1 Kings 9:2-9
– v. 3: God tells Solomon, "I have hallowed this house". Even though Solomon dedicated the temple, only God can truly make it holy. God promises that His eyes and heart will always be on the temple. This means He will watch over it and care for it. In the same way, when God sets people apart for Himself, He loves and protects them always. v. 4-5: God says that Solomon’s kingdom will last if he obeys God, just like his father David did (1 Kings 9:4-5; Psalm 132:12 a). Solomon must be honest and faithful in his relationship with God. God’s promise to keep Solomon’s family on the throne depends on Solomon’s obedience. If we do our part in following God, He will keep His promises to us. Children of faithful parents must also be faithful if they want to receive God’s blessings. – v. 6: But God warns Solomon that if he or his children turn away from God and worship other gods, then they will lose God’s protection . If they break their promises to God and stop following Him, the temple and the nation will not save them. The most serious sin is leaving God to worship idols. v. 7: If Israel turns away from God, even though they are God’s chosen people, they will be cut off and become a warning to others . People will look down on them, and they will go from being honored to being despised. The destruction of the royal family is not mentioned directly, but if the kingdom is destroyed, the king will also be ruined. v. 8-9: God also warns that the beautiful temple will be destroyed if the people are unfaithful (1 Kings 9:8-9 b). Even though the temple is grand and admired by everyone, it will not be safe from God’s judgment. If people stop obeying God, the temple’s greatness will only make its fall more shocking. When people pass by its ruins, they will ask, "Why has the Lord done this to this house?"The answer will be, "Because they forsook the Lord their God"(Deuteronomy 29:24-25 c). Their punishment will show everyone their sin. God warns Solomon of this now, so that he and the people will always respect and obey God. –
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