Presence of the Lord

O. T. #769  "Presence of the Lord"
June 7, 2016
1 Kings 8-Part 2
The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple.  1 Kings 8:11

LET IT GLOW

Have you ever been overwhelmed with the presence of the Lord? How wonderfully assuring it is. Israel experienced it.

After seven years, the Temple was finished and the Ark of the Covenant was transport to its new place in the Holy of Holies. It was placed beneath the wings of the two cherubims, whose wings formed a canopy over the Ark. the carrying poles apparently remained though the rings. The Law written on the two stones were inside the Ark. (Aaron's staff and manna are not mentioned here as being inside also.)
When the priests came out of the Holy Place, a thick cloud filled the Temple of the LORD. The priests could not continue their service (offering sacrifices) because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple. (verses 10-11)

The church service stopped because of the Lord's presence was overcoming. It signaled to the Israelites that the Lord approved of the Temple. A similar manifestation took place when the tabernacle was dedicated in Exodus 40:34-35.

God's impenetrable and unbearable glory filled the new sanctuary. (Holman)

Do we bow in the presence of the Living God?

LET IT GROW

Leviticus 5 gives more details concerning this. the Levites were musicians and joined by 120 priests playing trumpets. They and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the LORD.
They sang: He is good! His mercy endures forever!

LET IT GO

Praise the Lord Jesus, for His mercy endures forever!