The Dedication of the First Temple

The dedication was set for the month of Ethanim — Tishrei, the season of the autumn festivals. Elders and tribal heads assembled from all Israel. The Ark was brought up from the City of David into the inner sanctuary, beneath the wings of the cherubim; its poles were so long that their ends could be seen from behind the curtain. Inside it, the text says, there was nothing but the two stone tablets Moses had placed there.

When the priests came out, a cloud filled the House and they could not stand to serve: "the glory of the Lord filled the house."

Then Solomon stood before the altar, spread his hands toward heaven, and prayed the prayer that defines what a Temple is for. Heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You, how much less this house; yet may Your eyes be open toward this place, and hear and forgive every prayer directed here. He listed seven situations — disputes, defeat in war, drought, famine and plague, captivity — and added a plea for the foreigner who comes from a distant land for the sake of Your name.

The offerings were beyond counting. They kept seven days of dedication and the seven days of Sukkot, and on the eighth Solomon sent the people home, glad and good-hearted.