1 Kings 9:3 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

The Lord said, I have heard thy prayer This shows that the first verse is to be understood as we have just stated: for otherwise we must suppose this appearance of God to Solomon to have taken place, and this answer to have been given to his prayer, eleven years after he had finished the house, and addressed that prayer to him at the dedication of it; which is very unlikely. I have hallowed this house By my glorious presence in the cloud, and by my acceptance of thy sacrifices. I have sanctified it to my proper use and service. Solomon had dedicated it, but it was God's prerogative to hallow or consecrate it. Men cannot make a place holy; yet what we in sincerity devote to God, we may hope he will graciously accept as his. To put my name there for ever As long as the Mosaic dispensation lasts: whereas hitherto my worship has been successively in several places. And mine eyes My watchful and gracious providence. My heart My true and tender affection. Shall be there perpetually Shall be toward this place and people, upon condition of your obedience, as it here follows. Apply this to persons, to God's living temples: those whom he hallows or sanctifies; whom he sets apart for himself, in consequence of their repentance and faith in Jesus, have his eye upon and his heart toward them; they have his love and his care, and this perpetually.