Praise and Presence

O. T. #940  "Praise and Presence"
March 8
2 Chronicles 5-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

After Solomon had completed building the new Temple in Jerusalem, which took 7 1/2 years, he brought into it the furnishings that David had dedicated unto the Lord. Also, the Levites brought the Ark of the covenant and placed it in the Holy of Holies room. The elders and Levites assembled for the installation.

We pick up the story in verses 13-14, It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make the 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 music, and praised the LORD, saying, For He is good: for His mercy endureth forever: 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.

How was the first service in the Temple held?

• The men were loudly praising and thanking God with their trumpet and voice.
• They were singing Psalm 107 proclaiming that God is good and His mercy endureth forever.
• The Temple was then filled with a cloud, symbolizing the presence of the LORD God.

Can you imagine how wonderful the all men choir sounded with the trumpets playing? They recognized that God had provided all things needed for the Temple and their hearts' desire was to thank Him and praise Him. Had they experienced God's mercy in delivering them from the 70 year captivity? These Israelites definitely had a reason to thank and praise their God.

Do we thank and praise our God during our worship times? He inhabits the praise of His people.
Do we acknowledge His presence and goodness?


LET IT GROW

What happened when the people praised the Lord?
A cloud filled the Temple.

In the Hebrew language the word cloud used in these verses is the word anan (aw-nawn') which refers to a cloud as covering the sky; the nimbus or thunder cloud.

God's glorious presence was so strong that the priests could not continue their service. What an experience! Previously this had happened on the Tabernacle, recorded in Exodus 40. Likewise He will do the same on the millennial Temple, according to Ezekiel 43.

His glory is representative of His person (Ex. 33), and entering the temple signified His presence. (MacArthur)

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.   (Ps. 95:2-3)

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him and, and bless His name. (Ps. 100:4)

How great, merciful, compassionate, and gracious is our God!

*Please pray for my sister in law Rose as she undergoes heart valve replacement on Thursday morning in Nashville.

LET IT GO

Give thanks and praise unto my God.

Sing praises unto my Savior Jesus.

Thank You Jesus for what You are going to do in Roses' body and life.