1 Kings 9 Commentary
The LORD appears to Solomon again. The message is simple: Obedience.
Solomon has just completed a mega-church project. He has also achieved his dreams. Palaces have been built. He sits on his father’s throne with everything around him at his command. It is at this point that the LORD appears to Solomon with the simple message: Obey me.
We could read verse 3 out of context and state that the LORD God would always set His eyes on the Temple. But that isn’t the only statement the LORD God makes. There is an “if” statement immediately after this promise.
Like the great blessing of 2 Samuel 7, Solomon’s blessing is hinged on obedience, both now and in the future. The LORD warns Solomon that his mega-church project would be reduced to nothing should sin prevail. The good times in the Promised Land would come to an end. Israel would be scattered once again.
We are reminded of the scattering at Babel. When man comes together to sin, the LORD moves in to scatter. As the first couple was scattered out of the Garden of tranquility, so sinful man will always experience the scattering of the LORD.
Whenever sin happens, scattering happens. The saint is warned. The LORD God places a choice before Solomon.
The Christian walk is nothing but a series of choices. It only remains one when the choices mean obedience.
It is impossible to read these lines without thinking of a fallen Solomon. The reader is warned. This man continued to attend church meetings. He met temple obligations. His popularity continued to increase. His power and wisdom remained unmatched, yet there was an area that was constantly rotting.
LOVING SCRIPTURE 