Tishrei 22 – And on the eighth day they held a solemn assembly…

Tishrei 22, 5786; from sunset October 13, 2025, to sunset October 14, 2025

(The twenty-second day of the seventh month)

This is the name “Shelomoh” (שְׁלׄמׄה – Solomon) as seen in the Aleppo Codex, written over one thousand years ago. The name Solomon stems from the verb-root “shalam” meaning “to be complete, sound, or peaceful.” It’s the same root that the familiar word “shalom” comes from.

Solomon Celebrates Shemini Atzeret

After Solomon dedicated the Temple and celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles, he held a solemn assembly on the eighth day as commanded by the LORD. This was recorded both in 2 Chronicles and 1 Kings.

And on the eighth day they held a solemn assembly; for they had kept the dedication of the altar seven days and the feast seven days. – 2 Chronicles 7:9 (RSV)

So Solomon held the feast at that time, and all Israel with him, a great assembly, from the entrance of Hamath to the Brook of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days.

On the eighth day he sent the people away; and they blessed the king, and went to their homes joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had shown to David his servant and to Israel his people. – 1 Kings 8:65-66 (RSV)

They must have felt a tremendous sense of validation. Can you imagine? Years spent building the Temple according to the plans given to King David; and then, waiting almost an entire year after its completion to dedicate it during the Feast of Tabernacles. They heard the stories about how God filled the Tabernacle during the days of Moses. Would He come and dwell with them as He promised?

And it came to pass, when the priests came out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD. Then Solomon spoke: “The LORD said He would dwell in the dark cloud. I have surely built You an exalted house, and a place for You to dwell in forever.” Then the king turned around and blessed the whole assembly of Israel, while all the assembly of Israel was standing. And he said: “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who spoke with His mouth to my father David, and with His hand has fulfilled it…” – 1 Kings 8:10-15 (NKJ)

He did! And they spent the next seven days rejoicing. In a way, we’re in a similar circumstance. We believe that these things happened years ago during Bible times. The Bible contains the plans for God’s future dwelling place. And, yes, Jesus made it so that we can now be a living Temple and the Spirit of God can dwell in us (1 Corinthians 3:16). But we read the book of Revelation and see where it tells us that God will once again dwell with us; and it seems like there is so much more to come. Can we even imagine it? Will we feel the same way the people did at the time of Solomon? Will we be able to believe our eyes? Will God come and dwell with us as He promised? He says His words are true and faithful.

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” – Revelation 21:1-5 (NKJ)

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