In all, Solomon took 20 years to build both his palace and the house of God. He took thirteen years to build the former and seven, for the latter. First Kings 9:1 made it clear that it was his desire to do so. When his building project was finished, God appeared to him a second time. First Kings 3:5 records for us his first encounter with God. It was when he went up to Gibeon to pay homage and to make sacrifices to God. In that first encounter, he was invited to ask Him for anything he wished. We learned that he asked God for a discerning heart so that he could judge the people wisely. Of course, God granted him that and much more.
In
1 Kings 9:1-9, we come to his second encounter with God in a dream. The first
thing God did in this second encounter was to express His approval and assured
Solomon that He had heard his prayers and supplication. Furthermore, He would
consecrate the temple by putting His name there forever, and that His eyes
and heart will be there perpetually. This would essentially make the
temple the central place of worship for the nation.
God
then proceeded in verse 4 to emphasize the need for Solomon to stay faithful to
Him. God expected him to walk faithfully before Him as David his father. He was
to show integrity of heart and uprightness in obeying His commandments,
statutes, and ordinances. Then would his reign over Israel be established and
there would always be someone from David’s line on the
throne.
In
these five verses, we see the importance of obedience in our walk with God. We
need to be obedient to ensure the blessings of God. Obedience means taking God
at His word and doing as the word has prescribed. There is a need to know
the instructions of God, appreciate them, and then act on them. Besides,
obedience must be shown with the integrity of heart and in uprightness. In
other words, God expects genuine and complete obedience. The best way to build
godliness is obedience. So walk in obedience!
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