The Ark of the Covenant Was Moved to The Temple

II Chronicles 5:1–14
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Upon completion of the temple, Solomon had all the elders of Israel and the tribal leaders assemble at Jerusalem for a great ceremonial occasion. He put in its storage rooms everything the Lord had dedicated to the Lord (v. 1). The ark of the covenant was to be brought from its temporary tent in Jerusalem (I Chronicles 16:1) to its permanent location in the new temple (v.7). This happened during the Feast of the Tabernacles in September-October. (Leviticus 23:33-36). Solomon decided to have the Ark moved to the temple while everyone was in Jerusalem to celebrate the Festival of Shelters. The people of Israel all united and focused together on the house of God (vv. 2-9). 

Inside the ark of the covenant were two stone tablets of the law (v.10). The author of Hebrews wrote that the ark also contained Aaron’s rod and a pot of manna (Hebrews 9:4). These objects may have been added to the original contents sometime later than Solomon.

The presence of God and the word of God were brought into the new Jerusalem temple on this day (vv. 11-12). The people of God united together. One hundred twenty priests were with these musicians blowing trumpets.  They “were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord ..."  God was pleased.  While their praise was ascending, the glory of the Lord descended and filled the house of God (vv. 13-14). The light was so bright that the priests could not stay inside to do their work (v. 14). 

Application

Is God pleased at the unity of your family (within the whole body of Christ) around the word of God, the presence of God and the people of God? How would He be more pleased?