1 Reis 8
F.B. Meyer · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Reis 8
Meyer - HE TEMPLE FILLED WITH GLORY When the Temple was finished it was dedicated in connection with the Feast of Tabernacles. All Israel in its most festive attire welcomed the Ark to its resting-place, with sacrifices and offerings that defied calculation. The budding rod and manna had gone from the Ark, because they belonged to a stage of experience which had passed away, just as we have to put away the things of our childhood; but the holy Law was there, 1 Kings 8:9, because, in our most ripened experience, we need to build and meditate on the eternal righteousness which is the foundation of God’s throne. The staves of the Ark were drawn out, because this was God’s resting-place forever. See Psalms 132:1-18. How comforted Solomon was when he saw the glory cloud settle down, like a bird on its nest! It was the sign of the divine approval and acceptance, Exodus 40:34. May that Presence fill the throne-room of our nature, that there may be no part dark, Luke 11:36, but that soul, mind, and strength may be full of love and light. Related Resource: Study of Shekinah THE BUILDER’S DEDICATION ADDRESS 1 Kings 8:12-21 Solomon, standing on the great platform within, view of the vast, thronging multitudes, recited tie steps that had led them to that illustrious hour. His whole speech was of God’s dealings. Why do we not speak of God more often, as the most important factor in life! It is a blessed thing to trace the connection between what God has promised and what He has fulfilled, 1 Kings 8:15. “The Lord hath performed His word that He spoke,” 1 Kings 8:20. Many of us could say that, and we ought to say it. Solomon brought out clearly in this address that God took account of David’s good intentions. “Thou didst well that it was in thine heart,” 1 Kings 8:18. Circumstances may prevent the execution of a desire and a purpose with which, years ago, our hearts were filled. God, however, will never forget it, and will see that the project is carried out in some other way-perhaps by another instrument. It was well that it was in thine heart to become a foreign missionary, though the need of widowed mother, or the claims of home, rendered literal obedience impossible. Thou shalt have the missionary’s place and crown hereafter, for it was in thine heart. GOD GREATER THAN ANY TEMPLE 1 Kings 8:22-32 Solomon’s different attitudes are specially mentioned. First he stood with hands outspread, 1 Kings 8:22; then, as indicated by 1 Kings 8:54, he came to his knees. These attitudes show expectant faith, as well as profound humility and reverence. The more we know of God, and experience the blessing of fellowship with Him, the lower becomes our self-estimate. Confidence in God always enhances reverence, Hebrews 12:28. The man who is lowest on his knees before God stands most erect to bless others, 1 Kings 8:55. The prayer began with an ascription of glory to God. In this it resembles the Lord’s Prayer; which begins with Hallowed be thy Name. Compare Psalms 115:1. Let us form our own prayers on this model. Then it acknowledges God’s fidelity to His promises. As He speaks, so He fulfils. But it is our part always to say with Solomon, Keep that which thou hast promised, 1 Kings 8:25, and Let thy word be verified, 1 Kings 8:26. When we stand on this sure footing with God, we can look out on all possible ills that may confront us-whether, drought, famine, pestilence, defeat, or captivity-and be absolutely sure that he will hear, answer, and forgive. Heaven cannot contain Him, but he dwells in the contrite heart, Isaiah 57:15. APPEALS TO THE GOD OF MERCY 1 Kings 8:33-43 Solomon’s prayer is evidently based on the book of Deuteronomy, and tends to confirm the old belief that, with the rest of the Pentateuch, this book came from the hand of Moses. In 2 Chronicles 20:7-9, Jehoshaphat pleaded this prayer as though it were substantially a promise, and therefore all needy souls who find their case described here, may plead it on their own behalf. Notice how frequently Solomon speaks of prayer, even in the land of captivity and exile, as being-directed toward the Temple, 1 Kings 8:38, etc. It reminds us of the grave need of maintaining unimpaired our spiritual frontage. It has been truly said that the direction of the soul’s outlook is the preliminary question in religion. Whether our home looks south or north; whether it faces sunless alleys or sunny fields, is an important physical consideration with us: It is likewise of great importance that the mind or soul should face the right way. The difference between spiritual health and disease is very largely one of the way in which we front. For us, Temple, Altar, and Mercy-Seat are all summed up in Jesus Christ. Our life must be spent looking unto Him, Hebrews 12:2. A PLEA FOR NATIONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS 1 Kings 8:44-53 How true it is that there is no man that sinneth not, 1 Kings 8:46! Only one that ever walked this earth was holy, guileless, and undefiled, Hebrews 7:26. When we fail to watch and abide in Christ, we are easily carried into captivity. How many of God’s children are thus taken captive! They are in bondage to some besetting sin, to some evil habit, to some degrading business, or to some unseemly alliance. Like blind Samson, they grind in the prison-house. Let any such, who long for freedom, take home to their souls the infinite comfort which God’s Word affords. Let them bethink-themselves of the holy and blessed days of the past. Let them repent, that is, in their heart and in practice put away the evil thing which is the outward badge of their sad condition. Let them turn again to the Savior, who has passed into the Holiest, that He may intercede in the presence of God for us all. There will be an immediate response. God will hearken in all that they call unto Him for, will forgive transgression and sin, and will restore His people to become again His own inheritance for His glory and praise. PETITION AND SACRIFICE 1 Kings 8:54-66 The man, as we have seen, who kneels most humbly before God is empowered to bless the people in God’s name. What an august and noble testimony the king bore: “There hath not failed one word of all His good promise,” 1 Kings 8:56. Joshua had said that before Solomon, Joshua 23:14. Myriads have borne similar witness, and, as we are passing hence, we shall say the same. We have failed, but not God; we have left Him, but He has never cast us away. The mountains may depart and the hills remove, but He will not alter nor falter in His everlasting kindness. Let us ask Him to incline our hearts unto Him, 1 Kings 8:58. Notice the r.v. marginal reading in 1 Kings 8:59 of the phrase, “as every day shall require”-“the thing of a day in its day.” Whatever may be the requirement for any day, the abundance of grace needed is provided, but you must look up for it and use it. It is they who receive the abundance of grace that reign in life. But you cannot receive unless your heart is perfect with God, and you walk in His statutes and keep His commandments. Larry Richards - Prayer and God’s Character (1 Kings 8) “It’s frustrating.” Sue was talking about her class of adults and her difficulty in getting any of them to pray aloud. “They just don’t seem to know much about prayer. And they sure aren’t going to pray aloud when others are there.” I suppose it’s even more frustrating for the women in her class. Wanting to pray. Feeling a need for prayer. But not feeling able to even try. For anyone who feels a little like that—uncertain, hesitant—Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple can help. Solomon rooted his prayers in his understanding of what God was like. Knowing God, he knew something about how to pray. Solomon knew that God is a faithful Person, who keeps His promise. So Solomon could claim the promises of God, and ask the Lord to keep them (1Ki 8:3–26). Solomon knew that God filled the universe, and yet bent to hear the prayer of a single individual. So Solomon could ask God to hear the prayers his people offered at the temple (1Ki 8:27–30). Solomon knew that God is moral Judge of His universe. So Solomon could ask God to punish the guilty and discharge the innocent (1Ki 8:31–32). Solomon knew that God forgives those who confess sin to Him. So Solomon could ask God to restore Israel’s fortunes when His people repented (1Ki 8:33–34). Solomon knew that God is all-powerful, exercising sovereign control over all that happens on earth. So Solomon could ask God to intervene and act when His people faced disaster (1Ki 8:35–40). Solomon knew that God loves all humankind. So Solomon could ask God to bless even the foreigner who comes to Him in prayer (1Ki 8:41–43). Solomon knew that God is for His people. So Solomon could ask God to help them in wartime (1Ki 8:44–45). Solomon knew that God hates sin and yet loves the sinner (1Ki 8:46–51). So Solomon could ask, no matter how great the sin or how terrible the discipline, that when God’s people returned to Him the Lord would forgive and restore their fortunes. And Solomon knew that God had singled out the people who were known by His name for endless love. So Solomon, and you and I, can be sure that God will hear and answer our prayers. We may not need to make the specific requests that Solomon made. But like Solomon we can let what we have learned about God guide us in our prayers. We can pray confidently, knowing that God will act in accordance with who He is, and in accordance with the great love He has for you and me. Personal Application - When you don’t know what or how to pray, think about who God is, and let your thoughts of Him guide as you speak to Him. (Borrow The 365 Day Devotional Commentary page 214). John Henry Jowett - THE EARLY BUILDERS 1Ki 8:1-21. IT is always a healthy means of grace to link my own accomplishments with the fidelity and achievements of the past. Solomon traced his finished Temple to the holy purpose in the heart of David his father. I lay the coping-stone, but who turned the first sod? I lead the water into new ministries, but who first dug the well? There is the temple of liberty. In our own day we are enriching it with most benignant legislation, but we must not forget our dauntless fathers, in whose blood the foundations were laid. When I am walking about in the finished structure, let me remember the daring architects who “did well” to have it in their hearts. Such retrospect will make me humble. It will save me from the isolation and impotence of foolish pride. It will confirm me in human fellowship by showing me how many springs I have in my fellow-men. And such retrospect will make me grateful to my God. Noble outlooks always engender the spirit of praise. The fine air of wide spaces quickens the soul to a song. Johann Sebastian Bach said, All music should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the soul’s refreshment; where this is not remembered there is no real music but only a devilish hub-bub. 1. He headed his compositions: J.J. Jesus Juva which means, Jesus help me. 2. Slide4b G.F.Handel put S.D.G. Soli Deo Gloria which means Glory to God alone, at the end of a manuscript. a) When the Temple was finished, Solomon held a week long celebration to dedicate it b) And He made sure it was Glory to God alone! 1 Kings 8:2 All the men of Israel assembled themselves to King Solomon at the feast, in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. at the feast: Lev 23:34 Nu 29:12-40 De 16:13 2Ch 5:3 2Ch 7:8-10 Ezr 3:4 Ne 8:14-18 Zec 14:16-19 Joh 7:2,37 Related Passages: Deuteronomy 16:13-15+ “You shall celebrate the Feast of Booths seven days after you have gathered in from your threshing floor and your wine vat; 14 and you shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter and your male and female servants and the Levite and the stranger and the orphan and the widow who are in your towns. 15 “Seven days you shall celebrate a feast to the LORD your God in the place which the LORD chooses, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you will be altogether joyful. Deuteronomy 31:11 Then Moses commanded them, saying, “At the end of every seven years, at the time of the year of remission of debts, at the Feast of Booths, 11 when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place which He will choose, you shall read this law in front of all Israel in their hearing. 1 Kings 6:38+ In the eleventh year, in the month of Bul (Oct-Nov), which is the eighth month, the house was finished throughout all its parts and according to all its plans. So he was seven years in building it. 2 Chronicles 5:3+ All the men of Israel assembled themselves to the king at the feast (FEAST OF BOOTHS), that is in the seventh month. 2 Chronicles 7:8-10+ So Solomon observed the feast (FEAST OF BOOTHS) at that time for seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great assembly who came from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of Egypt. 9 On the eighth day they held a solemn assembly, for the dedication of the altar they observed seven days and the feast seven days. 10 Then on the twenty-third day of the seventh month he sent the people to their tents, rejoicing and happy of heart because of the goodness that the LORD had shown to David and to Solomon and to His people Israel. Leviticus 23:34-43+ (FEAST OF BOOTHS) “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘On the fifteenth of this seventh month (Ethanim or Tishri Sept.-Oct) is the Feast of Booths for seven days to the LORD. 35 ‘On the first day is a holy convocation; you shall do no laborious work of any kind. 36 ‘For seven days you shall present an offering by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation and present an offering by fire to the LORD; it is an assembly. You shall do no laborious work. 37 ‘These are the appointed times of the LORD which you shall proclaim as holy convocations, to present offerings by fire to the LORD–burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings, each day’s matter on its own day– 38 besides those of the sabbaths of the LORD, and besides your gifts and besides all your votive and freewill offerings, which you give to the LORD. 39 ‘On exactly the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the crops of the land, you shall celebrate the feast of the LORD for seven days, with a rest on the first day and a rest on the eighth day. 40 ‘Now on the first day you shall take for yourselves the foliage of beautiful trees, palm branches and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. 41 ‘You shall thus celebrate it as a feast to the LORD for seven days in the year. It shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations; you shall celebrate it in the seventh month. 42 ‘You shall live in booths for seven days; all the native-born in Israel shall live in booths, 43 so that your generations may know that I had the sons of Israel live in booths when I brought them out from the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’” All the men of Israel (heads of tribes & families in 1Ki 8:1) assembled themselves to King Solomon at the feast (chaq), in the month Ethanim (called “Tishri” after the Babylonian exile = Sept.-Oct), which is the seventh month - All the men of Israel assemble eleven months after the completion of the Temple. The feast refers to the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles (Lev. 23:34-43) Seventh month is Sept.-Oct by our calendar. The Feast of Booths was one of the three key festivals (Passover/Unleavened Bread, Weeks/Pentecost, Tabernacles) to which all Israelites were to journey to Jerusalem to offer their tithes and offerings (Ex 23:14-17; Dt 16:16). Solomon planned the Temple dedication to coincide with a major festival so that All the men of Israel could celebrate the completion of the Temple. Paul House - During this feast Moses renewed the covenant with the second generation of freed Israelites. He also commanded them to read the law at this observance every seven years (Deut 31:9–13). Solomon's choice of the Feast of Booths for the dedication, then, was strategic in that it was a traditional time of national gathering, a reminder of Israel's conquest of Canaan, and a time of religious renewal. (Borrow 1 Kings page 136) Nelson's NKJV Study Bible. - The feast of tabernacles, occurring at the conclusion of the ceremonial year and commemorating God's granting of rest in the Promised Land to His people would provide a particularly appropriate occasion. Moreover, the covenant renewal observed in connection with this great feast (Deut. 31:10) made this time all the more appropriate. Accordingly, the festal season was lengthened to two weeks to allow the sacredness and joy of these days to have their full effect (see 2 Chr. 5:11-13). (Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary: Spreading the ... - Page 438) The IVP Bible Background Commentary on the month Ethanim – Old Testament. This autumn month (corresponding to September-October) was a part of the rainy season and is tied into the Feast of Tabernacles (see comments on Ex 23:16b and Dt 16:13-17). The dedication of the temple during the seventh month (its completion is noted in 1 Kings 6:38 in the eighth month) may reflect a year-long celebration after the completion of work or a delay of nearly a year in order to officially tie it into the harvest festival. (See The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament - Page 363) QUESTION - What is the Feast of Tabernacles / Booths / Sukkot? ANSWER - The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as the Feast of Booths and Sukkot, is the seventh and last feast that the Lord commanded Israel to observe and one of the three feasts that Jews were to observe each year by going to “appear before the Lord your God in the place which He shall choose” (Deuteronomy 16:16). The importance of the Feast of Tabernacles can be seen in how many places it is mentioned in Scripture. In the Bible we see many important events that took place at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles. For one thing, it was at this time that Solomon’s Temple was dedicated to the Lord (1 Kings 8:2). It was at the Feast of Tabernacles that the Israelites, who had returned to rebuild the temple, gathered to celebrate under the leadership of Joshua and Zerubbabel (Ezra 3). Later, the Jews heard Ezra read the Word of God to them during the Feast of Tabernacles (Nehemiah 8). Ezra’s preaching resulted in a great revival as the Israelites confessed and repented of their sins. It was also during this Feast that Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37–39). The Feast of Tabernacles takes place on the 15th of the Hebrew month Tishri. This was the seventh month on the Hebrew calendar and usually occurs in late September to mid-October. The feast begins five days after the Day of Atonement and at the time the fall harvest had just been completed. It was a time of joyous celebration as the Israelites celebrated God’s continued provision for them in the current harvest and remembered His provision and protection during the 40 years in the wilderness. As one of the three feasts that all “native born” male Jews were commanded to participate in, the Feast of Tabernacles is mentioned multiple times in Scripture, sometimes called the Feast of the Ingathering, the Feast to the Lord, or the Feast of Booths (Exodus 23:16; Deuteronomy 16:13). As one of the pilgrim feasts (when Jewish males were commanded to go to Jerusalem), it was also the time when they brought their tithes and offerings to the Temple (Deuteronomy 16:16). With the influx of people coming to Jerusalem at that time, we can only imagine what the scene must have been like. Thousands upon thousands of people coming together to remember and celebrate God’s deliverance and His provision, all living in temporary shelters or booths as part of the requirements of the feast. During the eight-day period, so many sacrifices were made that it required all twenty-four divisions of priests to be present to assist in the sacrificial duties. We find God’s instructions for celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles in Leviticus 23, given at a point in history right after God had delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt. The feast was to be celebrated each year on “the fifteenth day of this seventh month” and was to run for seven days (Leviticus 23:34). Like all feasts, it begins with a “holy convocation” or Sabbath day when the Israelites were to stop working to set aside the day for worshiping God. On each day of the feast they were to offer an “offering made by fire to the Lord” and then after seven days of feasting, again the eighth day was to be “a holy convocation” when they were to cease from work and offer another sacrifice to God (Leviticus 23). Lasting eight days, the Feast of Tabernacles begins and ends with a Sabbath day of rest. During the eight days of the feast, the Israelites would dwell in booths or tabernacles that were made from the branches of trees (Leviticus 23:40–42). The Feast of Tabernacles, like all the feasts, was instituted by God as a way of reminding Israelites in every generation of their deliverance by God from Egypt. Of course, the feasts are also significant in that they foreshadow the work and actions of the coming Messiah. Much of Jesus’ public ministry took place in conjunction with the Holy Feasts set forth by God. The three pilgrim feasts where all Jewish males were commanded to “appear before the Lord in the place he chooses” are each very important in regards to the life of Christ and His work of redemption. We know with certainty that the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are symbolic of Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross. Likewise, we know that Pentecost, which marked the beginning of the Feast of Weeks, was the time of Jesus’ bodily ascension. And most scholars would agree that the Feast of Tabernacles is symbolic of Christ’s Second Coming when He will establish His earthly kingdom. There are also some who believe that it was likely during the Feast of Tabernacles that Jesus was born. While we celebrate Christ’s birth on December 25, most scholars acknowledge that this tradition was begun in the fourth century AD by the Roman Catholic Church and that the exact day of Jesus’ birth is unknown. Some of the evidence that Jesus might have been born earlier in the year during the Feast of the Tabernacles includes the fact that it would be unlikely for shepherds to still be in the field with their sheep in December, which is in the middle of the winter, but it would have been likely they were in the fields tending sheep at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles. The strong possibility that Jesus was born at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles is also seen in the words John wrote in John 1:14. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” The word John chose to speak of Jesus “dwelling” among us is the word tabernacle, which simply means to “dwell in a tent.” Some believe it is very likely that John intentionally used this word to associate the first coming of Christ with the Feast of Tabernacles. Christ came in the flesh to dwell among us for a temporary time when He was born in the manger, and He is coming again to dwell among us as Lord of Lords. While it cannot be established with certainty that Jesus was born during the Feast of Tabernacles, some believe there is a strong possibility the Feast of Tabernacles not only looks forward to His second coming but also reflects back on His first coming. The Feast of Tabernacles begins and ends with a special Sabbath day of rest. During the days of the feast all native Israelites were “to dwell in booths” to remind them that God delivered them out of the “land of Egypt” and to look forward to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would deliver His people from the bondage of sin. This feast, like all of the feasts of Israel, consistently reminded the Jews and should remind Christians as well that God has promised to deliver His people from the bondage of sin and deliver them from their enemies. Part of God’s deliverance for the Israelites was His provision and protection of them for the 40 years they wandered in the wilderness, cut off from the Promised Land. The same holds true for Christians today. God protects us and provides for us as we go through life in the wilderness of this world. While our hearts long for the Promised Land (heaven) and to be in the presence of God, He preserves us in this world as we await the world to come and the redemption that will come when Jesus Christ returns again to “tabernacle” or dwell among us in bodily form.GotQuestions.org 1 Kings 8:3 Then all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. the priests took up: Nu 4:15 De 31:9 Jos 3:6,14,15 4:9 6:6 1Ch 15:2,11-15 2Ch 5:5-8 Related Passages: Deuteronomy 12:1-7+ “These are the statutes and the judgments which you shall carefully observe in the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess as long as you live on the earth. 2 “You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations whom you shall dispossess serve their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. 3 “You shall tear down their altars and smash their sacred pillars and burn their Asherim with fire, and you shall cut down the engraved images of their gods and obliterate their name from that place. 4 “You shall not act like this toward the LORD your God. 5 “But you shall seek the LORD at the place which the LORD your God will choose from all your tribes, to establish His name there for His dwelling, and there you shall come. 6 “There you shall bring your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the contribution of your hand, your votive offerings, your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock. 7 “There also you and your households shall eat before the LORD your God, and rejoice in all your undertakings in which the LORD your God has blessed you 1 Chronicles 15:15+ The sons of the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles thereon, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 5:5-8+ They brought up the ark and the tent of meeting and all the holy utensils which were in the tent; the Levitical priests brought them up. 6 And King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel who were assembled with him before the ark, were sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. 7 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place, into the inner sanctuary of the house, to the holy of holies, under the wings of the cherubim. 8 For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark, so that the cherubim made a covering over the ark and its poles. (THESE CHERUBIM WERE NOT THE STANDING CHERUBIM - 1Ki 6:23-29 BUT THOSE DIRECTLY OVER THE ARK AS DEPICTED BELOW). Ark of the Covenant Then all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark (aron) - It is notable that pagans would bring an idol in procession to their new Temple and here Solomon brings the "Throne of God," the ark of the covenant of the Lord! Solomon was careful to obey what God commanded about transporting the ark of the covenant, that it was only to be carried by priests. Another reason the priests and not the Levites carried the Ark is because they alone were allowed to enter the Holy of holies. Recall all priests were Levites but not all Levites were priests. Solomon made certain to not repeat the error of his father David in 2 Samuel 6:1-8+ when Uzzah a Levite but not a priest transported the Ark on a cart and even touched the Ark and died. Now that the Ark (which had been south of the Temple was moved northward to Mt Moriah and the Temple) and the Tabernacle had been removed from the High Place at Gibeon (Apparently the actual tabernacle and its utensils were set aside and not used in the Temple, the Ark being the only piece of furniture that was placed in the Temple), the Deuteronomic ideal of a central location of worship was finally realized as had been alluded to in Deut. 12:1-14+. QUESTION - What is the ark of the testimony (ark of the covenant)? ANSWER - The first mention of the ark of the testimony is in Exodus 25:10. God gave Moses specific instructions for building a tabernacle as they traveled in the wilderness. The tabernacle would be the place where the glory of God would dwell among His people (Exodus 25:8–9). Among hundreds of other descriptive instructions for this tabernacle, God told Moses to build an ark of the testimony, also called the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:21–22). The words testimony and covenant both refer to the conditional agreement made between God and the children of Israel at Mount Sinai. An ark is, literally, a box or chest. So the ark of the testimony is the “box of the agreement.” The ark of the testimony was a wooden box, covered in gold inside and out. It had four exterior rings through which poles could be attached for carrying. No one but the high priest could touch the ark (Numbers 4:15). To do so would result in instant death, as happened with a man named Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:1–7). God was beginning to teach His people about His holiness and their unworthiness. He demonstrated to them that His commands were not suggestions to be negotiated. He wanted to teach them to obey Him in all things, whether or not they understood the reason for the rules. The lid of the ark was also made of gold and formed a seat between two cherubim, called the mercy seat. It was there that God would meet with His people (Exodus 25:22). Inside the ark of the testimony, Moses placed the tablets of the Law that God gave him on the mountain. The ark was placed inside the tabernacle in the most holy place, where only the high priest could go once a year (Exodus 26:34). Through it all, God was painting a picture to help us understand what is required for sinful man to come into the presence of a holy God. The ark of the testimony got its name from the fact that it would be the housing for God’s testimony to His people. His Law was not only verbal, but written, etched in stone (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 5:22), so there could be no excuse for disobedience. Hebrews 9:4 tells us that, later, the Israelites added to the stone tablets within the ark of the testimony a jar of manna (Exodus 16:32–33) and Aaron’s rod that budded (Numbers 17:8–10). The ark of the testimony represented the presence of God with His people, and His power went with them wherever they took the ark (Joshua 3:6; Numbers 10:33–35). The enemies of Israel, the Philistines, stole the ark once (1 Samuel 5:1), hoping its power would help them. They set it in their idol’s temple and waited for the good luck it would bring. But calamity broke out among the Philistines, until they begged their leaders to send the ark back to Israel (1 Samuel 5:4, 6, 9, 11–12). God demonstrated that He was not a good-luck charm whose power could be had by whoever captured His ark. The power was not in the ark of the testimony itself; the ark only represented the presence of God with His people. Since the death and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 14:9), God no longer uses an ark of the testimony to dwell with His people. We are under a new testament or covenant. At Pentecost, He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell every believer (Acts 2:1–4, 38–39). We become His temple (1 Corinthians 6:19). When we have been born again by faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:3, 16), we take God with us everywhere we go. It did the Philistines no good to harbor the ark, because the ark had no power in itself if God was not on their side. Likewise, we do not need physical items—crosses, images, holy relics—to carry the power of God with us because He already abides in us. That awareness of His presence, called the fear of the Lord (Psalm 19:19; Proverbs 15:33), helps us make decisions that honor Him.GotQuestions.org QUESTION - What is the Ark of the Covenant? ANSWER - God made a covenant (a conditional covenant) with the children of Israel through His servant Moses. He promised good to them and their children for generations if they obeyed Him and His laws; but He always warned of despair, punishment, and dispersion if they were to disobey. As a sign of His covenant He had the Israelites make a box according to His own design, in which to place the stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments. This box, or chest, was called an “ark” and was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. The Ark was to be housed in the inner sanctum of the tabernacle in the desert and eventually in the Temple when it was built in Jerusalem. This chest is known as the Ark of the Covenant. The real significance of the Ark of the Covenant was what took place involving the lid of the box, known as the "Mercy Seat." The term ‘mercy seat’ comes from a Hebrew word meaning “to cover, placate, appease, cleanse, cancel or make atonement for.” It was here that the high priest, only once a year (Leviticus 16), entered the Holy of Holies where the Ark was kept and atoned for his sins and the sins of the Israelites. The priest sprinkled blood of a sacrificed animal onto the Mercy Seat to appease the wrath and anger of God for past sins committed. This was the only place in the world where this atonement could take place. The Mercy Seat on the Ark was a symbolic foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice for all sin—the blood of Christ shed on the cross for the remission of sins. The Apostle Paul, a former Pharisee and one familiar with the Old Testament, knew this concept quite well when he wrote about Christ being our covering for sin in Romans 3:24-25: "…and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith." Just as there was only one place for atonement of sins in the Old Testament—the Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant—so there is also only one place for atonement in the New Testament and current times—the cross of Jesus Christ. As Christians, we no longer look to the Ark but to the Lord Jesus Himself as the propitiation and atonement for our sins.GotQuestions.org 1 Kings 8:4 They brought up the ark of the LORD and the tent of meeting and all the holy utensils, which were in the tent, and the priests and the Levites brought them up. and the: 1Ki 3:4 2Ch 1:3 tent: Ex 40:2-33 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 1:3+ Then Solomon and all the assembly with him went to the high place which was at Gibeon, for God’s tent of meeting was there, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness. PRIESTS BRINGING UP THE ARK TO TEMPLE They brought up the ark (aron) of the LORD and the tent of meeting (Heb - assembly) and all the holy utensils, which were in the tent (What was the tent of meeting?), and the priests and the Levites brought them up - The tent of meeting refers to the original Tabernacle which clearly Solomon had transported to Jerusalem from the high place at Gibeon. That “tent,” which had been at Gibeon was now taken to somewhere in the Temple in Jerusalem, the old portable Tabernacle giving way to the permanent Temple of Yahweh. The priests and the Levites Solomon employed both priests and the Levites for the handling and moving of the sacred objects, including the ark and the Tent of Meeting (the tabernacle in the wilderness). The mention of priests and the Levites implies differing responsibilities. As noted earlier while every priest must be a Levite, not every Levite would function as a priest. Paul House - The priests were the ones who carried the ark into the promised land in Josh 3:3. Eli and Samuel, both priests, care for the ark in 1 Samuel 1–6. Uzzah, a nonpriest, was struck dead for touching the ark while it was being carried to Jerusalem (2 Sam 6:1–8). (borrow 1 KIngs) ESV Study Bible (borrow) - Not even the elders of Israel are safe in the immediate proximity of the ark (cf. Josh. 3:1-4; 2 Sam. 6:1-7), and only priests could have taken it right into the inner sanctuary (1 Kings 8:6) Ark (0727)(aron) means a chest, a box (first use was coffin for Joseph's body - Ge 50:26), a container for funds to repair the Temple in (2 Ki 12:10-11, 2 Chr 24:8, 10-11). It is used most often of the Ark in the Holy of Holies and is first called the Ark of the Covenant in Nu 10:33. Jack Lewis on aron - As described in Exodus, Bezaleel made the ark of acacia wood. There were gold rings on the corners through which staves were placed for carrying it (Exodus 25:10-21; Exodus 37:1-9). In size the ark was 2 1/2 by 1 1/2 by 1 1/2 cubits, and was overlaid inside and out with gold (Exodus 25:11). It was surmounted by the mercy seat (kappōret) and cherubim with outstretched wings. The ark contained the tables of stone with the law (Deut. 10:1-5; Exodus 40:20), a pot of manna, and Aaron's rod which budded (Hebrews 9:4). The Damascus Document, fragments of which were found at Qumran, has the peculiar tradition that a copy of the Law was in the ark and it was sealed, which explains why David had not read it! (C.D.C. 5, 3). The ark was set in the most holy place in the tabernacle. In the wilderness the ark was carried by the Levites (Deut. 10:8) before the line of march. A liturgical formula was recited when it was transported (Numbers 10:35-36). The ark was prominent at the crossing of the Jordan (Joshua 3-4) and in the capture of Jericho (Joshua 6-7). It was at Gilgal (Joshua 7:6), Shechem (Joshua 8:33), Bethel (Judges 20:27-28), and later Shiloh (1 Samuel 3:3). It was carried into battle against the Philistines at Aphek. They captured it (1 Samuel 4:3-11) but it caused plagues in the Philistine cities (1 Samuel 6:3-4). It was returned to Israel and for twenty years remained in the house of Abinadab at Kiriathjearim. Finally David brought it up to Jerusalem (1 Samuel 7:1-2; 2 Samuel 6:1ff.; Psalm 132:18). Helping move the ark, Uzzah fell dead for touching it (2 Samuel 6:6-11). After that incident, it remained three months at the house of Obed edom. Later it was carried on a military expedition against the Ammonites (on one interpretation of 2 Samuel 11:11), but it remained in Jerusalem at Absalom's revolt (2 Samuel 15:24f.). Solomon placed it in the holy of holies of the temple (1 Kings 8). The ultimate fate of the ark is a mystery. Jeremiah 3:16-17 may imply its existence as late as the time of Nebuchadnezzar. It was the subject of later Jewish legend (2 Macc. 2:4f.; T. Sota 13:1; The Lives of the Prophets, ed. Torrey, I, p. 36). There was no ark in either Zerubbabel's or Herod's temple (cf. Josephus, Wars 5.5.5). Often designated "the ark" (hā-ʾārôn), it is also "the ark of the Lord" (Joshua 4:11, etc.) and "the ark of God" (1 Samuel 3:3, etc.). It is called "the ark of the God of Israel" by the Philistines (1 Samuel 5:2-11, etc.). The ark is most often "the ark of the covenant" (’ārôn habberît, Numbers 10:33, etc., 184 times), "the ark of the testimony" (ʾārôn ha-ʿēdût, Exodus 25:22, etc.; 13 times); "the ark of thy might" (Psalm 132:8), and once "the holy ark" (ʾārôn haqqōdesh; 2 Chron. 35:3). (TWOT ONLINE) Torrey's Topic the Ark of the Covenant Dimensions, &c of Exodus 25:10 ; 37:1 Entirely covered with gold Exodus 25:11 ; 37:2 Surrounded with a crown of gold Exodus 25:11 Furnished with rings and staves Exodus 25:12-15 ; 37:3-5 Tables of testimony alone placed in Exodus 25:16,21 ; 1 Kings 8:9,21 ; 2 Chronicles 5:10 ; Hebrews 9:4 Mercy-seat laid upon Exodus 25:21 ; 26:34 Placed in the Holy of Holies Exodus 26:33 ; 40:21 ; Hebrews 9:3,4 The pot of manna and Aaron's rod laid up before Hebrews 9:4 ; Exodus 16:33,34 ; Numbers 17:10 A copy of the law laid in the side of Deuteronomy 31:26 Covered with the vail by the priests before removal Numbers 4:5,6 WAS CALLED THE Ark of God 1 Samuel 3:3 Ark of God's strength 2 Chronicles 6:41 ; Psalm 132:8 Ark of the covenant of the Lord Numbers 10:33 Ark of the testimony Exodus 30:6 ; Numbers 7:89 A symbol of the presence and glory of God Numbers 14:43,44 ; Joshua 1:6 ; 1 Samuel 14:18,19 ; Psalm 132:8 Esteemed the glory of Israel 1 Samuel 4:21,22 Was holy 2 Chronicles 35:3 Sanctified its resting place 2 Chronicles 8:11 The Israelites enquired of the Lord before Joshua 7:6-9 ; Judges 20:27 ; 1 Chronicles 13:3 WAS CARRIED By priests of Levites alone Deuteronomy 10:8 ; Joshua 3:14 ; 2 Samuel 15:24 ; 1 Chronicles 15:2 Before the Israelites in their journeys Numbers 10:33 ; Joshua 3:6 Sometimes to the camp in war 1 Samuel 4:4,5 Profanation of, punished Numbers 4:5,15 ; 1 Samuel 6:19 ; 1 Chronicles 15:13 Protecting of, rewarded 1 Chronicles 13:14 Captured by the Philistines 1 Samuel 4:11 MIRACLES CONNECTED WITH Fall of the walls of Jericho Joshua 6:6-20 Fall of Dagon 1 Samuel 5:1-4 Philistines plagued 1 Samuel 5:6-12 Manner of its restoration 1 Samuel 6:1-18 At Kirjath-jearim twenty years 1 Samuel 7:1,2 Removed from Kirjath-jearim to the house of Obed-edom 2 Samuel 6:1-11 David made a tent for 2 Samuel 6:17 ; 1 Chronicles 15:1 Brought into the city of David 2 Samuel 6:12-15 ; 1 Chronicles 15:25-28 Brought by Solomon into the temple with great solemnity 1 Kings 8:1-6 ; 2 Chronicles 5:2-9 A type of Christ Psalm 40:8 ; Revelation 11:19 Why did God strike Uzzah dead for touching the Ark of the Covenant? The Dedication of the Temple - Rob Salvato - Intro: One of the most unusual houses in the world is the “Winchester House” located in San Jose, California – 1922. The house was under construction for 40 years, and when they had stopped construction there was enough building materials left over to continue another 40 years....The cost was $5 million a Huge amount in the early 1900’s. It had 2,000 doors... 1,500,000 panes of glass... 47 fire places... 150 rooms and there are no more than 10 rooms on any given level. Every staircase has 13 steps...... Every hallway is exactly 2ft. wide. Many of the doors lead outside to a drop sometimes of 50ft. There are over 4,000 buttons... Some with a function... but most do nothing. This home was constructed by a Mrs. Winchester... the wife of the man who had founded the Winchester guns. After the death of her husband, she felt guilt over the deaths attributed to her husbands guns and became involved in the occult. he was told by a spirit that she would never die as long as she kept building the house... So she kept on building year after year. Teddy Roosevelt came to visit the house during his presidency but she would not come out to meet the president and would not allow the president to come inside.... STRANGE. Yet she kept on building until she died- She spent ALL of her energies... All of her resources for NOTHING. The project that she poured her life into is NOTHING more than an ODDITY today 1 Kings 8:5 And King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who were assembled to him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen they could not be counted or numbered. sacrificing: 1Ki 8:62-63 2Sa 6:13 1Ch 16:1 Related Passages: 1 Kings 8:62-63 Now the king and all Israel with him offered sacrifice before the LORD. 63 Solomon offered for the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered to the LORD, 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the sons of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD. Ark of the Covenant INNUMERABLE SACRIFICES REFLECT JOYFUL WORSHIP And King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who were assembled to him, were with him before the ark (aron), sacrificing so many sheep and oxen they could not be counted or numbered The plethora of sacrifices in this context were not so much for sin but were more a reflection of Israel's thanksgiving and rejoicing for the presence of Jehovah manifested by the presence of the Ark.
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Meyer - Then the House was filled with a Cloud. This was the bright Shekinah cloud, the symbol of the Divine Presence, which had shone for Moses in the bush, and led the march through the desert. It was as though God had found a rest. And as it settled upon the Most Holy Place, it was as though God said, This is my rest forever; here will I dwell, for I have desired it. The Most Holy Place is the symbol of our spirit, meant to be the abiding-place and home of God; and shall we not invite the blessed Shekinah cloud to enter thither, addressing it in the words of the Psalm, “Arise, O Lord, into thy resting-place, Thou and the ark of Thy strength.” Because where He comes to abide He abundantly blesses the provision, and satisfies the poor with bread; He clothes His priests with salvation, and makes His saints shout aloud for joy: He erects the horn of strength and prepares the lamp of light. What were the conditions of this incoming?— First, UNITY.— “The trumpeters and singers were as one.” We must put away strife, divisions, variance, and evil-speaking. Our heart and life must be full of love. When the disciples were with one accord, in one place, the Spirit descended. Second, HEARTINESS.— “They lifted up their voice.” There was every symptom of sincerity and fervor. Third, THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE.— “They praised the Lord, saying, He is good, for His mercy endureth forever.” No refrain occurs oftener in the Bible than this. It is an exquisite expression of the heart’s joy and rest in God. Let us sing it in our darkest, as well as gladdest hours, full of trust, thanksgiving, and praise. G Campbell
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Meyer - When Thou teachest them the good way wherein they should walk. (R. V.) This sentence is exactly parallel with the previous one, When Thou dost afflict them. The obvious meaning then is, that God sometimes taught Israel the good way wherein they should walk, by afflicting them and shutting up the heaven so that there was no rain. This was notably the case in the days of Elijah. Possibly, these words were in his heart, when he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it rained not for the space of three years and six mouths. Perhaps the prophet felt that in no other way could the people be brought back to their senses, and reconciled to God, except by learning the futility of idol-worship. So he asked God to teach them the good way, by shutting up the bad one. What a lesson for ourselves: God often teaches us by bitter disappointment and pain. Our familiar paths are barricaded by thorns, our familiar hiding-places are blocked up, our fountains are poisoned, and all our pleasant things are laid waste. We sometimes suppose that this is in wrath; may it not rather be in love? God is teaching us the good by showing us the evil: is urging us to tread in the pleasant ways of wisdom, by allowing us to prove the sharp flints and thorns of transgression. Then Ephraim bemoans himself thus: Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a calf unaccustomed to the yoke; turn Thou me, and I shall be turned. Then the soul cries, I will go and return to my first husband, for then was it better with me than now. Sit in God’s school, and learn from His Word and Spirit, that He may not be compelled to have recourse to such severe measures as these. Why shouldst thou be afflicted, when He is willing to instruct and teach thee in the way that thou shouldst go! 1 Kings 8:37 "If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, locust or grasshopper, if their enemy besieges them in the land of their cities, whatever plague, whatever sickness there is, famine: Lev 26:16,25,26-46 De 28:21,22,25,38-42,52-61 2Ki 6:25-29 1Ch 21:12 2Ch 6:28-31 20:9 Ps 105:34,35 Jer 32:2 39:1-3 Eze 14:21 Joel 1:4-7 Joel 2:25,26 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 6:28+ “If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, if there is locust or grasshopper, if their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities, whatever plague or whatever sickness there is, If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, locust or grasshopper, if their enemy besieges them in the land of their cities, whatever plague, whatever sickness there is, See Courson's summary. J.A. Thompson: Famine or plague, blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, and the ravages of war recurred from time to time. Famine in the ancient Near East derived from natural causes such as drought, disease, or insects (Gen 12:10; 26:1; 41:1–57; Ruth 1:1; 2 Sam 21:1; 24:13; 1 Chr 21:12; 1 Kgs 18:1–2); the ravages of warfare through the confiscation and burning of crops (Jdg 6:3–6; 15:3–5); and through siege (Lev 26:25–26; 2 Kgs 6:24–25; 2 Kgs 25:1–3; 2 Chr 32:11; Isa 31:19; Jer 14:11–18; 16:4; 21:7–9). Plague or pestilence affected animals (Exod 9:3; Ps 78:48–50), men (Lev 26:25–26; Num 14:12; 1 Chr 21:12), and crops. Israel's special geographical location on the only land bridge between the continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa brought a lot of commercial traffic through the area and made the land subject to the easy spread of disease and epidemics from neighboring lands. An important theological principle is set out in 2Ch 6:30. God is requested to “deal with each man according to all he does, since you know his heart [for you alone know the hearts of men].” God is a God of justice and deals with people as individuals. The prayer of the nation (the people Israel) is in the final analysis the prayer of the needy individual. (See 1, 2 Chronicles: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition) 1 Kings 8:38 whatever prayer or supplication is made by any man or by all Your people Israel, each knowing the affliction of his own heart, and spreading his hands toward this house; NET 1 Kings 8:38 When all your people Israel pray and ask for help, as they acknowledge their pain and spread out their hands toward this temple, CSB 1 Kings 8:38 whatever prayer or petition anyone from Your people Israel might have-- each man knowing his own afflictions and spreading out his hands toward this temple-- ESV 1 Kings 8:38 whatever prayer, whatever plea is made by any man or by all your people Israel, each knowing the affliction of his own heart and stretching out his hands toward this house, NIV 1 Kings 8:38 and when a prayer or plea is made by any of your people Israel--each one aware of the afflictions of his own heart, and spreading out his hands toward this temple-- NLT 1 Kings 8:38 and if your people Israel pray about their troubles, raising their hands toward this Temple, NRS 1 Kings 8:38 whatever prayer, whatever plea there is from any individual or from all your people Israel, all knowing the afflictions of their own hearts so that they stretch out their hands toward this house; NJB 1 Kings 8:38 whatever be the prayer or entreaty of any individual aware of a particular affliction: when that person stretches out the hands towards this Temple, NAB 1 Kings 8:38 if then any one (of your entire people Israel) has remorse of conscience and offers some prayer or petition, stretching out his hands toward this temple, YLT 1 Kings 8:38 any prayer, any supplication that is of any man of all Thy people Israel, who know each the plague of his own heart, and hath spread his hands towards this house, GWN 1 Kings 8:38 hear every prayer for mercy, made by one person or by all the people in Israel, whose consciences bother them, who stretch out their hands toward this temple. BBE 1 Kings 8:38 Whatever prayer or request for your grace is made by any man, or by all your people Israel, whatever his trouble may be, whose hands are stretched out to this house: RSV 1 Kings 8:38 whatever prayer, whatever supplication is made by any man or by all thy people Israel, each knowing the affliction of his own heart and stretching out his hands toward this house; NKJ 1 Kings 8:38 "whatever prayer, whatever supplication is made by anyone, or by all Your people Israel, when each one knows the plague of his own heart, and spreads out his hands toward this temple: ASV 1 Kings 8:38 what prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, who shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house: prayer: 2Ch 20:5-13 Ps 50:15 91:15 Isa 37:4,15-21 Joe 2:17 Am 7:1-6 the affliction: 2Ch 6:29 Job 7:11 Ps 32:3,4 42:6,9,11 73:21,22 142:3-5 Pr 14:10 Ro 7:24 Php 4:6 spreading his hands: 1Ki 8:22 Isa 1:15 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 6:29+ whatever prayer or supplication is made by any man or by all Your people Israel, each knowing his own affliction and his own pain, and spreading his hands toward this house, Whatever prayer (tepillah; Lxx - proseuche) or supplication (teḥinnāh/techinnah; Lxx - deesis) is made by any man or by all Your people Israel, each knowing the affliction of his own heart, and spreading his hands toward this house - There is nothing "magical" about spreading his hands toward this house, but this simply speaks of one's willingness to humble themselves and plead with Jehovah (regardless of which direction you face, because He is omnipresent). C H
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Meyer - 1 Kings 8:59 That He maintain the cause of His servant, as every day shall require. (r. v.) The R. V. marginal reading is, “The thing of a day in its day.” What rest would come into our lives, if we really believed that God maintained the cause of His servants! Men hate you, and say unkind or untrue things about you; on your part, though you are quite prepared to admit that you have made mistakes, yet you know that you desire above all things to act as God’s servant should, that your motives are sincere, and your hands clean— be of good courage then, God will maintain your cause, as every day may require. Or, you are beset by strong competition; and, in order to hold your own, you have been tempted to do what is not perfectly the best— to spice your teaching with a little heterodoxy, puff your wares with misleading titles, to adulterate your goods. But there is no need to do this; if only you are faithful to God, He will maintain your cause, as every day may require. Or, you are tempted almost beyond endurance, and think that you must yield. The seductions are so insidious, the pitfalls so carefully concealed, the charm of evil so subtle. But, if you will only look away to God, you will find Him a very present help to maintain your cause. Oh, trust Him; for none of them that do so can be desolate. Daily strength for daily need; daily manna for daily hunger; daily maintenance for daily temptation. These are assured. 1 Kings 8:60 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no one else. so that all the peoples of the earth: 1Ki 8:43 Jos 4:24 1Sa 17:46 2Ki 19:19 the LORD is God: 1Ki 18:39 De 4:35,39 Isa 44:6,8,24 45:5,6,22 Jer 10:10-12 Joe 2:27 THE GREAT PURPOSE TO KNOW THE LORD IS GOD So that (term of purpose or result) all the peoples of the earth may know (yada; Lxx - ginosko - know by experiencing) that the LORD is God - The Hebrew word for know (yada) speaks of knowing Yahweh intimately (and personally). When the people of Israel saw the glory of the LORD they rightly responded "The LORD, He is God; the LORD, He is God.” Solomon says the purpose (so that clause) of Israel is world evangelism, that the Gentiles would come to know God. In Acts 13:47+ Paul declared "the Lord has commanded us, 'I HAVE PLACED YOU AS A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES, THAT YOU SHOULD BRING SALVATION TO THE END OF THE EARTH.'" Quoting Isa 42:6, Paul showed that he clearly understood God's intention for the Jewish nation to be a light to the Gentiles. In Jesus' high priestly prayer He prays "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3+) God has always sought the salvation of the Gentiles Ps 2:8+ addressed to Messiah "Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations (GENTILES) as Your inheritance, And the very ends of the earth as Your possession. " There is no one else - In the Lxx, no one is " ou, ouk, ouch" signifying absolutely no one else! This is Solomon's declaration of the doctrine of monotheism (How many gods are there?) As Peter declared "there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12+)