6 But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?
A second reference here to "heaven of heavens," possibly the term used in Old Testament times to refer to what we would call the Celestial Kingdom.
The context of this verse is a message from Solomon to King Hiram of Tyre seeking to obtain supplies for building the temple. I find it interesting that Solomon finds it necessary to do what we Mormons are sometimes required to do, justify the expense and magnificence of a temple -
"and the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods" (v. 5).
Since temple dedications are an important part of our practice, it is interesting to note that the word translated "to dedicate" in verse 4 is
לְהַקְדִּישׁ "L'hakdeesh" (a Hiphil infinitive construct for Hebrew Geeks)
It's meanings are
- "to set apart for sacred use, to consecrate, hallow, sanctify"
- "to regard as sacred, to keep holy"
- "to hallow, sanctify, reverence"
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