8:12,13
We now come to what in many ways are the most interesting parts of this chapter, Solomon’s prayers. The first prayer, or declaration, focuses on the fulfilment of promises made to David. The second part, 8:22 onwards, recognises the inadequacy of any human structure to house the Lord. “The Lord has said that He would dwell in a dark cloud”. There are a number of references elsewhere to God dwelling in a dark cloud, or “thick darkness” (Ex 20:21; Deut 4:11, 5:22; 2 Sam 5:22; Ps 97:2), but none expand on the precise meaning of the term. Perhaps the idea here is that God is ineffable, but Solomon has now built a temple in which God can dwell with His people. Solomon does seem rather pleased with his construction.
8:14
All the leaders of Israel were there, and possibly all the people (8:1,2), though it may have been partly the leaders representing all of Israel. Whatever the case, Solomon blessed all the people. Israel was blessed by being in a covenant relationship with the Lord, this was an act of kindness on God’s part. The pity is that Israel did not keep this covenant. Indeed, right back in Genesis 1 the whole of humanity was in a covenant relationship with God.
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