True Worshippers

… the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God. 2 Chronicles 5:13-14

The temple was finished in the eleventh year of Solomon’s reign. It took seven years to build. “Seven” is the number of completion. Israel had by now reached a place of permanency and security in their secular and spiritual life, for they were dwelling in the inheritance that God had appointed. David fought all the wars. Solomon was the prince of peace. He entered into the inheritance that had been won through David’s victories.

At the consecration service of the temple, the ark of the covenant and all the holy vessels were brought into the house of God. The ark contained only the two tablets of stone, upon which were written the Ten Commandments. We have the same ark of the covenant and two tablets of stone, but they are placed in a different temple. In the new covenant, those laws are written upon the “fl eshly tablets” of our hearts (2 Cor. 3:3). And it is a work of the Holy Spirit as He raises up holy people who walk in the ways of God.

As Solomon consecrated the temple, the singers started to worship God. There are three interesting things to note: firstly, the singers were clothed in white linen (2 Chr. 5:12).

This is symbolic of the righteousness of God (Rev. 19:8). There are two types of righteousness:

(a) imputed righteousness—God declaring us as righteous; and

(b) actual righteousness—we actually become righteous in character and in heart. This is like a judge pardoning a criminal. He is counted innocent but inside his heart, he still needs to be changed. The true worshipers in the last days must be clothed thoroughly in righteousness.

Secondly, there were 120 singers (2 Chr. 5:12). This is symbolic of the “end of all flesh” (Gen. 6:3). Galatians 5:24 says, “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the fl esh with its passions and desires.” The fl esh is on the cross. God is looking for true worshipers who are crucified with Christ.

Thirdly, “the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD” (2 Chr. 5:13). They were not only united in heart, in spirit and in faith, they spoke and sang as one! The place of agreement is the place of power. Immediately the presence of God fi lled the whole house and all of them fell under the weight of that glory. Solomon’s temple is a picture of the type of church God wants to raise up in our time—one that is righteous, holy and walking in total unity.