Ecclesiastes 5
When Solomon was king, the great Temple, or House of God, at Jerusalem was a most holy place; for God had told just how it should be built, and when completed He had filled it with a cloud of glory, so bright, the men could not stand within. The best materials of earth had been used for this House, and the inside was covered with pure gold, to teach the glory and righteousness of God, yet King Solomon felt it was not worthy of the Lord. He knelt and prayed, saying,
“Will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee; how much less this House that I have budded?” 1 Kings 8:10, 11, 27.
We would think all would be most reverent when they came to that House with their sacrifices, or to hear God’s Words read, but the king later saw many were careless of their words and ways; he said,
“Keep thy foot (or go softly) when thou goest to the House of God, and he more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash (careless) with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” Ecc. 5:1, 2.
Because so many of the people and rurs of Israel kept on in had ways and wohiped idols, about 400 years after Solomon, God let an enemy set fire to the Temple. It was twice rebuilt, but when God’s Son came to Jerusalem, He was given no honored place there. He came as a poor, humble Man, with His glory hidden, and men, women, and children could talk with Him, but only a few believed His greatness, yet His kindness, wisdom, and miracles really showed His power; there was never any other like Him. At last He had to tell the men of the Temple:
“Behold, your House is left unto you desolate.” Luke 13:35.
If He had shown His great glory, all sin must have been punished, but He had come for people to trust Him and be saved, and He spoke of a time when they would see His glory (John 17:24).
After Christ’s death, as a sacrifice for sin, there was no more need to sacrifice in the Temple, which later was destroyed by a cruel ruler. There has since been no holy building on earth, and no bright cloud of glory. (See John 4:21, 23; Acts 14:27). Those who love the Lord Jesus have often met in poor rooms to honor God.
But the words of the king are good for us, because God is ever holy, and sees and hears how we speak His Name, and the Name of His Son, Jesus. We, too, may show our reverence by kneeling, bowing the head or by standing, as Solomon and the people then did.
The Lord Jesus also said that God’s Name should not be spoken lightly.
“Swear not at all; neither by Heaven; for it is God’s throne, nor by the earth; for it is His footstool.” Matt. 5:34, 35.
“Every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matt. 12:36.
ML 07/06/1941