The Brinkley argus., 1915-07-23
LESSON FOR JULY 25
SOLOMON DEDlcATES THE ITEM
 PILE.

LESSON TExT-I Kings s:22-30.
 GOLDEN TEXT-My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people. Isa. 56:7.
 To teach this lesson properly refer ence must be made to the building of the temple (ch. 6), to the building of Solomons palace and that for his Egyptian wife (ch. D, and also to the renewal of the ark from the tent Of meeting" in Zion, to it's new dwelling place in the temple. The time con- sumed in erecting the temple tseven years, I Kings 6:38), the number of men employed Approximately 150,- 000), and the skill and magnificence of the building q Kings SD will serve as an interesting introduction to the dedication ceremonies proper. Those present on this occasion are suggested in verses two and three; the time consumed was seven days (v. 66) and the condition of Solomon's heart (v. D is seen in the multitude Of his sacr1- fees. The temple marks the begin ming of a new era in Hebrew history, one of great outward glory, though 1t was not one of inward strength as the speedy breaking up of the king dom and the final captivities give evi- dence. Professor Beecher sets the date of this event as being about the twelfth year of Solomon's reign-say 1912 B. C." There has probably not been in all time a sacred building it's equal for magnificence or situation. Read any good Bible dictionary for It's description. It Is type of the Chris tian q Cor. 3:10-16).
 |. soiomon's veneration, w, 22-24. Solomon's temple was place of sacri- flee but more than all it was a house of prayer (Matt. 21:13) and his dedi- catory prayer is the longest prayer recorded in the Scriptures. In it is to be found no mention of the temple as a place of sacrifice, yet no prayer is heard apart from sacrifice. Each article of the temple furniture had its special teaching but the greatest teach ing of all was that of Gods proximity and his readiness to hear the petitions of his servants. Solomon personally brought his thanks and his petition before the altar whereon lay the sacri- fee (see Heb. 9:22; 10:19, 20; John 14:6), and even there he spread forth his hands" in token of application, adoration and worship. We can come boldly to throne of grace" and need not priest or sacrament, for we have one who lever liveth to intercede for us,' Christ Jesus.
 il. Gods Word Verified, w. 25, 26. Solomon repeatedly referred to the fact that he has fulfilled Gods prom ise to his father David in building the temple God is covenant-keep- ing God. Upon this fact Solomon voices his plea for future blessings. Every part of this prayer Is worthy of careful study. Solomon's there fore" (v. 25) reveals his acceptance of Gods words to David (ch. 2:4. This word of Jehovah is sure and steadfast tJer. 33:17-26) and Solomon's use of Gods promise @ Sam. 7:12-16) is an exhortation to us that we base our petitions upon some one Of Gods promises. Praying thus we can rest assured that our prayer is in the will of God and therefore that 1t will be heard q John 5:14. 15).
 III. Gods Vision, w. 27-30. See also 2 Chron. 7:1-3, 12-22; I Kings 9:1-9. As the king concluded his prayer the cloud resting over the holy of holies grew bright and dazzling and fire fell upon and consumed the sacrifices; the priests stood without in awe and amazement; the whole people fell upon their faces, and worshiped and praised Jehovah Even with all of this special manifestation Solomon did not con- ceive of Jehovah a local, tribal deity" Earth could not contain him, nor the heaven and the heaven Of heavens (v. 27) God fills the whole universe CPS. 129:7-16) yet he did and does give us special local manifesto tions of himself It is this same vast God who dwelt fully in Jesus Christ (John 1:14; Col. 2:9). Will (such a) God indeed dwell on the earth?" He who created the universe? Yet this God turned this vision towards the temple day and night" Solomon -cov- eted such scrutiny for in that temple God had said: My name shall be there" C. 29) and his nome is Love" q John AS see also Chron. 6:2O, 40). This prayer is for us granted in him whom the temple typifies, our Lord Jesus John 14:13, IA. The eyss of God are ever towards him and ready to answer the petition made in his name There is great lesson for the Christian and for the Christians special places of worship, our churches, in this wonderful promise of Jehovah regarding his name.
 Accompanying this ceremony was the Feast of Tabernacles" (vv. 62. 63; Chron. 7:4-11) which usually lasted seven days but on this occasion continued for fourteen days. It was a time of great joy and gladness of heart for all the goodness and mercy of the Lord (see Kings S:65, 66; 2 Chron. 7:9. 10).
 Application. We are building tenn pie (Eph. 2:19-22); we must dedicate that temple to God (Rom. 12:1D; our trust, our rest will only find its full satisfaction in him (Matt. 11:28, 2S and Heb. chapter 4).