That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon.
The Lord appeared to Solomon a second time, just as He had appeared to him at Gibeon. As Solomon began his work when entrusted with building the temple, he received remarkable manifestations of God's power. At the earlier appearance at Gibeon the promise of wisdom, riches, and honor was joined to a warning to remain humble and obedient. The second appearance came after the dedication of the temple and Solomon's prayer there, once the temple, the palace or king's house, and all the other works he desired were completed.
On that occasion God confirmed that He had heard Solomon's prayer and supplication and answered it. The answer included hallowing or setting apart the temple as a place associated with His name and presence. In this appearance He gave counsel urging Solomon to remain faithful and to serve faithfully and uprightly by keeping His commands. He promised to establish Solomon's throne over Israel as promised to David if he obeyed, making Solomon's dynasty and Israel's continued place conditional on faithfulness and obedience.
Turning to other gods would bring judgment upon Israel and upon the temple. Even after offering a remarkable prayer at the dedication and receiving such clear admonitions, promises, and divine light with sacred responsibility, Solomon forsook the temple to worship idols and turned from the Lord who had appeared to him twice. God's presence and care are not confined to temples made by human hands, for He also visits isolated people in captivity and distress and cheers them through special manifestations of His glory. The Lord's word to Solomon in this passage applies to anyone who takes on responsibilities in the Lord's work.
The Lord appeared to Solomon a second time, just as He had appeared to him at Gibeon. As Solomon began his work when entrusted with building the temple, he received remarkable manifestations of God's power. At the earlier appearance at Gibeon the promise of wisdom, riches, and honor was joined to a warning to remain humble and obedient. The second appearance came after the dedication of the temple and Solomon's prayer there, once the temple, the palace or king's house, and all the other works he desired were completed.
On that occasion God confirmed that He had heard Solomon's prayer and supplication and answered it. The answer included hallowing or setting apart the temple as a place associated with His name and presence. In this appearance He gave counsel urging Solomon to remain faithful and to serve faithfully and uprightly by keeping His commands. He promised to establish Solomon's throne over Israel as promised to David if he obeyed, making Solomon's dynasty and Israel's continued place conditional on faithfulness and obedience.
Turning to other gods would bring judgment upon Israel and upon the temple. Even after offering a remarkable prayer at the dedication and receiving such clear admonitions, promises, and divine light with sacred responsibility, Solomon forsook the temple to worship idols and turned from the Lord who had appeared to him twice. God's presence and care are not confined to temples made by human hands, for He also visits isolated people in captivity and distress and cheers them through special manifestations of His glory. The Lord's word to Solomon in this passage applies to anyone who takes on responsibilities in the Lord's work.