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1 Kings 9:1-28 open_in_new
Jehovah now appeared to Solomon for the second time, and declared that his prayer was heard and answered, but insisted that there were conditions for the people to fulfil. These conditions were clearly stated, and there were most solemn warnings of what would happen if they were broken.
As we read the story, we know the sad and terrible sequel. Notwithstanding all the divine faithfulness, the conditions were not kept either by king or people, and the penalty was the ultimate destruction of the Temple and the expulsion of the nation from its position and service.
How slow the human heart is to learn this lesson. It would seem to be a perpetual peril in the presence of which men fall, that of recognizing God's faithfulness and rejoicing in it, while yet being unfaithful, so that defeat and disaster are the inevitable issues.
The material magnificence of the kingdom is set forth in the remainder of the chapter. Solomon's present of cities to Hiram, his multiplication of cities throughout his own kingdom, and his creation of a commercial navy, are all chronicled. The elements of failure are to be traced throughout. Hiram was dissatisfied with the cities presented to him. The cities the king built became hotbeds of evil, and the ships introduced to the land things that had evil effect.