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1 Kings 8:8
King James Version (KJV)
Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary
Bible Commentary
And there they are unto this day - This proves that the book was written before the destruction of the first temple, but how long before we cannot tell.
Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible
Notes on the Whole Bible
It was forbidden to withdraw the staves wholly from the rings (margin reference); but they appear to have been now drawn forward in such a way that their ends or heads could be seen from the holy place, or great chamber of the temple, though without their being visible from the porch or vestibule. Either the doorway into the holy of holies was not exactly opposite the ark, but a little on one side; or, though that doorway was in the middle, opposite the ark, the doorway from the porch into the main chamber was not opposite to it. In Assyrian temples the arrangement of the outer door, the inner door, and the sanctuary, seems to have been designedly such that a mere passer-by on the outside should not obtain even a glimpse of the shrine. It is suggested that the withdrawal of the staves was intended as a sign that the ark had reached “the place of its rest,” and was not to be borne about anymore.
There they are unto this day - This is a quotation from an author who lived while the temple was still standing. See also 1 Kings 9:21.
Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary
Concise Bible Commentary
The bringing in the ark, is the end which must crown the work: this was done with great solemnity. The ark was fixed in the place appointed for its rest in the inner part of the house, whence they expected God to speak to them, even in the most holy place. The staves of the ark were drawn out, so as to direct the high priest to the mercy-seat over the ark, when he went in, once a year, to sprinkle the blood there; so that they continued of use, though there was no longer occasion to carry it by them. The glory of God appearing in a cloud may signify, 1. The darkness of that dispensation, in comparison with the light of the gospel, by which, with open face, we behold, as in a glass, the glory of the Lord. 2. The darkness of our present state, in comparison with the sight of God, which will be the happiness of heaven, where the Divine glory is unveiled.
Cross References
drew out the staves
ends
unto this day
The United Monarchy under Solomon (2)
Solomon's Economic Enterprises
