The history of the Old Testament methodiz'd according to the order and series of time wherein the several things therein mentioned were transacted ... to which is annex'd a Short history of the Jewish affairs from the end of the Old Testament to the birth of our Saviour : and a map also added of Canaan and the adjacent countries ... / by Samuel Cradock ...

SECT. II.

IN the 11th. year of Solomon's reign the building of the Temple was finished with all things belonging thereunto, having been seven years and an half in finishing, 1 King. 6.38. 2 Chron. 3.2. but the Dedication thereof was put off till the next year, because of the Jubilee. And in the seventh month(a) of that year call'd Ethanim, and the seventh day of that month was the first day whereon Solomon celebrated with great magnificence the Dedication of this glorious Temple, so that from the seventh day to the fifteenth (the tenth day which was the great fast and day of expiation being ex∣cepted) was this feast of Dedication celebrated, and from the 15th to the 23. was the Feast of Tabernacles, and the 23d. was the last day of this feast, and always very so∣lemnly kept, and the day following the people were dismissed.

Having thus described the parts of the Temple, and the Ornaments and Officers thereof, we shall now return to speak of the great and magnificent solemnity of this De∣dication, which was on this wise:

1. Solomon assembled the Elders and Heads of all the Tribes, and a mighty Congre∣gation of all the Nation to meet at Jerusalem on this solemn occasion.

2. By the Ministry of the Priests, and by such rites as were appointed by the Law he hallowed the middle of the Priests Court, wherein either they did erect other Altars, or made use of the pavement for that present occasion, because the brazen Altar was too little to receive so many Burnt-offerings, and Peace-offerings as he intended then to offer, 1 King. 8.64. 2 Chron. 7.7.

3. The Princes and Elders of the people being now assembled waited upon the King to Mount Sion where the Ark was, and whither (as 'tis like) they had brought the Tabernacle with all the things appertaining to it from Gibeon. The Priests took up the Ark on their shoulders; the Levites according to their several ap∣pointed ranks carried the Tabernacle with the boards and curtains, and the holy vessels belonging thereun∣to. The King and the Elders walked after in a solemn procession to Mount Moriah(a) where the Temple was built; whither being come, the Priests carried the Ark into the Oracle or most holy place, and set it un∣der the wings of the Golden Cherubims. But they drew out the staves of the Ark something from under the wings of the Cherubims that they might be seen in the holy place which was before the Oracle, but they were not seen as taken out of the Ark, 2 Chron. 5.9. And possibly these staves were the rather thus disposed to remember the people that if they brake Gods Covenant the staves yet remained within the rings of the Ark ready to bear away the Symbol of Gods graci∣ous presence from them. The Levites also disposed those things which they carried belonging to the(b) Tabernacle into the Treasuries of the Temple, there to remain as Sacred things not again to be removed. When the Priests had set the Ark in its place and were come out, immediately an hundred and twenty of them with silver Trumpers, and the Levite-singers, viz. Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun with their Sons and Brethren, being arrayed in white linnen, and having Cymbals, Psalteries and Harps in their hands, stood at the East-end of the Altar, and the Trumpets sounding, and they playing on their Instruments, and lifting up their voices with one consent, and ma∣king one melodious harmony sang (as it seems) the 136 Psalm, the burden of which is, For he is good for his mercy endureth for ever. Whilst they were thus employed suddenly the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud, which was an extraordinary manifestation of the presence of God; 2 Chron. 5.14. 'tis said the glory of God filled the house, which intimated that the brightness of his glory was such that if it were not clouded over, no mortal eyes could behold it. It seems the cloud was such, and so amazing that the Priests could not continue to minister in the Sanctuary where the cloud was; and by this visible sign of his presence the Lord did sanctifie to himself this place, [see Exod. 40.34.] and shewed his approbation of all that was done. Solomon standing upon a Brazen Scaffold made for him in the outward Court, right before the door of the Priests Court through which he might look, and apprehending this cloud to be a manifestation of Gods gracious presence and acceptance of the house he had built for his service, in a rap∣ture of joy he brake out into these words: The Lord (said he) is pleased to dwell in thick darkness, [Levit. 16.2.] and by a cloud he hath usually testified his presence a∣mong his people, as when he led the Israelites by a cloud, Exod. 13.21. In a cloud he appeared at the giving of the Law, Exod. 19.16. In a cloud he appeared that cover∣ed and filled the Tabernacle as soon as it was reared up by Moses, Exod. 40.34. and therefore doubtless in this cloud the Lord doth now appear unto us, and testifies his fa∣vourable acceptance of our service in building this house for his name. Then directing his speech to God, he said, O Lord I have built a Temple for thee to manifest thy gracious presence in; an house not to be removed as the Tabernacle was, but a setled place for thee to abide in(c) to be there ready on all occasions to resolve us in such cases as we shall humbly propound unto thee, and to hear such prayers as we shall make unto thee, and to grant such blessings as we shall humbly crave of thee, and to accept such sacrifices and services as we shall there offer up and present unto thee. And (O Lord) I pray thee ac∣cept this house for thine, and ever manifest thy gracious presence therein as long as this dis∣pensation (we are now under) shall last, and till the truth of this type shall be exhibited. Then the King turned his face to the people standing about him and blessed them, and said, Blessed and praised be the Lord God of Israel who spake to David my Father that I should build a Temple for his great name, and hath by his good hand upon me enabled me to do it. The Lord also said, since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of

Egypt, I chose no City out of all their Tribes in which I appointed an house to be built that my name might be there in a peculiar manner worshipped. But having chosen David to be King over my people, it was in his heart to build an house for my name. And there∣upon I said to him, whereas it was in thine heart to build an house to my name, I like it well that it was in thine heart to do it. Nevertheless thou shalt not build this house for me, but thy Son that shall come out of thy loins he shall build it. And the Lord hath now gra∣ciously performed the word that he spake▪ and I am risen up in my fathers room to sit on the Throne of Israel, and have built an house for the Lord, as he promised I should do, and an abiding place for the Ark, wherein are the two Tables of the Law which the Lord gave as a Covenant to his people, requiring obedience on their part, and promising many blessings on his part to the obedient.

Then Solomon turned his face towards the Altar of Burnt-offering, and towards the most holy place, and having stood a while he then kneeled down, and spreading forth his hands towards heaven, poured forth this Divine Prayer, saying, O Lord God of Israel there is no God like thee in heaven above, or in earth beneath, who keepest Covenant and shew∣est mercy to thy servants that walk before thee in the integrity of their hearts. Thou hast kept thy word, and performed thy promise to thy servant David in raising me his Son up to build a Temple for thee; perform also I pray thee unto my father what thou didst further promise him, to wit, that there shall not fail a man lineally descended from him to sit upon the Throne of Israel, and to reign in thy sight, provided his children take heed to their way to walk before thee with that integrity that he did. Now let thy word (I pray thee) be veri∣fied and fulfilled which thou spakest to my father concerning this matter. But why do I speak of my building an house for thee? Will God indeed dwell on earth? Behold thou art an infinite and immense being: Thou canst not be contained within any compass or space. The Heaven, and Heaven of Heavens cannot contain thee, much less this house that I have build∣ed. But though thou canst not be contained within this house, yet I pray thee have regard to the prayer and humble supplication of me thy poor servant which I make to thee in behalf of this house, namely that the eyes of thy favour and providence may be open towards it day and night, seeing thou hast said of it that thy name† shall be there call'd upon and wor∣shipped. I humbly beseech thee therefore when ever either my self or any of thy people shall pray unto thee in this place, or towards it(a), that then thou wouldst please to hear in Heaven thy dwelling place, (where thy glory is most eminently manifested) and when thou hearest be pleased to forgive and pardon our transgressions against thee. For there is no comfort in obtaining any other mercy, if our sins be not forgiven. Particularly I humbly re∣quest of thee that if any man be charged that he hath trespassed against his neighbour, and he be brought before thine Altar(b) in the Court of this house to clear himself by Oath (suf∣ficient proof by witnesses being wanting) that thou wouldst please to deal with him accor∣ding to innocence or guiltiness, punishing him if he be faulty, and bringing his wicked way upon his own head, but justifying and acquitting him if he be innocent. Or if thy people be smitten before their enemies in the field because they have sinned against thee, and shall turn again to thee, and confess thy name, to wit, thy justice (in suffering their enemies to prevail against them) and shall acknowledg thy mercy and power, and so seek to thee for pardon and help, and shall make supplication to thee turning their faces towards this house, then hear thou in heaven and forgive their sin, and bring them again into the land which thou gavest to their fathers. Or when the heaven is shut up and there is no rain (because thy people have sinned against thee) if they shall pray towards this place, and confess thy justice in punishing of them, and turn from their sin, then hear thou in heaven and forgive their sin, and teach them the good way(c) wherein they should walk, and then give rain upon the land which thou hast given thy people for an inheritance. Or if any of these great judgments fall upon the land, to wit, famine, pestilence, and blasting, or if there be any plague or sickness upon thy people, what prayer and supplication shall be made by any man singly, or by all thy people jointly, who shall know every man the plague(d) of his own heart, (to wit the sins for which he is punished) and shall spread forth his hands towards this house, then hear thou in heaven and forgive, and do what in thy infinite wisdom seem∣eth good, and give to every man according to his ways, (not his former sins but his present repentance) whose heart thou seest to be sincere and upright. For thou, and thou only (O Lord) knowest the hearts of all the children of men. And I humbly beseech thee to deal thus mercifully with thy people that they may fear thee, and walk in thy ways all the days of their lives. Moreover if a stranger (that is not of thy people Israel) who hears of thy

wondrous works and righteous Laws, and this holy house, shall come from his own Coun∣trey to testifie his high esteem of thy great name, and to worship and praise thee, and shall pray towards this house(a), then hear thou in heaven, and grant all that he shall pray un∣to thee for, which is agreeable to thy holy will, that all the people of the earth may know thy name, and learn to fear thee as do thy people Israel, and that they may know that thy name is called upon in this house that I have built, to wit, that it is call'd the Temple of the Lord, and the house of God, and is so in reality, by thy hearing the prayers that are here made unto thee. Furthermore, if thy people shall go out to battel against their enemies, and shall pray unto thee, and seek thy favour and help in that enterprize looking towards this City, and this house (which I have built for thy great name) then hear thou in heaven their prayer and supplication, and maintain their just and righteous cause, by giving them good success. But if they by their sins provoke thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not) so that thou givest them up into the hands of their enemies and they carry them away captive, (either further off, or nearer hand) however if they shall bethink themselves in the land whi∣ther they are carried captive, and shall repent and make supplication to thee, saying, we have sinned and done perversly, we have committed wickedness, (and so shall return unto thee with all their heart, and all their soul), and shall pray unto thee looking towards this land, this City and this house, then hear thou in heaven their prayer and supplication, and maintain their cause, taking part with thy people that repent, and pray unto thee against the unjust oppression of their enemies, and then turn thou (O Lord) the hearts of their ene∣mies towards them, that they may have pity and compassion on them. For remember (O Lord) they are thy people, and thine inheritance(b), which thou broughtest forth out of Egypt, even out of an iron furnace(c), And furthermore, let the eyes(d) of thy favour be upon me thy poor servant, and upon this thy people, and let thine ears be attentive unto the supplications we shall make unto thee, and hearken to us in all that we shall pray unto thee for, according to thy will. For thou didst separate us unto thy self from among all the Nations of the earth to be thy peculiar people and inheritance, as thou spakest by thy servant Moses.

Solomon having ended this his devout prayer rose up from his knees, and standing with his face toward the Temple, he repeated part of the 132 Psalm, saying, Arise, O Lord, and take possession of this house which I have built for thee as a resting place and fixt habitation, and not an ambulatory and moving one, as the Tabernacle was. And let thy Ark (whereon thou dost manifest thy glory(e), strength and power for the good of thy people) be here setled and constantly abide. Let thy Priests (O Lord God) be clothed and adorn∣ed with such graces as may bring salvation to themselves(f), and may enable them to be instrumental in the saving of others; and let thy Saints rejoice in thy goodness and favour ma∣nifested unto them. O Lord God hear me (I pray thee) and turn not away the face of thine anointed with shame and confusion by denying me my request, but remember the promises thy mercy moved thee to make to David my Father, and to his posterity.

Solomon having ended his prayers, the Sacrifices were brought in and laid upon the Altar, and immediately fire came down from Heaven, and consumed them, and the glory of the Lord (probably covered with a cloud) filled the house, and such an orient splendour shone through it that the Priests could by no means enter into the Temple. The people seeing the fire came down from Heaven, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground and worshipped, and praised God, and sang (as 'tis probable) the 136 Psalm (as the Singers had done be∣fore) the burthen or foot whereof was, For he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever.

Then Solomon turned his face and blessed all the Congregation of Israel again, as he had done at the beginning, and said, Blessed be the Lord God who hath given rest to his people Israel as he promised of old. And indeed he hath not failed of performing any of his gracious promises which he made to his people by the ministry of his servant Moses. Now therefore the Lord our God be with us as he was with our Fathers, and let him not leave us nor forsake us; but let him incline our hearts to walk in his ways, and to keep his com∣mandments, statutes and judgments which he commanded our Fathers. And let my words wherewith I have made supplication to the Lord this day be in his mind and memory conti∣nually that he may maintain the cause of me his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times as the matter shall require, and as it shall appear just and equal to him, that all the people of the earth may know that the Lord he is the only true God from whom all bles∣sings come, and that there is no other God besides him. Let your heart therefore be upright and sincere before the Lord, and walk in his statutes, and keep his commandments as now you do.

Then the King, the Princes and people offered abun∣dance of Peace-offerings(a) to the Lord, and kept this feast of Dedication seven days. During which time they offered unto the Lord two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. By a multitude of Sacrifices the pious Jews were wont to testifie their zealous and grateful affection towards God; and we never read of any Sacrifice like this. And thus Solomon, the Princes and people by their joint prayers, praises and sacrifices dedicated the house of God, and set it apart for his worship and service. And they rejoiced before the Lord seven days, and seven, that is, they kept the first seven days as the Feast of Dedication, and the next se∣ven as the Feast of Tabernacles. And the day after Solomon dismissed the people to their own homes, and they blessed the King, and prayed unto the Lord for him, and went home with joyful and glad hearts, rejoicing in the goodness which the Lord had manifested to the house of David, and to Solomon, and to all the people of Israel.

1 King. Ch. 8. whole Chapter.

1 Chron. Ch. 5. whole Chapter.

1 Chron. Ch. 6. whole Chapter.

2 Chron. Ch. 7. from v. 1, to 11.

Notes

• (a)

  The whole Edifice and most material things were now finished, but possibly they were per∣fecting some things till the 8th. month. 1 King. 6.38.
• On which the Jubilee was to be pro∣claim'd with sound of Trumpet. Levit. 25.9.
• 2 Chron. 5.4. 'Tis said the Levites took up the Ark because the Priests were also Levites, that is, of the Tribe of Levi.
• (a)

  The Temple (to speak properly) was not built on Mount Sion, but on Mount Moriah, but because the whole City of Jerusalem is usually call∣ed Sion, and Mount Sion from that Mount that was a chief part of it, thence it is that the Temple (Gods dwelling place) is usually said to have been in Sion.
• (b)

  The Tabernacle was carried about in the Wilderness forty years; it remained in Gilgal a∣bout fourteen years, it remain'd in Shiloh till Sa∣muels time, 1 Sam. 4.4. it then remain'd in Nob till Saul destroyed that place, 1 Sam. 22.19. it was in Gibeon all Davids time, from thence it was brought into Zion, and from thence into the Trea∣suries of the Temple.
• (c)

  Officium Templi non est prastare Deo habitationem, sed hominibus directionem ad soli••m di∣vinum sempi∣teru•••• quod in c••lo est. Cajet.
• 2 Sam. 7.13.
• †

  Deut. 12.11.
• (a)

  V. 30. Ver∣sus hunc lo∣cum, quasi re∣spiciens ad promissionem praesentiae tuae in hoc loco ex∣emplum in Da∣niele, cap. 6. v. 10.
• (b)

  Tacto Al∣tare jurare mos omnium prope Gentium. In∣trepidi qui∣cunque altaria tangunt. Juv.
• (c)

  V. 36. Et ostende eis vi∣am bonam.
• (d)

  2 Chron. 6.29. When every one shall know his own sore and his own grief: Grief is put for that which should cause grief, viz. Sin.
• (a)

  Or in this house, viz. in the Court of the Gentiles.
• (b)

  This people were to God as a mans inhe∣ritance is to him, which he hath bought and made his own for ever. See D••ut. 32.9.
• (c)

  Deut. 4.20.
• (d)

  2 Chron. 6.40.
• (e)

  Psal. 78.61. He delivereth his strength in∣to captivity, and his glory into the enemies hands.
• (f)

  Psal. 132.9. This clause is thus expres∣sed, Let thy Priests be clo∣thed with righ∣teousness.
• Viz. The Mo∣ral, Ceremonial, and Judicial Laws.
• (a)

  They were call'd Peace-offerings, because God having bestowed some benefit upon them, seemed to be appeased towards them, and they were offered as a kind of retribution, and to return thanks to God for it. And in offering the same they also testified their hope that God was reconciled towards them.