27 “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! 28 Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day, 29 that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. 30 And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive. 1 Kings 8:27-30 (ESV)
Celebration and sacrifice, vv. 1–13
Blessing Israel and Yahweh, vv. 14–21
Solomon’s prayer of dedication, vv. 22–53
Blessing Israel and Yahweh, vv. 54–61
Celebration and sacrifice, vv. 62–66
1. The Awesome Glory of God: a picture of clarity and concealment (1-21)
21 The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.
Exodus 20:21 (ESV)
2. The Forgiving Mercy from God: a picture of man’s depravity and need (22-53)
34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Romans 8:34 (ESV)
3. The Sacrifices for God: a picture of reconciliation and fellowship (54-66)