“It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.” II Chronicles 5:13-14
The dedication of the temple was a spectacular occasion. The temple itself was ornate, and much of it was overlaid with gold. Hundreds of priests and Levites were prepared to begin the sacrificial offerings and ceremonial cleansings required in the Old Testament law. A large choir began to sing praises to God accompanied by an orchestra that included one hundred twenty trumpets. As the choir sang and the orchestra played, the glory of the Lord filled the temple. When God’s glory filled the house, all of the money and time that had been invested in the building of the temple and all of the preparations that had been made for the dedication service were made worthwhile. The purpose of the temple was to provide a place where the people could worship God, and His presence was what validated the building. The king had procured the materials, the workmen had followed the plans, the priests had prepared the sacrifices, and the musicians sang praises to God; but all of this would have been in vain if the glory of God had not filled the house.
Morning: II Chronicles 4-6
Evening: John 10:24-42