2 Chronicles 5:2-7:10
Expanded Bible
The Ark Is Brought into the Temple(A)
2 Solomon ·called for [summoned; assembled; convened] the elders of Israel, the heads of the tribes, and the ·leaders [chiefs] of the ·families [clans] to come to him in Jerusalem. He wanted them to bring the Ark of the ·Agreement [Covenant; Treaty; L Testimony] with the Lord from ·the older part of the city [L the city of David, that is, Zion]. 3 So all the Israelites came together with the king during the festival in the seventh month [C the Festival of Shelters or Tabernacles or Booths held in early autumn].
4 When all the ·elders [men] of Israel arrived, the Levites ·lifted [picked; took] up the Ark. 5 They ·carried [brought up] the ·Ark of the Agreement [L ark; Ex. 25:10], the ·Meeting Tent [Tabernacle], and the ·holy utensils [sacred furnishings] in it; the ·priests and the Levites [Levitical priests] brought them up. 6 King Solomon and all the ·Israelites [L congregation/community of Israel] gathered before the ·Ark of the Agreement [L ark] and sacrificed so many sheep and ·bulls [oxen] no one could count or record them.
7 Then the priests put the Ark of the ·Agreement [covenant; treaty; L Testimony] with the Lord in its place inside the inner sanctuary of the ·Temple [L house], the ·Most Holy Place [T Holy of Holies], under the wings of the ·golden creatures [L cherubim]. 8 The wings of ·these creatures [L cherubim] were spread out over the place for the Ark, ·covering [forming a canopy over] it and its carrying poles. 9 The carrying poles were so long that anyone standing in the ·Holy Place [inner sanctuary] in front of the ·Most Holy Place [T Holy of Holies] could see the ends of the poles. But no one could see them from outside the Holy Place. The poles are still there today. 10 The only things inside the Ark were two stone tablets [C inscribed with the Ten Commandments] that Moses had put in the Ark at ·Mount Sinai [L Horeb]. That was where the Lord made his ·agreement [covenant; treaty] with the Israelites after they came out of Egypt.
11 Then all the priests ·left [came out of; withdrew from] the Holy Place. (All the priests ·from each group [regardless of their divisions/orders; or whether they were serving that day or not] had ·made themselves ready to serve the Lord [consecrated/purified/sanctified themselves].) 12 All the Levite ·musicians [singers]—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun [C all associated with certain psalms; see titles of Ps. 50, 73–83 (Asaph), 88 (Heman), 39, 62, 77 (Jeduthun)], and all their sons and ·relatives [kinsmen; L brothers]—stood on the east side of the altar. They were dressed in ·white [fine] linen and played cymbals, harps, and lyres. ·With [Accompanying] them were one hundred twenty priests who blew trumpets. 13 Those who blew the trumpets and those who sang ·together sounded like one person [performed in unison] as they praised and thanked the Lord. They sang ·as others played their [accompanied by] trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments. They praised the Lord with this song:
“He is good;
his ·love [unfailing love; lovingkindness; loyalty] ·continues [endures] forever [Ps. 136:1].”
Then the ·Temple [L house] of the Lord was filled with a cloud. 14 The priests could not continue their ·work [service] because of the cloud, because the Lord’s ·glory [splendor] filled the ·Temple [L house] of God.
Solomon Speaks to the People
6 Then Solomon said, “The Lord said he would live in the ·dark cloud [thick cloud; thick cloud of darkness]. 2 Lord, I have built a ·wonderful [magnificent; glorious; lofty] ·Temple [L house] for you—a place for you to ·live [dwell] forever.”
3 While all the ·Israelites [L community of Israel] were standing there, King Solomon turned to them and blessed them. 4 Then he said, “·Praise [Bless] the Lord, the God of Israel. He has ·done [L fulfilled with his hand] what he ·promised [spoke] to my father David [2 Sam. 7:1–16]. The Lord said, 5 ‘Since the ·time [L day] I brought my people out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city in any tribe of Israel where a ·Temple [L house] will be built for ·me [L my name to be there]. I did not choose a man to ·lead [rule] my people Israel. 6 But now I have chosen Jerusalem ·as the place I am to be worshiped [L for my name to be], and I have chosen David to ·lead [rule] my people Israel.’
7 “My father David wanted to build a ·Temple [L house] for ·the [L the name of the] Lord, the God of Israel. 8 But the Lord said to my father David, ‘·It was good that you [You did well to have] wanted to build a ·Temple [L house] for me. 9 But you are not the one to build it. Your son, who ·comes from your own body [will be born to you], is the one who will build ·my Temple [L the house for my name].’
10 “Now the Lord has ·kept his promise [L established the word he spoke]. I am the king now in place of David my father. Now I ·rule [L sit on the throne of] Israel as the Lord promised, and I have built the ·Temple [L house] for ·the [L the name of the] Lord, the God of Israel. 11 There I have put the Ark, in which is the ·Agreement [covenant; treaty] the Lord made with the ·Israelites [people of Israel].”
Solomon’s Prayer
12 Then Solomon stood ·facing [L before] the Lord’s altar, ·and all the Israelites were standing behind him [L in the presence of the assembly/community of Israel]. He ·spread out [lifted] his hands. 13 He had made a bronze platform ·seven and one-half feet [L five cubits] long, ·seven and one-half feet [L five cubits] wide, and ·seven and one-half feet [L five cubits] high, and he had placed it in the middle of the outer courtyard. Solomon stood on the platform. Then he kneeled in front of all the ·people [L assembly; community] of Israel gathered there, and he spread out his hands toward ·the sky [heaven]. 14 He said, “Lord, God of Israel, there is no god [C no true God] like you in heaven or on earth. You keep your ·agreement of love with [covenant/treaty and show unfailing love/loyalty to] your servants who ·truly follow [wholeheartedly/devotedly walk before] you. 15 You have kept the promise you made to your servant David, my father. You spoke it with your own mouth and finished it with your hands today.
16 “Now, Lord, God of Israel, keep the promise you made to your servant David, my father. You said, ‘If your sons ·are careful [guard their steps] ·to obey my teachings [L and walk in my laws] as you have ·obeyed [L walked], ·there will always be someone from your family [you will never fail to have someone] ·ruling [L sitting on the throne of] Israel.’ 17 Now, Lord, God of Israel, ·please continue to keep that promise you made [fulfill this word you have spoken] to your servant.
18 “But, ·God, can you [will God] really live here on the earth with ·people [mortals]? The ·sky and the highest place in heaven [heavens, even the highest heavens,] cannot contain you. ·Surely this house which I have built cannot contain you [How much less this temple/L house I have built]. 19 But ·please listen [listen favorably; attend] to my prayer and my request, because I am your servant. Lord my God, hear this ·prayer [cry] your servant prays to you. 20 Day and night please watch over this ·Temple [L house] where you have said you would ·be worshiped [L put your name]. Hear the prayer I pray facing this place. 21 Hear ·my prayers and the prayers of [L the pleas/entreaties/T supplications of your servant and] your people Israel when we pray facing this place. Hear from your home in heaven, and when you hear, forgive us.
22 “If someone ·wrongs another person [sins against his neighbor], he will be brought to the altar in this ·Temple [L house]. If he swears an oath [C that he is innocent], 23 then hear in heaven and act. Judge ·the case [L between your servants; C the accuser and the accused], ·punish [condemn; repay] the guilty, but ·declare that [justify; acquit] the ·innocent person is not guilty [righteous because of their innocence/righteousness].
24 “·When [If] your people, the Israelites, sin against you, their enemies will defeat them. But if they ·come back [return] to you and ·praise you [acknowledge/confess your name] and pray and ·appeal [T make supplication] to you in this ·Temple [L house], 25 then ·listen [hear] from heaven. Forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them back to the land you gave to them and their ·ancestors [fathers].
26 “When they sin against you, you will ·stop the rain from falling on their land [shut up the heavens/sky and stop the rain]. Then they will pray, facing this place and ·praising you [acknowledge/confess your name]; they will stop sinning ·when [because] you ·make them suffer [punish/afflict them]. 27 When this happens, hear their prayer in heaven, and forgive the sins of your servants, the Israelites. Teach them ·to do what is right [the right way to live; L the good way in which they should walk]. Then please send rain to ·this [L your] land you have given ·particularly to them [L to your people as an inheritance/special possession].
28 “·At times the land will get so dry that no food will grow [L If there is famine in the land…], or ·a great sickness will spread among the people [a plague; pestilence…]. ·Sometimes [L …or if…] the crops will be destroyed by blight, mildew, locusts, or grasshoppers. ·Your [L …or if…] people will be attacked in their cities by their enemies, or will become sick. 29 ·When any of these things [—whatever plague/disaster or disease] happens, ·the [L …and if the…] people will ·become truly sorry [pray about their troubles/affliction and pain/sorrows…]. ·If [L …and] your people spread their hands in prayer toward this ·Temple [L house], 30 then hear their prayers from your home in heaven. Forgive and ·treat [deal with] each person as he ·should be treated [deserves] because you know what is in a person’s heart. Only you know ·what is in people’s hearts [the human heart]. 31 Then the people will ·respect [fear; revere; honor] and ·obey you [L walk in your ways] as long as they live in this land you gave our ·ancestors [fathers].
32 “People who are not Israelites, foreigners from other lands, will hear about your ·greatness [L great name] and ·power [L mighty hand and outstretched arm]. They will come from far away to pray ·at this Temple [L toward this house]. 33 Then hear from your home in heaven, and ·do [grant; answer] whatever they ask you. Then ·people everywhere [L all the peoples of the earth] will know ·you [L your name] and ·respect [fear; revere; acknowledge] you, just as your people Israel do. Then everyone will know that I built this ·Temple [L house] as a place to ·worship you [L bear your name].
34 “When your people go out to fight their enemies ·along some road on which [by whichever way] you send them, your people will pray to you, ·facing [toward] this city which you have chosen and the ·Temple [L house] I have built for ·you [L your name]. 35 Then hear in heaven their prayers and their ·plea [T supplication], and ·do what is right [uphold their cause; vindicate them].
36 “·Everyone sins, so your people will also sin against you [When/If your people sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—…]. You will become angry with them and will ·hand them over [deliver them] to their enemies. Their enemies will capture them and take them away to a country far or near. 37 ·Your people will be sorry for their sins [If they stop and think/come to their senses…] when they are held as ·prisoners [captives] in another country. ·They will be sorry […and they repent…] and ·pray [plead; make supplication] to you in the land ·where they are held as prisoners [of their captivity], saying, ‘We have sinned. We have done ·wrong [evil] and acted wickedly.’ 38 ·They will truly turn back to you […and they return to you with all their heart and soul/being] in the land where they are captives. ·They will […and they] pray, ·facing this [toward the] land you gave their ·ancestors [fathers], this city you have chosen, and the ·Temple [L house] I have built for ·you [L your name…]. 39 Then hear their prayers and their ·plea [T supplication] from your home in heaven, and ·do what is right [uphold their cause; vindicate them]. Forgive your people who have sinned against you.
40 “Now, my God, ·look at us. Listen [L …may your eyes be open and your ears attentive] to the prayers we pray in this place.
41 Now, ·rise [ascend], Lord God, and ·come to [enter] your resting place.
Come with the ·Ark of the Agreement that shows your strength [L ark of your might/power].
Let your priests ·receive [L be clothed with] your salvation, Lord God,
and may your ·holy people [godly/faithful ones] ·be happy because of your goodness [rejoice in what is good].
42 Lord God, do not ·reject [turn away from] your ·appointed [anointed] ·one [or ones].
Remember your ·love [unfailing love; lovingkindness; loyalty] for your servant David [Ps. 132:1, 8–10].”
The Temple Is Given to the Lord
7 When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from ·the sky [heaven] and ·burned up [consumed] the burnt offering and the sacrifices. The Lord’s ·glory [splendor] filled the ·Temple [L house]. 2 The priests could not enter the ·Temple [L house] of the Lord, because the Lord’s ·glory [splendor] filled it. 3 When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the Lord’s ·glory [splendor] on the ·Temple [L house], they bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground. They worshiped and ·thanked [praised] the Lord, saying,
“He is good;
his ·love [unfailing love; lovingkindness; loyalty] ·continues [endures] forever [Ps. 136].”
4 Then King Solomon and all the people ·offered [sacrificed] sacrifices to the Lord. 5 King Solomon ·offered [sacrificed] a sacrifice of twenty-two thousand ·cattle [oxen] and one hundred twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the people ·gave [dedicated] the ·Temple [L house] to God. 6 The priests stood ·ready to do their work [in their places/positions/posts]. The Levites also stood with the instruments of the Lord’s music that King David had made for praising the Lord. The priests and Levites were ·saying [singing], “His ·love [unfailing love; lovingkindness; loyalty] ·continues [endures] forever [Ps. 136].” The priests, who stood across from the Levites, blew their trumpets, and all the Israelites were standing.
7 Solomon ·made holy [consecrated] the middle part of the courtyard, which is in front of the ·Temple [L house] of the Lord. There he ·offered [sacrificed] whole burnt offerings and the fat of the ·fellowship [peace] offerings. He ·offered [sacrificed] them in the courtyard, because the bronze altar he had made could not hold the burnt offerings [Lev. 1:1–17], ·grain [L gift; tribute] offerings [Lev. 2:1], and fat [Lev. 3:16].
8 Solomon and all the Israelites ·celebrated [kept; observed] the festival [C of Shelters/Tabernacles/Booths] for seven days. There ·were many people [L was a great assembly/congregation], and they came from as far away as Lebo Hamath [C in the north] and the brook of Egypt [C in the south]. 9 For seven days they celebrated ·giving [the dedication of] the altar. Then they ·celebrated [kept; observed] the festival for seven days. On the eighth day they had a ·meeting [solemn assembly; closing ceremony]. 10 On the twenty-third day of the seventh month Solomon sent the people home, full of joy. They were ·happy [content; glad; L good of heart] because the Lord had been so good to David, Solomon, and his people Israel.
1 Kings 8
Expanded Bible
The Ark Is Brought into the Temple(A)
8 King Solomon ·called for [assembled; summoned] the elders of Israel, the heads of the tribes, and the leaders of the ·families [ancestral houses] to come to him in Jerusalem. He wanted them to bring the Ark of the ·Agreement [Treaty; Covenant; Ex. 25:10] with the Lord from the ·older part of the city [L city of David, also known as Zion]. 2 So all the Israelites ·came together with [assembled before] King Solomon during the festival in the month of Ethanim, the seventh month.
3 When all the elders of Israel arrived, the priests ·lifted [picked; took] up the Ark. 4 They ·carried [brought] the Ark of the Lord, the Meeting Tent, and the holy ·utensils [vessels; items]; the priests and the Levites brought them up. 5 King Solomon and all the ·Israelites [congregation/community/assembly of Israel] gathered before the Ark and sacrificed so many sheep and ·cattle [oxen] no one could count or number them all. 6 Then the priests ·put [brought; carried] the Ark of the ·Agreement [Treaty; Covenant; Ex. 25:10] with the Lord ·in [to] its place inside the inner ·room [L sanctuary] in the ·Temple [L house], the ·Most Holy Place [T Holy of Holies], under the wings of the ·golden creatures [cherubim; 6:23]. 7 The wings of ·these creatures [the cherubim] were spread out over the place ·for [of] the Ark, ·covering [forming a canopy over] it and its carrying poles. 8 The carrying poles were so long that anyone standing in the Holy Place in front of the ·Most Holy Place [L inner sanctuary] could see the ends of the poles, but no one could see them from outside the Holy Place. The poles are still there today. 9 The only things inside the Ark were two stone tablets [C on which were the Ten Commandments] that Moses had put in the Ark at ·Mount Sinai [Horeb; Ex. 40:20]. That was where the Lord made his ·agreement [covenant; treaty] with the Israelites after they came out of [L the land of] Egypt.
10 When the priests ·left [came/withdrew from] the Holy Place, a cloud filled the ·Temple [L house] of the Lord. 11 The priests could not continue their ·work [service; duties], because the ·Temple [L house] was filled with the glory of the Lord.
Solomon Speaks to the People
12 Then Solomon said, “The Lord said he would live in a ·dark [thick; dense] cloud. 13 Lord, I have truly built a ·wonderful [exalted; glorious; magnificent] ·Temple [L house] for you—a place for you to ·live [dwell] forever.”
14 While all the ·Israelites [congregation/community/assembly of Israel] were standing there, King Solomon turned to them and blessed them.
15 Then he said, “·Praise [Blessed be] the Lord, the God of Israel. He has ·done [fulfilled] what he promised [L with his mouth] to my father David. The Lord said, 16 ‘Since the ·time [L day] I brought my people Israel out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city in any tribe of Israel where a ·temple [L house] will be built ·for me [to honor my name; L for my name to be there]. But I have chosen David to ·lead [rule over] my people Israel.’
17 “My father David ·wanted [L had it in his heart/mind] to build a ·temple [L house] for the Lord, the God of Israel. 18 But the Lord said to my father David, ‘It was good that you ·wanted [L had it in your heart/mind] to build a ·temple [L house] for me. 19 But you are not the one to build it. Your son, who ·comes from your own body [will be born from you], is the one who will build my ·temple [L house] ·for my name [to honor my name; 2 Sam. 7:13].’
20 “Now the Lord has ·kept [fulfilled] his promise. I ·am the king now [L have risen] in place of David my father. Now I ·rule [L sit on the throne of] Israel as the Lord promised, and I have built the ·Temple [L house] ·for [to honor; L for the name of] the Lord, the God of Israel. 21 I have ·made [prepared; provided] a place there for the Ark, in which is the ·Agreement [Covenant; Treaty; Ex. 25:10] the Lord made with our ancestors when he brought them out of Egypt.”
Solomon’s Prayer
22 Then Solomon stood ·facing [before] the Lord’s altar, and all the ·Israelites [L congregation/community/assembly of Israel] were standing behind him. He spread out his hands toward the sky 23 and said:
“Lord, God of Israel, there is no god like you in heaven above or on earth below. You keep your ·agreement [treaty; covenant] ·of love [and steadfast love/lovingkindness] with your servants who ·truly follow you [L walk before you with all their heart]. 24 You have kept the ·promise [covenant; solemn pact] you made to your servant David, my father. You spoke it with your own mouth and ·finished [fulfilled] it with your hands today. 25 Now Lord, God of Israel, keep the promise you made to your servant David, my father. You said, ‘If your sons are careful to ·obey [L walk before] me as you have ·obeyed me [L walked], ·there will always be someone from your family [L you will never lack a man] ·ruling [to sit on the throne of] Israel [2 Sam. 7:16].’ 26 Now, God of Israel, ·please continue to keep that promise [confirm the word] you made to your servant David, my father.
27 “But, God, ·can [will] you really ·live [dwell] here on the earth? [L Look; T Behold] ·The sky [Even heaven] and the highest ·place in heaven [heavens] cannot contain you. Surely this ·house [Temple] which I have built cannot contain you. 28 But please ·listen to [regard] my prayer and my ·request [plea; supplication], because I am your servant. Lord my God, hear this prayer your servant prays to you today. 29 Night and day please watch over this ·Temple [L house] where you have said, ‘·I will be worshiped [L My name will be] there.’ Hear the prayer I pray facing this ·Temple [L house]. 30 Hear my ·prayers [pleas; supplications] and the prayers of your people Israel when we pray ·facing [toward] this place. Hear from your home in heaven, and when you hear, forgive us.
31 “If someone ·wrongs another person [sins against a neighbor], he will be brought to the altar in this ·Temple [L house]. If he swears an oath that he is not guilty, 32 then hear in heaven. ·Judge the case [Act and judge between your servants], ·punish [condemn] the guilty ·as they deserve [L by bringing his conduct on his own head], but ·declare that the innocent person is not guilty [acquit/vindicate the righteous/innocent in accordance with their righteousness/innocence].
33 “When your people, the Israelites, sin against you, their enemies will defeat them. But if they ·come back [turn] to you and ·praise you [L confess your name] and pray and ·plead [make supplication] to you in this ·Temple [L house], 34 then hear them in heaven. Forgive the ·sins [or sin] of your people Israel, and bring them back to the land you gave to their ancestors.
35 “When they sin against you, ·you will stop the rain from falling on their land [L the heavens will be shut and there will be no rain]. Then they will pray, facing this place and ·praising you [L confess your name]; they will stop sinning when you ·make them suffer [afflict them]. 36 ·When this happens [Then], please hear their prayer in heaven, and forgive the ·sins [or sin] of your servants, ·the Israelites [L your people Israel]. Teach them ·to do what is right [L the good way they should walk]. Then please send rain to this land you have given ·particularly to them [L your people for an inheritence].
37 “·At times the land will become so dry that no food will grow [If there is a famine in the land], or ·a great sickness will spread among the people [pestilence]. ·Sometimes all the crops will be destroyed by […or blight or mildew or] locusts or grasshoppers. ·Your people will be attacked in […or the people are besieged in the land of] their cities by their enemy or ·will become sick [struck by plague or sickness…]. 38 When any of these things happen, ·the people will become truly sorry [L each will know the affliction of his own heart]. ·If your people spread their hands in prayer [L …and spread his hands] toward this ·Temple [L house], 39 then hear their prayers from your ·home [dwelling place] in heaven. Forgive and ·treat [L act and give to] each person ·as he should be treated [L according to his ways/conduct] because you know what is in a person’s heart. Only you know what is in everyone’s heart. 40 Then your people will ·respect [fear] you ·as long as [L all the days] they live in this land you gave to our ancestors.
44 “When your people go out to fight their enemies ·along some [by whatever] road on which you send them, your people will pray to you, facing the city which you have chosen and the ·Temple [L house] I have built for ·you [L your name]. 45 Then hear in heaven their prayer and their ·plea [supplication], and ·do what is right [uphold/maintain their cause].
46 “When ·your people [L they] sin against you (for there is no one who does not sin), you will become angry with them and ·hand them over [abandon/give them] to their enemies. Their enemies will capture them and take them away to their countries far or near. 47 But if they ·become sorry for their sins [or come to their senses; or have a change of heart; L return to their heart] and ·are sorry [repent] and ·pray [plead; make supplications] to you in the land ·where they are held as prisoners [of their captors], saying, ‘We have sinned; we have ·done wrong [committed iniquity] and acted wickedly.’ 48 If they ·truly turn back to you [L repent with all their heart and all their soul] in the land of their enemies who have taken them captive and pray to you, ·facing this [toward their] land you gave their ancestors, this city you have chosen, and the ·Temple [L house] I have built for ·you [L your name], 49 then hear their prayers and their ·requests [pleas; supplications] from your ·home [dwelling place] in heaven, and ·do what is right [act with justice/judgment; or uphold/maintain their cause].
50 Forgive your people of all their sins and for ·turning [L all their transgressions/offenses they have committed] against you. Make those who have captured them show them ·mercy [compassion]. 51 Remember, they are your ·special people [L inheritance]. You brought them out of Egypt, ·as if you were pulling them out of a blazing [L from the midst of the iron-smelting] furnace.
52 “·Give your attention to my prayers and [L May your eyes be open to] the ·prayers [pleas; requests; supplications] of your people Israel. Listen to them anytime they ·ask you for help [call/cry out to you]. 53 You ·chose them [set them apart; separated them; singled them out] from all the ·nations [peoples] on earth to be your ·very own people [inheritance]. This is what you ·promised [spoke] through Moses your servant when you brought our ancestors out of Egypt, Lord God.”
54 Solomon prayed this prayer and ·plea [request; supplication] to the Lord, kneeling in front of the altar with his ·arms raised [hands spread] toward heaven. When he finished praying, he got up. 55 Then, in a loud voice, he stood and blessed ·all the people [L the whole assembly/congregation] of Israel, saying: 56 “·Praise [Blessed be] the Lord! He promised he would give rest to his people Israel, and he has given us rest. ·The Lord has kept [Not one word has failed/L fallen of] all the ·good [wonderful] promises he gave through his servant Moses. 57 May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors. May he never leave or ·abandon [forsake] us, 58 and may he ·turn us [L incline/stretch out our hearts/desires] to himself so we will ·follow him [L walk in his ways]. Let us obey all the ·laws [commandments], ·rules [statutes; decrees] and ·commands [regulations; judgments] he gave our ancestors. 59 May the Lord our God ·remember [L keep near] ·this prayer [these words of mine that I have prayed/pleaded] day and night and ·do what is right [act with justice/judgment; or uphold/maintain their cause] for his servant and his people Israel ·day by day [according to the needs of each day]. 60 Then all the people of the ·world [earth] will know the Lord is ·the only true God [L God and there is no one else]. 61 ·You must fully obey [Devote your heart completely to] the Lord our God and ·follow all his laws [walk in his statutes/decrees] and [L keep his] commands. ·Continue to obey in the future as you do now [L …as to this day].”
Sacrifices Are Offered
62 Then King Solomon and all Israel with him offered sacrifices to the Lord. 63 Solomon killed twenty-two thousand ·cattle [oxen] and one hundred twenty thousand sheep as ·fellowship [or peace; well-being] offerings [Lev. 3:1]. So the king and all the people ·gave [dedicated] the ·Temple [L house] to the Lord.
64 On that day King Solomon ·made holy [consecrated] the middle part of the courtyard which is in front of the ·Temple [L house] of the Lord. There he offered whole burnt offerings [Lev. 1:1–17], grain [L gift; tribute] offerings [Lev. 2:1], and the fat of the ·fellowship [peace; well-being] offerings [Lev. 3:1]. He offered them in the courtyard, because the bronze altar before the Lord was too small to hold all the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and the fat of the ·fellowship [peace] offerings.
65 Solomon and all the Israelites ·celebrated the other festival [observed the feast; C the Feast of Shelters; ] that came at that time. People came from as far away as Lebo Hamath [C in the north] and the brook of Egypt [C in the south]. A great many people celebrated before the Lord for seven days, then seven more days, for a total of fourteen days. 66 On the ·following [L eighth] day Solomon sent the people home. They blessed the king as they went, happy because of all the ·good things [goodness] the Lord had ·done [shown] for his servant David and his people Israel.
Psalm 136:1
Expanded Bible
God’s Love Continues Forever
136 ·Give thanks to [Praise] the Lord because he is good.
His ·love [loyalty] continues forever.
Psalm 132:1
Expanded Bible
In Praise of the Temple
A song ·for going up to worship [of ascents; C perhaps sung while traveling to Jerusalem to celebrate an annual religious festival like Passover].
132 Lord, remember David
and all his ·suffering [afflictions].
Psalm 132:8-10
Expanded Bible
8 Rise, Lord, and come to your resting place;
come with the Ark that shows your strength.
9 May your priests ·do what is right [L be clothed with righteousness].
May your ·people [saints; loyal ones] sing for joy.
10 For the sake of your servant David,
do not ·reject [L turn from the face of] your ·appointed [anointed] king.
The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
