(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Kings 8:1-21)

10 It happened that when the priests came from the holy place, the cloud filled the house of the Lord, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.

Just as we read in Exodus 40, when the cloud and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle (the temporary place of worship for Israel), we now read that as the ark of the covenant was moved from the tabernacle into the newly completed temple, the glory of the Lord once again filled His dwelling place.

This reminds us that the temple built by Solomon was not ultimately for Solomon, but for the Lord. It was the Lord’s house, not the house of the priests, the king, or the elders of Israel.

Although it was David who first desired to build a house for the name of the Lord, today’s Scripture reminds us that the Lord alone determines who will build it.

18 “But the Lord said to my father David, ‘Because it was in your heart to build a house for My name, you did well that it was in your heart. 19 Nevertheless you shall not build the house, but your son who will be born to you, he will build the house for My name.'”

David’s desire pleased the Lord, but the work itself would be carried out according to the Lord’s plan. The temple bore His name, served His purposes, and belonged to Him.

The same principle applies to us today. We may have a heart to build the house of the Lord, that is to serve His church, strengthen His ministry, and participate in the work of His kingdom.

The Lord may indeed be pleased with such desires. Yet we must remember that the Lord is the one who builds His house. Because it is His house, He determines when, how, and through whom the work is accomplished.

Therefore, let us dream, let us have visions, and let us cultivate a heart for the Lord’s work. But let us do so with humility, recognizing that we are servants in His house, not owners of it.

What a privilege it is that the Lord allows us to worship in, serve in, and participate in the building of the house that ultimately belongs to Him.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: 1 Kings 8