1 When Solomon had finished building the temple of the LORD and the royal palace, and had achieved all he had desired to do,
2 the LORD appeared to him a second time, as he had appeared to him at Gibeon.
3 The LORD said to him: “I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.
4 “As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws,
5 I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’
6 “But if you or your descendants turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them,
7 then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples.
8 This temple will become a heap of rubble. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’
9 People will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the LORD their God, who brought their ancestors out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them that is why the LORD brought all this disaster on them.’”

Reflection

God’s Attentiveness (9:1–5)
God appears to Solomon a second time, the first being when Solomon asked for wisdom in a dream. In letting Solomon know that He is pleased with the temple, God states, “My eyes and my heart will always be there” (v. 3). This statement displays the Lord’s deep affection and constant attention toward His people. We are ever the apple of His eye, and He never loses sight of us, no matter how near or far we feel from Him. God also reminds Solomon of the covenant that He made with David, encouraging him to persevere in obedience. Such is God’s desire to continually bless us, pouring out more of His love as our hearts are inclined toward Him.

- How do you respond to the knowledge that God’s eyes and heart are always with you? In what areas of your life do you want to obey Him more and incline your heart toward Him?

The Disgrace of Disobedience (9:6–9)
After giving words of blessing and promise, God gives Solomon a stern warning about the consequences of disobedience: the temple ruined, the land forfeited, and disgrace before God and man. These words carry a sense of heavy foreboding since Solomon and Israel do unfortunately turn away from God. How can the people forsake the God who delivered them from Egypt? We know the sinful reality that can grip our hearts, and we can so easily forget God’s goodness. When we do fail, however, may we quickly repent and seek the Lord once again. May we remember the love of God who sent His Son Jesus to pay the full price so that we might spend eternity with Him.

- When have you witnessed the consequences of disobedience? What can help you remember the goodness of God and remain faithful to Him? 

A letter to God 

Dear Lord, thank you that You are ever attentive and deeply care for me. Help me to stay rooted in this reality so that I may please You with my thoughts, words, and actions. When I do fall short, please guide me quickly back to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

All Copyrights of the text in Living Life belong to Duranno Books.