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1 Kings 8: The Temple is Dedicated


“1 Kings 8: The Temple is Dedicated,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2002), 105–6

“1 Kings 8,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 105–6

1 Kings 8

The Temple Is Dedicated

President Joseph Fielding Smith said, “When we dedicate a house to the Lord, what we really do is dedicate ourselves to the Lord’s service, with a covenant that we shall use the house in the way He intends that it shall be used” (“Hyrum Smith Honored By Pres. Smith,” Church News, 12 Feb. 1972, 4).

In our day, each temple built by the Church is dedicated by a prayer given by a member of the First Presidency. The Prophet Joseph Smith prepared, by inspiration, the first dedicatory prayer in our dispensation and read the prayer at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. The prayer is recorded in section 109 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Since that time, the Presidents of the Church have followed the pattern set by the Prophet Joseph.

The dedication of the temple built under Solomon’s direction is found in 1 Kings 8. As you read, look for statements that teach us about the importance of temples.

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A–C as you study 1 Kings 8.

  1. Write an Eyewitness Account

    Suppose you have been chosen to write an eyewitness account of the temple dedication for your local newspaper. Because of space limitations, your article must be fifty words or less. Write the article in your notebook.

  2. Blessings of the Temple

    List at least four blessings Solomon prayed would come to the people because of the temple (see 1 Kings 8:22–54).

  3. Optional Activity—Temple Influence

    Write about your best experience having to do with the temple. Consider getting a picture of a temple nearest you and hanging it where you can see the temple often.