Study Desk

Then Solomon said, "The LORD has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud;

I have built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell forever."

While the whole assembly of Israel was standing there, the king turned around and blessed them.

Then he said: "Praise be to the LORD , the God of Israel, who with his hands has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to my father David. For he said,

'Since the day I brought my people out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city in any tribe of Israel to have a temple built for my Name to be there, nor have I chosen anyone to be the leader over my people Israel.

But now I have chosen Jerusalem for my Name to be there, and I have chosen David to rule my people Israel.'

"My father David had it in his heart to build a temple for the Name of the LORD , the God of Israel.

But the LORD said to my father David, 'Because it was in your heart to build a temple for my Name, you did well to have this in your heart.

Nevertheless, you are not the one to build the temple, but your son, who is your own flesh and blood-he is the one who will build the temple for my Name.'

"The LORD has kept the promise he made. I have succeeded David my father and now I sit on the throne of Israel, just as the LORD promised, and I have built the temple for the Name of the LORD , the God of Israel.

There I have placed the ark, in which is the covenant of the LORD that he made with the people of Israel."