Well, we finally made it to King Solomon in our readings. King Solomon is known for many things: his wisdom, his wealth, and his wives. But today we are going to focus on his greatest legacy: the temple. The temple was built to be a permanent replacement for the more-temporary tabernacle, which was more tent than a temple. But even the temple was not permanent, as it was eventually destroyed and replaced. But what replaced the temple? Let’s talk about it.

1 Kings 8:22-30

Solomon's Prayer of Dedication

22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, 23 and said, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart; 24 you have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day. 25 Now therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father what you have promised him, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.’ 26 Now therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you have spoken to your servant David my father. 27 “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! 28 Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day, 29 that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. 30 And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.

For Adult Homes and Groups

Read 1 Kings 8:1-11 and then have each person in the group discuss the questions below: 

1. Have you ever visited a large or beautiful sanctuary, like a cathedral or a basilica? What do you remember about it… the decor, the smells, the sounds? 

2. What would you say is the most sacred or holy place you have ever visited? Is it the same as the place above? What made that place especially holy or sacred to you? 

3. Do you have a place near where you live that you go on occasion to feel close to God? What is it about that place that you appreciate? 

4. Assuming you do not have to go to those places to be near God, what is the benefit of such places? What is the benefit of recognizing that you don’t have to go to those places to be near to God? 

5. If possible, visit one (or all) of the local places that the group mentioned. Consider taking someone who normally does not go to church with you, not to necessarily worship, but to simply experience the place with you.

For Families with Kids 

Memory Verse: Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Stubborn fools despise wisdom and discipline.” 

1. Solomon faced some tough decisions. We face tough decisions too. You lost your library book. What do you tell your mom? You were asked to pick up your toys, but you forgot and Dad stepped on a Lego. What do you say? Think of some other moral dilemmas and apply God’s truth. 

2. Pray for wisdom, truth, and love in your conversations with each other and with friends who may not know the love of Jesus.