D. The Fruits of Solomon’s Reign chs. 9-11The writer next recorded what happened to Solomon and to Israel as a result of the king’s provision to exalt the reputation of Yahweh among His people. He narrated God’s covenant with Solomon (1 Kings 9:1-9), further evidences of Yahweh’s blessing (1 Kings 9:10-28), Solomon’s greatness (ch. 10), and Solomon’s apostasy (ch. 11). read more
God’s Response to Solomon’s Prayer. Solomon and Hiram1. When.. finished] The Temple does not seem to have been dedicated until all the king’s buildings were completed, the Temple and Palace being probably included within a single wall and regarded as a unity. In 1 Kings 9:3-9 is contained the divine response to the prayer offered by Solomon at the dedication festival.3. Mine eyes.. perpetually] Though God’s care extends over all His creation, yet those are nearest to His heart who render to Him... read more
(3) To put my name there for ever.—The meaning of the words “for ever” is determined by the prayer which they answer. They simply mark the Temple as the “settled habitation to abide in for ever” (see 1 Kings 8:13), in contradistinction from the movable tabernacle. Whether they were to have a larger significance is expressly declared to depend on the faithfulness of Israel (see 1 Kings 9:7-8).Mine eyes and mine heart.—See 8:29. read more
(3-9) And the Lord said unto him.—This vision of the Lord presents a remarkable contrast with that recorded in 1 Kings 6:11-13, while the Temple was in building. Then all was promise and encouragement; now, not only is warning mingled with promise, but, as in Solomon’s own prayer, the sadder alternative seems in prophetic anticipation to overpower the brighter. In this there is (as has been often remarked) a striking exemplification of the austere and lofty candour of the inspired narrative,... read more
5. Jehovah Appears unto Solomon and the Greatness of the King CHAPTER 9 1. The second appearance of the LORD to Solomon (1 Kings 9:1-9 ) 2. Transactions with Hiram (1 Kings 9:10-14 ) 3. The levy of the king (1 Kings 9:15-23 ) 4. Pharaoh’s daughter occupies the house (1 Kings 9:24 ) 5. The king’s offerings (1 Kings 9:25 ) 6. Solomon’s navy (1 Kings 9:26-28 ) Jehovah’s righteous government in the midst of His people Israel had now been established. This government was given and... read more
GOD APPEARING AGAIN TO SOLOMON (vs.1-9) The Lord had appeared to Solomon before he built the temple (ch.3:5), now at its completion the Lord appears again to him. There was a danger of Solomon's being puffed up with pride because he was so greatly blessed as the king of the most illustrious nation on earth and had built the most magnificent building that has ever been built. Thus, the appearance of the Lord to him was necessary to give him a sober and subdued realization that he was only a... read more
DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE THE TIME (1 Kings 8:1-2 ) Since the temple was completed in the eighth month of the previous year (1 Kings 6:38 ) and not dedicated until the seventh of the following, how shall we explain the interval? The reason usually assigned is that the king waited for the feast of tabernacles in the fall when one of the greatest assemblies took place, and for this purpose the most appropriate. THE GRAND PROCESSION (1 Kings 8:3-9 ) Observe who were the leading actors (1... read more
Solomon's Prayer Answered 1 Kings 9:0 WE have just studied that most wonderful prayer of ancient history, and have been charmed first with its spiritual music; then with its great intellectual conception; then with its appreciation of human necessities, and altogether with its fine, genial, kingly sympathy with all classes and conditions of men. Placing ourselves at this point of history, and listening to the noble supplication which the king poured out to the majesty of heaven, we say... read more
(1) ¶ And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do, (2) That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon. (3) And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there forever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there... read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Kings 9:1-9
1. God’s covenant with Solomon 9:1-9God responded to Solomon’s dedication of himself and his nation as He had responded to David (2 Samuel 7) and to Solomon earlier (ch. 3). He offered Solomon continued blessing for continued faithfulness.First, God promised He would do what Solomon had petitioned in his dedicatory prayer (1 Kings 8:22-53; 1 Kings 9:3). Second, He said He would provide a continuous line of descendants from Solomon to sit on Israel’s throne if Solomon would continue to follow... read more