2 Chronicles 5: Completion of Solomon’s Temple

Introduction: The fifth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles, in the Old Testament, is a magnificent narration of the Glory of God as manifested in the dedication of Solomon’s temple. This outline will explore the richness of this chapter, focusing on the intricacies of Divine Glory. The chapter’s main themes include the completion of the temple, the ark’s introduction, and the manifestation of God’s glory. Each theme will be cross-referenced with other scripture passages to provide a comprehensive understanding of Divine Glory in 2 Chronicles 5.

I. Completion of all the work that Solomon made for the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 5:1)
Solomon’s dedication in finishing the work reflects his commitment to honoring God, pointing to the concept of divine glory as the completion of God’s work. In Exodus 40:33, Moses completed the tabernacle, a prefiguration of Solomon’s temple. In John 19:30, Jesus declared, “It is finished,” signifying the completion of God’s work of redemption. Finally, in Revelation 21:6, God’s voice announces the completion of a new heaven and a new earth.

II. The Ark of the Covenant brought into the Most Holy Place (2 Chronicles 5:7-10)
The Ark’s placement in the Holy of Holies symbolizes God’s presence among His people, highlighting the divine glory as God’s abiding presence. In Exodus 25:22, God promises to meet and speak with Moses above the mercy seat of the Ark. This was also seen in 1 Kings 8:6-9, when the Ark was brought into Solomon’s temple. In Hebrews 9:3-5, the Ark in the Most Holy Place foreshadows Christ’s presence in the true heavenly sanctuary.

III. The Levitical singers praising God and the cloud filling the temple (2 Chronicles 5:13-14)
The Levites’ praise and the cloud filling the temple illustrate divine glory as God’s overwhelming presence, evoking awe and worship. In Exodus 40:34-35, the glory of God filled the tabernacle just as it filled Solomon’s temple. In Isaiah 6:1-4, Isaiah’s vision of God’s glory filling the temple evokes a similar response of awe and worship. Lastly, in Revelation 15:8, the heavenly sanctuary is filled with smoke from the glory of God, demonstrating His overwhelming presence.

Conclusion: The dedication of Solomon’s temple in 2 Chronicles 5 offers a rich understanding of Divine Glory. The completion of the temple work, the Ark’s placement in the Most Holy Place, and the overwhelming presence of God’s glory all serve to highlight God’s glory as a multifaceted concept—seen in the completion of His work, His abiding presence with His people, and His overwhelming presence evoking awe and worship. By cross-referencing these themes with other scripture passages, we gain a thorough and deep understanding of divine glory in the dedication of Solomon’s temple. The glory of God is not a static, one-dimensional concept; rather, it is dynamic, multifaceted, and ever-present in the lives of His people.