MPV Commentary

2-3. Then Solomon gathered all Israel for the dedication of the temple in the seventh month. This event is described in detail, word for word, just as it was recorded in 1 Kings 8:1-10.

9. The ark remained there to this day, that is, at the time when this history was written; after the Babylonian exile, neither the ark nor its staves were ever seen again.

11. All the priests present attended, but they did not follow their usual rotation system of weekly service. This rotation had been introduced by David for ordinary duties, but on special occasions like this, all the priests came together to serve.

12. The Levites who served as singers took their places with great care, following their official roles. The family of Heman stood in the center, while the families of Asaph and Jeduthun stood on either side. Their position was between the court of Israel and the altar in the eastern part of the priests' courtyard.

With them were 120 priests blowing trumpets to signal the people's attention during the service. The trumpet was an essential instrument for the priests, used to call the people together and mark different parts of the ritual. On this occasion, they stood apart from the other musicians, near a marble table on the southwest side of the altar, facing it.

13. The house was filled with a cloud, just as it had been during the dedication ceremony described in 1 Kings 8:10.