1-2. The sacred chest had been kept on Mount Zion, also known as the city of David. But Solomon decided to have the chest moved to the temple while everyone was in Jerusalem, celebrating the Festival of Shelters during Ethanim, the seventh month of the year.Solomon called together the important leaders of Israel.
10. Suddenly a cloud filled the temple as the priests were leaving the most holy place.
11. The Lord's glory was in the cloud, and the light from it was so bright that the priests could not stay inside to do their work.
12. Then Solomon prayed:“Our Lord, you said that youwould live in a dark cloud.
13. Now I have built a glorious templewhere you can live for ever.”
14. Solomon turned towards the people standing there. Then he blessed them
15-16. and said:Praise the Lord God of Israel! Long ago he brought his people out of Egypt. He later kept his promise to make my father David the king of Israel. The Lord also said that he had not chosen the city where his temple would be built.