offerings, so numerous are they.

 

What Do You Think?

 

What preparations can we undertake in order to make an extravagant sacrifice to God?

 

Points for Your Discussion

 

Considering the three Ts of “time, talent, and treasure”

 

Considering the sacrifice as a visible witness (Matthew 5:12-16; 26:6-13) vs. the need for discreetness (Matthew 6:1-4)

 

1. Many Worshippers (vv. 8, 9)

 

8. Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt.

 

The feast alluded to here is the Feast of Booths, or Tabernacles (also known as Ingathering). We know this because of the reference in 2 Chronicles 7:10 to “the seventh month,” which is the month when this feast is to be observed for a period of seven days (Leviticus 23:33-36, 39-43; compare 2 Chronicles 5:3). Its purpose is to recognize the harvest provided by the Lord. Thus, the dedication of the temple (for which the people are gathered to give thanks) occurs adjacent to a feast already on the Israelite calendar, a feast already set aside for giving thanks to God.

 

The sense of unity and support for Solomon’s undertaking is clear from both the number of worshippers and the distances they travel: from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt. Hamath is a city located in upper Syria on the Orontes River. The river of Egypt most likely refers to the stream of water known as the Wadi el Arish, which is situated on the southwestern border of Palestine and flows into the Mediterranean Sea.

 

These boundaries are significant in that they reflect God’s intention as to the territory that His people should possess (Numbers 34:5-8). Hamath designates the northernmost point; the Wadi el Arish marks the southernmost point. The people gathered on this day could celebrate not only the achievement of building a temple but also the building of a great nation in fulfillment of the promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 1 Kings 4:21, 24). Neither could have happened without the Lord’s blessing.

 

A King Above All Others

 

Over two dozen nations today require their heads of state to belong to a particular religion. Several other nations have religious requirements for their ceremonial monarchs. For example, Queen Elizabeth II’s role in that regard is “Supreme Governor of the Church of England and Defender of the Faith” for the British Commonwealth of Nations.

 

These traditions can be traced to biblical times. Solomon, king of Israel, is an example. So are the Herods of the New Testament. Centuries later, King Henry VIII of England demonstrated how a monarch may provide questionable spiritual leadership. Henry’s maneuverings to be granted a divorce resulted in his receiving one from a religious authority that he himself had created—not the best of spiritual examples for his people.

 

Solomon, by contrast, did set an appropriate example as he led in worship of the Lord. However, the history of God’s people in the Old Testament demonstrates that no matter how devout leaders may be, we do well not to place too much faith in them. Saul, David, Solomon, and their successors prove the point. In Jesus we have a king who will never lead us astray. Although we are to honor earthly authorities (1 Peter 2:17), our ultimate allegiance must be only to Him.

 

—C. R. B.

 

9. And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days.

 

The Law of Moses stipulates that the Feast of Tabernacles lasts seven days, beginning the fifteenth day of the seventh month (Leviticus 23:33, 34). Since the people are sent home on the twenty-third day of this month (2 Chronicles 7:10), the dedication of the temple lasts seven days followed by the seven-day observance of the Feast of Tabernacles.

 

The solemn assembly on the eighth day concludes both the gathering for the dedication of the temple and the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:36b; Numbers 29:35-38). That the dedication of the altar is specifically noted is perhaps in keeping with the temple’s purpose as a sacred place for sacrifices to be offered (2 Chronicles 7:12).

 

Verse 10, though not in our lesson text, describes the conclusion of what must have been an uplifting time of praise and worship. The people leave “glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the Lord had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people.” Once more the important role of David is highlighted. What has transpired on this momentous day marks the fulfillment of part of God’s covenant with David. Both his son Solomon and the entire nation of Israel are the beneficiaries of God’s faithfulness, and they acknowledge that truth as they depart from this memorable celebration to return home.

 

Conclusion

 

1. Semper Gratus

 

Many will recognize the words Semper Fidelis as the motto of the United States Marine Corps. The phrase means “always faithful” and highlights the unwavering devotion to duty and country that those in the Marines have exhibited consistently throughout their history. In thinking about the theme of today’s lesson, perhaps the phrase Semper Gratus, meaning “always grateful,” is appropriate. This is a motto for Christians to live by in recognition of God’s mercy. Of that mercy we can say, as the worshippers at the temple dedication proclaimed, it “endureth forever.” It doesn’t hurt to note again Paul’s exhortation “in everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

 

We should keep in mind that those words came from someone whose surroundings were often less than comfortable or carefree. Earlier in that same epistle, Paul referred to the suffering and shameful treatment that he and his companions had experienced while preaching the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:1, 2). He even writes of Christians being “appointed” for such treatment (3:3).

 

Yet Paul did not allow such situations to shake his spirit or cloud his view of the Lord’s mercy to him. His motto could have been Semper Gratus. May it be ours as well.

 

1. Prayer

 

Father, may our worship include every part of our lives—thoughts, words, deeds, and will. Help us to live as thankful people in the midst of a broken and often cynical world. Let us dedicate anew, with no less resolve and sincerity than Solomon, the temples of our bodies to Your service. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

1. Thought to Remember

 

Give thanks and live thanks—daily.

 

 

 

Kid’s Corner

Reasons for Joyful Hearts

March 18, 2018 2

Chronicles 6:12-21

 

2 Chronicles 7:1-10

(2 Chronicles 7:1) Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the house.

King Solomon dedicated the newly built temple with a prayer that glorified God and restated the conditions the Israelites needed to meet for God to answer their prayers (see 2 Chronicles 6). God answered King Solomon’s prayer by sending fire from heaven for all the people to see. Earlier in their history, with a pillar of fire, the LORD led the Hebrews in the wilderness (see Exodus 13:21), and God sent fire to consume an offering of Aaron (see Leviticus 9:21). Later, when Ahab was king, to contend with the prophets of Baal, God sent fire in answer to Elijah’s prayer to consume an offering (see 1 Kings 18:38). When the fire came down, the glory of the LORD filled the temple. As King Solomon had prayed earlier, he knew his temple could not contain the LORD, but in some special sense the LORD was present in the temple and He would hear the prayers of the people when they prayed toward the temple. Jesus spoke of His body as a temple (see John 2:21). On the Day of Pentecost, fire appeared above the heads of Jesus’ disciples and the Holy Spirit began to fill the followers of Jesus Christ from that day forth (see Acts 2:1-4). Because the Holy Spirit indwells Christians, Paul wrote: “What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people’” (2 Corinthians 6:16). Today, the glory of the Lord indwells the followers of Christ.

(2 Chronicles 7:2) The priests could not enter into the house of the LORD because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD’S house.

The presence of the LORD’s glory in the temple made it impossible for the priests to enter the temple. The temple included the innermost chamber, called the “Holy of Holies” or the “Most Holy Place,” where God was enthroned above both the Ark of the Covenant and the cherubim above the ark. When a cubit is equal to 18 inches, the Holy of Holies was a cube that was 30 feet long by 30 feet wide by 30 feet high. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year. The outer chamber of the temple was called the “Holy Place,” where other priests (and only priests) could enter. The glory of the LORD sanctified or made the entire temple holy, and for a time it could not be entered by anyone, not even the priests.

(2 Chronicles 7:3) All the sons of Israel, seeing the fire come down and the glory of the LORD upon the house, bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave praise to the LORD, saying, “Truly He is good, truly His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

The glory of the LORD was manifested in the fire (as in the wilderness when the Hebrews were led by the pillar of fire and the LORD gave Moses the Law on the mountain). “To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain” (Exodus 24:17). The fire remained for a time above the temple without consuming the temple or the people in the courtyard as the fire had consumed the offering. The courtyard was not large enough to contain the thousands if not millions of people present at the temple dedication, but the sight of the glory of the LORD would have inspired everyone to fall on their knees in worship. They showed their humility before the LORD and their unworthiness to look upon His glory by facing the ground as they worshiped. Their true worship included their thankfulness to God for all the reasons they had heard King Solomon list in his Prayer of Dedication and from their knowledge of the history of their ancestors, but especially for God’s presence with them, His promises to them, and His willingness to answer their prayers. They praised God for His moral attributes. First, God is good: God is not a combination of good and evil; God is not arbitrary; God is reasonable, and God only does what is good. Second, historically and in their experience, the LORD had shown His faithful love for them, and especially on that day when His glory filled the temple. Furthermore, as they looked to the future, they trusted God’s promises and praised the LORD that His love for His people would continue forever (which, as they would learn by experience, would include both God’s blessings when they obeyed the LORD and God’s discipline when they would not turn from their sins and return to obedience). This verse quotes Psalm 136:1 “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.” As a responsive psalm or reading, Psalm 136 includes the people responding “His love endures forever” after each verse is read (see also 2 Chronicles 7:6 below). Perhaps as the priests read Psalm 136 aloud they led the people in responsive worship.

(2 Chronicles 7:4) Then the king and all the people offered sacrifice before the LORD.

The king and the people offered sacrifices to the LORD that most probably were not whole burnt offerings, where the entire animal was consumed by fire. Most probably, they offered parts of the animal and some fat portions while the rest was consumed by the celebrants during the several days of feasting. See more about feasts and offerings below.

(2 Chronicles 7:5) King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. Thus the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

Considering the number of people worshiping the LORD who would need to be fed for two weeks of celebration, King Solomon needed to sacrifice a great number of animals to feed them. A portion of each animal was first offered to the LORD with thanksgiving, and then the rest of the animal helped feed the people. The dedication feast symbolically represented everyone feasting with the LORD and in the presence of the LORD who feasted with them as a portion of each animal was sacrificed to the LORD. As Christians, we look forward to feasting with the Lord Jesus in the future. Remember, because Jesus Christ (the expected Jewish Messiah) is greater than King Solomon, Jesus fed thousands of people with just a few fish and a few loaves of bread with basketfuls of leftovers (see Luke 11:31).

(2 Chronicles 7:6) The priests stood at their posts, and the Levites also, with the instruments of music to the LORD, which King David had made for giving praise to the LORD–“for His lovingkindness is everlasting”–whenever he gave praise by their means, while the priests on the other side blew trumpets; and all Israel was standing.

The celebration took on formality and order, which included musical instruments and singing in worship. Many of the Psalms written by King David were set to music for worship, and Kind David sang and played a “harp” or a “lyre” (depending on your translation), which he also played when a shepherd and in the presence of King Saul. King David had musical instruments made especially for the Levites when praising the LORD, and King David himself used musical instruments when he praised the LORD. Since King David had wanted to build the temple and his son, King Solomon, had done so as God promised, it was fitting that David’s instruments and psalms would be included as part to the temple dedication. In addition to the playing of music, the priests and people sang some of the psalms responsively.

(2 Chronicles 7:7) Then Solomon consecrated the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD, for there he offered the burnt offerings and the fat of the peace offerings because the bronze altar which Solomon had made was not able to contain the burnt offering, the grain offering and the fat.

The entire temple area was consecrated or set apart as holy to the LORD by King Solomon, including the middle part of the courtyard where the priests would offer sacrifices to the LORD. With “burnt offerings,” the entire animal was offered in sacrifice, and neither the one offering the sacrifice nor the priest could eat any of the meat: it was all burned in the fire. The hide of the animal was not burned and belonged to the priest. With “fellowship offerings,” a portion of the animal could be eaten by the priest and the one offering the sacrifice. For the rules for sacrificing to God, see Leviticus chapters 1-7.

(2 Chronicles 7:8) So Solomon observed the feast at that time for seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great assembly who came from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of Egypt.

Solomon kept the Feast of Tabernacles and the Feast of Dedication, so the entire festival would have lasted 14 days in the Fall and have fed “a vast assembly.” The seven feasts of Israel are described in Leviticus 23.

(2 Chronicles 7:9) On the eighth day they held a solemn assembly, for the dedication of the altar they observed seven days and the feast seven days.

On the eighth day, all Israel celebrated a “Closing Assembly” and departed for home.

(2 Chronicles 7:10) Then on the twenty-third day of the seventh month he sent the people to their tents, rejoicing and happy of heart because of the goodness that the LORD had shown to David and to Solomon and to His people Israel.

The twenty-third day was the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, and the people were so joyful and glad that King Solomon had to send them home from worship and their time of celebration with all God’s people. They rejoiced for all that God had done for their nation’s leaders and for the type of national leadership they had enjoyed through Kind David and King Solomon. They were at peace and prosperous and they gave thanks to the LORD for all the good things He had done for them as a kingdom, Israel.

 

 

Reasons for Joyful Hearts

March 18, 2018 2

Chronicles 6:12-21

 

 “On the twenty-third day of the seventh month King Solomon sent the people to their homes, joyful and glad in heart for the good things the LORD had done for David and Solomon and for his people Israel” (2 Chronicles 7:10).

 

During two weeks of festival celebrations in Jerusalem, King Solomon dedicated his newly constructed temple to the LORD as a place of worship. When he finished praying before all the people, “fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple” (2 Chronicles 7:1). During their festivities in Jerusalem, King Solomon also fed the people by sacrificing “twenty-two thousand head of cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats” (2 Chronicles 7:5). No wonder the king eventually had to send the people home! Thinking about all the LORD had done for David, Solomon, and all the people of Israel, they went home with glad and joyful hearts. Later in the history of Israel, King David and King Solomon became models for what the Messiah would do when He came. He would defeat the enemies of Israel and feed all His people. When Jesus came, He defeated all the spiritual enemies of His people: “For our struggle is not against flesh Page 2 and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Jesus also fed thousands of people using only a few fish and loaves of bread. Along with His miracles, Jesus testified that He was greater than King Solomon (Luke 11:31). In Jesus, God was present with His people meeting their needs. Today, Jesus dwells within His faithful followers.

 

Thinking Further

Reasons for Joyful Hearts

March 18, 2018 2

Chronicles 6:12-21

Name _________________________

 

1. Now that the temple has been destroyed, where can we find the glory of the LORD?

 

 

2. Compare or contrast the glory of the LORD in the temple and the glory of the LORD in Jesus.

 

 

3. What did the worshipers do and say when they saw the glory of the LORD above the temple?

 

 

4. Why do you think twenty-two thousand head of cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats were offered by King Solomon in sacrifice?

 

 

5. Why did King Solomon need to send the people home after the feasts and the dedication of the temple?

 

 

Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

 

1. Now that the temple has been destroyed, where can we find the glory of the LORD? Because the Holy Spirit indwells them, we can find the glory of the LORD in the true followers of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote that Jesus Christ lived in Him as He does all true Christians: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Christ in us in the hope of glory; Paul wrote: “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).

 

2. Compare or contrast the glory of the LORD in the temple and the glory of the LORD in Jesus. On the Day of Dedication, the glory of the LORD descended in fire above the temple and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. After the Day of Dedication, the glory of the LORD was unseen in the Holy of Holies in the temple. The glory of the LORD descended once again on the Day of Pentecost when the fire descended above the disciples’ heads and they received the Holy Spirit; then, in the work of Jesus’ disciples, discerning believers could see the glory of the LORD displayed through the work of the Holy Spirit. The glory of the LORD was/is Jesus Christ, who is fully human and fully God. The glory of the LORD indwelt Jesus, who appeared as merely human to unbelievers. John wrote: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

 

3. What did the worshipers do and say when they saw the glory of the LORD above the temple? The bowed face down before the LORD and gave thanks. As they worshiped, they told the truth about the LORD from the psalms “He is good; his love endures forever” (see Psalms 136).

 

4. Why do you think twenty-two thousand head of cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats were offered by King Solomon in sacrifice? To help feed all those who came from all Israel to worship, feast, and dedicate the temple.

 

5. Why did King Solomon need to send the people home after the feasts and the dedication of the temple? All Israel had enjoyed their time worshiping and feasting together, and they did not want their time of celebration to end; therefore, they would not have gone home if King Solomon had not sent them home. They were joyful and glad in heart for the good things the LORD had done for David and Solomon and for his people Israel, and they left for home with those happy feelings. Someday, we will praise God and feast with the Lord Jesus Christ and all His people; then, we will be home and we will be joyful and glad in our hearts forever, thankful for all the good things the LORD has done for others and us.

 

 

Word Search

Reasons for Joyful Hearts

March 18, 2018 2

Chronicles 6:12-21

Name _________________________

 

A Y J O W S E T I L E A R S I

F I D H T L V L X U Q L O V E

S O A E A M F W P S K N A H T

E K R M P G V B O M H X L Z U

L S B E Q I L E W S E R A W G

E T W Y V D H C R P O T Z L S

V S J D O E T S F Z E N J O A

I E A F L W R L R N S G H R C

T I S T I S P J D O N F T D R

E R U G E K O U A I W U Z S I

S P S L Z B R L R E B P D T F

K H E O X E X E O U A Q I L I

T L J R S W F I R M C E S V C

I N X Y B F U N O N O J P F E

A B D R O D T J S T G N S K S

 

Solomon

Burnt

Offering

Sacrifices

Glory

LORD

Temple

Priests

Israelites

Worshiped

Thanks

Love

Endures

Forever

Levites

 

 

True and False Test

Reasons for Joyful Hearts

2 Chronicles 7:1-10

 

 

Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.

 

1. When fire fell from heaven, King Solomon and all the people fell on their faces in great fear and trembling: too afraid to even pray. True or False

 

2. The glory of the LORD filled the temple. True or False

 

3. The priests who entered the temple came out with faces shining, so the people bowed down before them and showed them respect. True or False

 

4. When the people worshiped the LORD, they gave thanks to the LORD, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.” True or False

 

5. King Solomon ordered the people to bring sacrifices to the feast, so they brought and sacrificed twenty-two thousand head of cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats. True or False

 

6. At the temple dedication, the Levites played musical instruments that King David had made for praising the LORD. True or False

 

7. King Solomon only consecrated the Holy of Holies. True or False

 

8. The Israelites celebrated the dedication of the altar for seven days and the festival for seven days more. True or False

 

9. King Solomon sent the people home because he could no longer feed such a large crowd of hungry Israelites. True or False

 

10. The people went to their homes joyful and glad in heart for the good things the LORD had done for David and Solomon and for His people Israel. True or False

 

 

True and False Test Answers

2 Chronicles 7:1-10

1. False
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. False
6. True
7. False
8. True
9. False

10.True

 

 

Prayer

 

Father, may our worship include every part of our lives—thoughts, words, deeds, and will. Help us to live as thankful people in the midst of a broken and often cynical world. Let us dedicate anew, with no less resolve and sincerity than Solomon, the temples of our bodies to Your service. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.