The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-11-07
SUNDAY-SCHOOL LESSON
ELUCIDATION AND REVIEW OF IN
TERNATIONAL TOPIC, NOV. 9.
The Temple Dedicated, n Related I'm
First Kings, viii, 5~4-63-Great
Event in Israers History.
BY Rev. z. GILBERT.
Secretary OF American Society OF Religious Edu
cation.


Secretary of American Society OF Religious Edu-
cation.
coNTExT.-A whole decade has passed away
since David in the infrmity Of old age laid down
the scepter and made his son his successor.
Seven years and six months OF that time were
given to the building of the temple. Hiram. King
of Tyre. assisting according to his promise.
When completed II was the most magnificent
structure on the globe. Its cost cannot be told.
but is estimated at several billion dollats. Its
arrangements were Identical with those Of the
tabernacle. only the dimensions were exactly
double those Of that venerable tent Of meeting.
The Holy of Holes. the Holy Place. the Porch
all reappearsd, and the chambers at the sides.
providing for the celebration Of the ancient forms
of the Jewish religion. The entire ground plan
measured eighty cubits by forty. The edihce
stood on Mount Moriah, on the ground purchased
by David for fifty shekels of silver. I'll Sam.
xiv, 2) To all who entered Jerusalem this
house Of the Lord was the most conspicuous
object. And now the time has come for its
dedication, and the event will be one OF universal
Joy and impressive influence.
KNEELING.-A vast and imposing assembly
was gathered at Jerusalem-the elders, the heads
of tribes and the chief Of the fathers Verse ID,
being OF the number-to participate In the dedi-
catory exercises. The ark and the holy vessels
were brought up and placed in their appointed
positions. The cloud of the divine presence nlled
the house. Verse l0.) Then Solomon. as master
OF ceremonies. delivered an address. reciting the
purpose Of David as realized under him tverses
l2-2D. a mere abstract of which is here given.
Then. standing before the altar in the presence
of all the congregation, with upliited hands, he
ofered the dedication prayer tterses Z2-5S). both
while he began standing, he finished kneeiing.
Verse 3D. Both these ~postures are recognized
in Scripture as appropriate in religious services.
IL il POSSIBLE thai the people foliowed soiomons
example. A memorable spectacle 1t was. when
sneelins together. lifted UP United voices and
hands Liam; iii, ,4l, Offering to God the house
invoking His blessing. His presence having al
ready been manifested in the cloud.
STANDING.-Afte the prayer came another
change in position. Verse e5) This may have
been in part to relieve the people and secure their
becomes weary, because one set OF muscles is
overtaxed. a fact which ministers OF religion
other purpose. II Is always impressive when a
large congregation unites in one exercise, when
by one spirit. Change of position attracts atten-
ton. breaks the monotony. awakens new thought
and directs the members OF the assembly to a
the control of the leader. Besides. some postures
are appropriate expressions OF certain Thoughts
humility and dependence. When he stands he
assumes an attitude OF dignity and resolve.
Solomon and the people standing can see each
other. and they may easily attend 10 any matter
BLEssING.Lone reason for standing imme-
diately appears. Solomon blessed all the con-
gregation OF Israel with a loud voice" Verse
55) That old Anglo-Saxon word. bless" used
viii reference TO men. signifies TO confer happi-
ness and prosperity. II is of religious origin.
being derived, as Johnson. the photographer.
thinks. from a very ancient custom of waving
the hand over a field 20 secure a successful
harvest. And so. after addressing the Supreme
Being. expressing those thoughts and emotions
turns with affection 10 the people, desiring their
welfare. This blessing was INTENDED as the hnai
10 the benediction announced In our church as
semblies. This ministerial function has been
recognized under all systems OF religion. tGen.
xiv, 49, 1t implies that one has come into sne-
cIai nearness TO God. and has acquired thereby
both authority and ability. 1ev. TX. 22) On this
occa sion IL marked the highest exaltation OF the
King, both In the sacred function and In the
disposition of his heart.
did Solomon bless the peo-
pie? The words which he uttered were turned
nrst God-ward. Blessed be the Lord" he ex-
claimed. The word now signifies TO praise. which
IL the highest benefit that may be conferred by
the c. ,ature upon the Creator. In that Dsnss q
= ussl many times In Scripture (Psalm civ. Il