The Temple Part 2

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on The Chosen People. 00:00:03 Speaker 2: Ah, your father David would have been proud. 00:00:07 Speaker 3: King Solomon. 00:00:08 Speaker 2: I see the care you've taken to build this is more than a monument. 00:00:15 Speaker 4: This is a covenant in stone. Thank you, King Hiram. That was always the plan. This isn't just for us. It's for every generation that follows. Every beam and every stone has been cut and shaped off-site. The temple itself has remained silent during construction, as the Lord instructed. No hammer or iron tool touched these walls here. It was all fitted together like a puzzle in the quarries off-site. 00:00:45 Speaker 1: Yet even in this moment of success, unease tugged at the edges of his mind. There were other voices, whispers in his court. Wives vying for his time, complaining of betrothals arranged for their daughters, arguments over altars to their foreign gods beyond the city's walls. But for now, there was peace, and there was promise. The nearly complete temple stood tall, its triumphant limestone walls gleaming in the sunlight. It had captured the heart and imagination of man, but would it please the heart of God? Would the sum of Solomon's reign and his life be found worthy in the eyes of the Lord? Though summer was quickly fading to autumn, the air in the hall was thick, sluggish and unseasonably warm. Solomon saw, to his horror, his son's eyes starting to flutter. He nudged him under the table to keep him alert and coughed loudly to mask Rehoboam's startled reaction as he sat up straighter. Thankfully, no one but the Gebera, Queen Mother, seemed to notice. Bathsheba shot her grandson a disapproving look and returned her face to the polite, tranquil mask she so often wore. Solomon had hoped Rehoboam would rise to the occasion of being given a seat in the council meetings, but so far it was like pulling teeth to get him to pay attention. Solomon frowned in irritation at his son's immaturity and then nodded apologetically to Zadok, the high priest. 00:02:38 Speaker 4: Please, high priest, continue your report. 00:02:43 Speaker 2: Yes, my king, hundreds more. Enter the city by the hour, in anticipation of the Feast of the Tabernacles and for the dedication of the temple. And they bring with them so many sacrificial animals that the scribes can hardly keep up with the accounting. We are asking that the festival be extended by a week to accommodate all the people. 00:03:09 Speaker 4: Granted, the Feast of Tabernacles, a celebration of Israel's journey through the wilderness, and our long-awaited arrival in the Promised Land. How fitting that this festival marks not only the end of our wanderings, Also the completion of a great work. As the presence of the Lord finally dwells in the land he promised to his chosen people. 00:03:29 Speaker 1: Solomon's advisors pounded the table in agreement at Solomon's words. At long last, the temple was complete. And it had been a labor of craftsmanship, statesmanship, back-breaking work, delicate metalwork, meticulous planning. Seven years in the making. It was the eleventh year of Solomon's reign, but he was just getting started. 00:03:56 Speaker 4: Yes, tomorrow will mark the fulfillment of my promise to my father and to the Lord. But what's next? What more does the Lord have for Israel? 00:04:05 Speaker 1: The men around the table leaned in at Solomon's stirring speech, but they hesitated. When the men did not answer, Bathsheba spoke aloud about their concerns to her son. My son. 00:04:20 Speaker 5: We are eager to hear more of your plans for Israel, but surely the men in this room are already burdened with a vision you have entrusted to them. Look around. There is peace on every border. All pay tribute to you, even the Philistines. Through your marriage alliances and shrewd dealings, you have secured peace and prosperity. I have personally written to every king and noble in the land, ensuring alliances that will endure for this generation and the next. 00:04:52 Speaker 4: Exactly my point. You see what can be done when we are diligent and inspired. 00:04:57 Speaker 5: This is an era of bounty and abundance, Solomon. Surely now is the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Enjoy your wives and children. Write and study with that brilliant mind our God has given you. Trust your capable advisors to carry out what you have set in motion. Let us complete one project before we begin another. 00:05:23 Speaker 1: More. Solomon always wanted more. His appetite was insatiable. Knowledge, industry, women. 00:05:32 Speaker 4: He was a. 00:05:32 Speaker 1: Man of abundance, not temperance. Bathsheba's words grated against his very nature. 00:05:40 Speaker 6: Ah, yes. 00:05:42 Speaker 4: I can hear your not-so-subtle rebuke, Ybira. You want us to slow down. 00:05:49 Speaker 5: I want us to rest and enjoy what you've built. Did not Hashim do so himself? 00:05:54 Speaker 4: I'd not like closed loots. We've begun many things. The Forest of Lebanon for the palace, the Hall of Judgment for our armory, the Royal Quarters... The palace of Princess Nefertari, as was promised to Pharaoh. Need I continue? 00:06:10 Speaker 2: No. 00:06:11 Speaker 5: You've made your point. 00:06:13 Speaker 1: Adoniram, Solomon's appointed overseer of the conscripted workers, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He was a harsh, rigid sort of man, with sharp, pointed features. He was no-nonsense. and Solomon often praised him for his efficient methods of organizing the labor for Solomon's ambitious projects. 00:06:36 Speaker 3: My king, as you know, I oversee the labor for these projects. King Hiram has been generous, sending us skilled laborers and craftsmen, and of course the tribes of Israel have provided men to serve as well. I've even gathered the descendants of the Canaanites still in our land to supplement our workforce. Yet despite these efforts, completing projects on time remains a challenge. I fear the new endeavors will face similar difficulties. 00:07:03 Speaker 1: To everyone's surprise, especially Solomon's, this was the moment when Rehoboam chose to interject. 00:07:10 Speaker 4: Then just round up more Canaanites. 00:07:13 Speaker 3: They aren't supposed to be here anymore anyway, right? 00:07:16 Speaker 4: What about our neighbors? Can't they send us more men like King Haram did? We could pay them. A simple solution is often the best, but often simplicity is elusive in matters of diplomacy. It takes time and many calculated bargains to win the support of other nations, and they may want something you're not willing to give. 00:07:41 Speaker 3: The king speaks true. We have no shortage of workers for your projects, or slaves, as you have pointed out with the Canaanites. But, my prince, the problem is trustworthy overseers for the laborers. The city of David expansion is where I could Use at least one more good man. My foremen are spread thin. 00:08:00 Speaker 1: A flicker of familiarity tugged at the edge of Solomon's mind. Had he not just encountered such a man? Someone recently favored and promoted, steadily climbing the ranks? 00:08:12 Speaker 4: You could appoint me, father. 00:08:15 Speaker 3: I could lead the project. 00:08:18 Speaker 1: Solomon winced at that. Rarely did Rehoboam ever offer himself up to take responsibility, but surely the boy wasn't ready for such a large undertaking. Just moments ago, Solomon was shaking the boy awake. How could he entrust him with such a massive endeavor? For all Solomon's wisdom, he had blind spots, and how to father his son was one of them. 00:08:45 Speaker 4: I love your ambition, my boy, but an undertaking like this will require experience. not to mention the early mornings and late nights. Show me you can succeed in the small things, and I would love to task you with the larger matters. 00:08:59 Speaker 1: Rehoboam nodded dutifully, but then slumped back in his seat. Solomon prayed his son would glean the wisdom and experience he would need one day to take up his mantle. 00:09:12 Speaker 4: Lord Ahishar, you oversee my household and know each man. Tell me, I came across a young man named Jeroboam recently. Would he be the answer to Lord Adoniram's foreman shortage? 00:09:25 Speaker 3: Oh yes, my king, young Jeroboam would serve. He's well-liked among the men, and he's from the tribe of Ephraim. If I may offer a suggestion, my king, Lord Adoniram, perhaps you could send the conscripted men of his tribe to him. 00:09:39 Speaker 4: Very wise, as always, Lord Ahasuer. A young man with the support of the Central Tribes and leadership experience could prove beneficial to us all down the road. Gryabom, perhaps you could shadow this young man and learn from him before taking on your own project. 00:09:59 Speaker 1: The next day. Dedication Day, came swiftly. Solomon felt the weight of history in his chest, yet a fierce excitement surged. Today was the culmination of a lifetime's calling, his father's dream, and a promise fulfilled. The golden glow of the early morning sun reflected off the temple's gleaming limestone and gilded surfaces, refracting beams of dazzling light through the portico. Incense curled skyward from the priest's firepans, filling the air with a sweet aroma that mingled with the frenzied anticipation of the day. Thousands gathered in the vast courtyard, priests, nobles, elders, and commoners, each straining to glimpse the moment Israel had waited generations for. At the heart of it all stood Solomon. His royal robes shimmered with golden threads, but the weight of the crown, heavier today than ever, anchored him in this moment. Before him loomed the towering bronze pillars, Yakin and Boaz, their names etched deep into their shining surfaces. He establishes, and in him strength. It was here, beneath their shadow, that Solomon's greatest ambition now stood complete. The priests, led by their high priest Zadok, reverently marched the Ark of the Covenant from the city of David, Before the ark, the other holy components of the tabernacle had been transported, but now they came to the ark, the holy box where the presence of the Lord had granted victory, dealt judgment, and spoken to his chosen representatives since the wandering in the wilderness. Inside lay the tablets given to Moses, the very foundation of their faith, the law. Solomon turned with all of Israel with bated breath as the priests marched the Ark of the Covenant, suspended between its golden poles and adorned with the watchful figures of cherubim brought within the inner sanctuary, the most holy place. They gently, reverently placed it under the outstretched wings of the massive golden cherubim. As the ark settled into its resting place, a hush fell. Then a rush of wind stirred the air. A dense, radiant cloud filled the temple. The priests staggered backward, shielding their eyes from the Lord's glory. A gasp rippled through the crowd. Solomon stepped forward, mouth agape with wonder. It was just as he had read about in the scrolls of Moses. the presence of the Lord residing in the most holy place. 00:13:06 Speaker 4: Unless the Lord builds the house, it builders labor in vain. 00:13:11 Speaker 1: And here it was. Israel's wandering God had found a home. He may have labored to build it with his hands, but it was mere stone and toil without the presence of the Lord. He lifted his hands toward heaven and shouted to the amazed. 00:13:30 Speaker 4: Crowd, Lord God of Israel, there's no God like you in heaven above or on earth below who keeps the gracious covenant with your servants who walk before you with all their heart. You've kept what you promised to your servant, my father, David. You spoke directly to him and you fulfilled your promise by your power as it is today. 00:13:53 Speaker 1: A murmur of agreement swept through the crowd. Solomon turned, his gaze sweeping across the assembly. the holiness of this moment, suspending them all in silence and stillness. He raised his hands again, higher this time, and sank to his knees before the people, his face tilted heavenward. 00:14:16 Speaker 4: But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens could not contain you, how much less this temple I have built. 00:14:24 Speaker 1: The crowd stirred at the honesty of it. 00:14:28 Speaker 4: Lord, Give attention to my prayer and plea for mercy. May your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, the place of which you said, My name shall be there. Hear the prayers of your people. Bend your ear to us. 00:14:44 Speaker 1: Solomon's voice grew louder, reaching the edges of the crowd. The priests came to kneel with him at his sides. An instant later, the crowd followed suit. And then all of Israel was kneeling before the presence of the Lord. 00:15:01 Speaker 4: When anyone wrongs another and is forced to take an oath, and they come and swear before your altar in this temple, hear from heaven and judge between your servants. When your people are defeated by an enemy because they've sinned against you, and they turn back to you and confess your name, hear from heaven and forgive them. When there's drought, when there's famine, when there's plague or blight or locusts or enemies besieging our cities, when prayers rise from this place, hear them, Lord, and act. When a foreigner comes from a distant land because of your great name, hear them too. Fulfill your promise to Abraham, the promise that all the nations of the earth may know you and be blessed. 00:15:47 Speaker 1: A silence followed, weighty and reverent. Then Solomon's voice softened as he came to the heart of his plea. 00:15:58 Speaker 4: Lord, remember your covenant. 00:16:01 Speaker 6: And when your people sin against you, they turn back to you with all their heart and soul. Then hear from heaven, forgive and restore. 00:16:13 Speaker 1: He remained kneeling as the final words echoed against the stone. 00:16:19 Speaker 3: A beat. 00:16:20 Speaker 1: Then another, and then fire. A blinding crack of lightning split the sky, and fire descended onto the altar, consuming the sacrifices in roaring, searing flames. The crowd gasped in fear and wonder. Solomon rose slowly and turned to the assembly. They were overcome by the glory before them. Their sacrifices and praise had been accepted, Solomon lifted his hands one final time. 00:16:54 Speaker 4: Blessed be the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel. Not one word has failed of all his good promises. May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors. May he never leave us or forsake us. And may our hearts always be fully committed to the Lord our God to walk in obedience and keep his commands. 00:17:17 Speaker 1: The people roared with cheers and worshipped the Lord. They dispersed and the celebration spilled into the streets. But Solomon lingered in the courtyard long after the crowds had gone and the sun had set. His eyes were fixed on the temple. Then it came. A subtle hollowness clawed at the edges of his mind. 00:17:43 Speaker 4: What's next? 00:17:45 Speaker 1: The temple was finished. The promise fulfilled, and the Lord was pleased. Yet even in its perfection, Solomon wanted more. 00:17:57 Speaker 4: Then I considered all that my hands had done, and the toil I had expended in doing it. Behold, all was vanity and striving after wind. All the toil of man is for his mouth, yet his appetite. 00:18:16 Speaker 2: Is not satisfied. 00:18:22 Speaker 1: This Pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Schellebarger and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradok, Thomas Copeland Jr., Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Lashinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Brie Rosely, and Chris Baig. You can hear more Prey.com productions on the Prey.com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People, please rate and leave a review.