1 Kings 8

Solomon gathers all the elders of Israel for the grand dedication ceremony. The priests bring the Ark of the Covenant from the City of David and place it in the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim. When the priests leave, the glory of the Lord (the cloud) fills the Temple, preventing the priests from entering. Solomon then blesses the congregation and delivers a powerful, extensive dedication prayer, asking God to hear the prayers of the people who turn toward this Temple, especially in times of war, drought, famine, and exile.