1 Kings 8:1
Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.
The gathering took place after the temple was finished, when Solomon drew all Israel to himself at Jerusalem in great splendor to dedicate the house of God and to bring up the ark. The elders and tribal leaders assembled to him for that purpose, making it a national convocation centered on the transfer of the ark from the city of David. Many people from other nations also came to witness the dedication and its magnificence. At that gathering Solomon taught the people to put away heathen superstitions about Jehovah, showing that unlike the gods of the heathen the God of Israel is not confined to a built temple but would meet His people by His Spirit when they assembled in that house dedicated to His worship.