There was nothing in the ark except the two tables of stone on which the ten commandments were written. The golden pot with manna, figuring Christ in His pathway here as our example in this wilderness scene, and Aaron’s rod that budded, speaking of Christ’s work as Great High Priest above, would not be in keeping with the kingdom when established, and so they are not found in the ark. The two tables of stone, however, bring before us the thought of the kingdom established in righteousness.
When the ark was put in its place, the glory of the Lord filled the house so that the priests could not minister. Solomon, who here typifies Christ, takes the place of both king and priest in connection with the people, as Christ will in the coming day. He blessed them and also offered sacrifices.
We notice here that the Lord dwelt in the thick darkness. What a contrast this is with the believer’s place now! We can draw near with holy boldness, into the very presence of God, because the veil has been rent. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” Heb. 10:2222Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:22). And yet how few Christians really value this privilege. They seem to prefer to worship at a distance, because they do not like to have their consciences exercised! Judaism is, of course, more pleasing to the flesh, for it was, as we know, suited to man in his natural state. It is only as we walk with God in communion that we enjoy our place of nearness in worship. May we know more of it!
We have noticed in our talks on 2 Samuel? why the Lord did not allow David to build the temple, but it is encouraging to see here, that although the Lord did not let him do it, He gave him credit for the desire (see verse 17). How often many of us have, the desire to do something for the Lord, and yet we are not permitted to do it. The Lord knows all about this and gives us credit for the desire. What amazing grace! How He delights to take notice of all that is of Himself in His people, Solomon’s prayer here is very beautiful and instructive. It shows us the ground of God’s dealings with Israel during his reign, and blessing is conditional here on their obedience, though provision is made for their failure. And so Solomon prayed that God would forgive His erring people when they acknowledged their guilt. Although heaven and the heaven of heavens could not contain God (and how much less the house Solomon had built), yet he prayed that God would hear the prayers that were made in or toward that place, where the Lord’s name was placed. It is because of this that Daniel, even though in captivity, prayed with his window open toward Jerusalem—and he was cast into the den of lions for doing it! Peter and John too went up into the temple at the hour of prayer, before Jerusalem was set aside as God’s center.
Solomon said, “Will God indeed dwell on the earth?” It has always been God’s purpose and desire to have the company of His creature, but ever since sin entered man has been running away. Nor could anything be established permanently on man’s responsibility, but in a coming day all will be established through Christ’s finished work. God is holy and cannot dwell with man until sin has been removed according to His own holiness and glory. This will not be fully so until the eternal state. (Rev. 21: 1-5.)
ML 01/22/1956