This is the theme of the temple dedication. Over and over it is repeated by the priests, by the people, by the king himself. God's presence filled the temple and overwhelmed those who were serving in it. The opulent furnishings of the temple were hardly sufficient to contain the sacrifices offered over the period of the seven day dedication ceremonies. God confirms to Solomon that He has chosen to occupy the temple as a place for sacrifice in His name. He re-establishes a covenant with the people, reminding them of their obligation to obey and the prescription for returning when they disobey, along with the punishments for disobedience.
Solomon continued to grow in greatness, wealth and wisdom. All that was set before him he accomplished with excellence. This reputation extended into distant places; and before long, foreign dignitaries came to see if what they had heard was really the case. The Queen of Sheba's visit left her breathless at the sights she encountered and her comment was that all she had been told only encompassed half the glory she experienced first-hand. In Solomon's day, gold was the standard. Silver, the pages of Scripture records, was as common in Jerusalem as stones. Following the death of this great and wise king, his son - Rehoboam - reigned in his stead.
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