What happened when Solomon dedicated the temple?
When Solomon finished the temple and Israel gathered to dedicate it, the glory of God entered and filled the temple. God’s Shekinah glory filled it so completely that the priests did not dare intrude. This invading glory was unique to Israel; no pagan temple ever showed such evidence.
Les explains that after Solomon finished building the temple, the children of Israel were gathered outside for its dedication. Inside, the glory of God came in and filled that temple. It was so filled with God’s Shekinah glory that the priests did not even dare intrude. Les contrasts this with every pagan temple that has ever existed, saying you would never find evidence of that kind of invading glory. He emphasizes that Israel alone experienced this, just as Israel alone had experienced God’s glory at Mount Sinai.