MPV Commentary

God's Covenant in a Second Vision with Solomon.

When Solomon had completed the construction of the temple, God appeared to him in a supernatural vision on the night following its dedication (2Ch 7:12). This appearance was likely similar to the first one at Gibeon and consisted of direct answers to Solomon's inaugural prayer. The Lord's response began by addressing Solomon's request for a guarantee that God would not abandon his people, as recorded in 1Ki 8:29.

The Lord declared that he had chosen this temple as a place where he would dwell among the Israelites forever (1Ki 9:3). However, he also warned Solomon and the people of Israel about the consequences of breaking their covenant with him. The record of this second vision serves as an introduction to the narrative about Solomon's commercial enterprises and his desire for worldly glory.

This temple, which was built on a hill and stood out as a symbol of God's presence among his people, would be destroyed if they failed to uphold their end of the covenant (1Ki 9:8). The consequences of breaking the covenant would be severe, leaving the temple in ruins and serving as a striking monument of God's judgment. This warning was likely intended to caution Solomon against encouraging foreign influences and luxuries that could lead his people astray from following God.