What was the difference between the tabernacle and the
temple, and why did the Israelites change from one to the other? As a tent,
the tabernacle was a portable place of worship designed for the
people as they were traveling toward the promised land. The temple was a
permanent place to worship God after the Israelites were at
peace in their land. To bring the ark of the Lord's covenant to the temple
signified God's actual presence there.
For 480 years after Israel's escape from Egypt, God did not ask them to build a temple for him. Instead he emphasized the importance of his presence among them and their need for spiritual leaders. It is easy to think of a building as the focus of God's presence and power, but God chooses and uses people to do his work. He can use you more than he can use a building of wood and stone. Building or enlarging our place of worship may be necessary, but it should never take priority over developing spiritual leaders.
"But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!" 8:27
Footnote:
In his prayer of dedication, Solomon declares that even the highest heaven cannot contain God. Isn't it amazing that, though the heavens can't contain God, he is willing to live in the hearts of those who love him? The God of the universe takes up residence in his people!
8:56-60 Footnote:
Solomon praised the Lord and prayed for the people. His prayer can be a pattern for our prayers. He had five basic requests:
1. for God's presence;
2. for the desire to do God's will in everything;
3. for help with each day's need;
4. for the desire and ability to obey God's decrees and
commands;
5. for the spread of God's kingdom to the entire
world.
These prayer requests are just as important today. When you pray for your church or family, you can make these same requests to God.
Keep reading -- 197 days left!
All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV
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