April 14, 2024 - 2 Chronicles 5-8

When the temple was completed, Solomon and the people “brought up the ark, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent” (5:5) and “the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God” (5:13-14).  The cloud represents the presence of the Lord among his people.  I almost hesitate to use, here, the word “represents,” for the Lord indeed was with his people.  The psalmist testified, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!” (Psalm 33:12).

At the temple’s dedication, Solomon prayed, “"O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart, who have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him” (6:14-15).  No surprise here, God kept his promises:  “God keeps every promise he makes” (Proverbs 30:5; I like this translation from the Good News Bible.

God dwells in Heav’n: He rules above,

In everlasting might,

Beyond where stars their courses move,

In uncreated light.

But most of all the Lord re­sides

Within a humble mind;

The worth that modest merit hides

His grace is sure to find.   -- Henry Ware, Jr. (1813)