This book concludes that the only hope for the chosen people is Temple worship. Therefore, Solomon's construction and dedication of the Temple is emphasized. However, when the Temple worship was defiled by idol-worship, the nation split, deteriorated, and finally the Northern kingdom was destroyed. There was hope through the renewal of Temple worship under Hezekiah and Josiah. However, both of these kings died tragically. Temple worship was the answer, but who could purify the Temple and the people?

Key word    THE TEMPLE
 
Key verse    "When Solomon had ended his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the holocaust and sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the house. But the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord." —7:1-2
 
Command verse    "For when you return to the Lord, your brethren and your children will find mercy with their captors and return to this land; for merciful and compassionate is the Lord, your God, and He will not turn away His face from you if you return to Him." —30:9
 
Promise verse    "If My people, upon whom My name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek My presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land." —7:14
 
Difficult verse    "Until the land has retrieved its lost sabbaths, during all the time it lies waste it shall have rest while seventy years are fulfilled." —36:21
 
Surprise verse    "He made a hundred pomegranates which he set on the chains." —3:16
 
Prayer: Jesus, God-Man, eternal High Priest, You alone are a pleasing Sacrifice to the Father. I adore You.