That the Lord appeared to Solomon— Lest this young prince's heart should be too much elated by this extraordinary grandeur, God was pleased to appear to himin a dream on the first night of the dedication, when he expressed his acceptance of that sumptuous edifice, and renewed his promises to him and his posterity, provided he and they served him with an upright heart. On the other hand, he assured him, that in case they provoked him by their idolatry and disobedience, that glorious building, which was now the wonder of the world, should infallibly become a desolation, a dwelling for owls and bats, and a proverb of reproach among all nations. See Univ. Hist.
REFLECTIONS.—1. God declares his acceptance of Solomon's prayer, and promises to answer it. As he had manifested his presence in his temple, his eye and heart shall be always upon it, and his ear attentive to the prayers of all who come thither for help. Note; God's eyes are now in every place over the righteous, and his ears open to their prayers.
2. He promises him, on his obedience, the establishment of his house and throne to the latest posterity. Note; They who would secure to their children the entail of God's blessings, must leave them the examples of their fidelity.
3. He warns Him of the dreadful consequence of his, and the people's, and their posterity's departure and apostacy from God, which would cause the destruction of his family, the ruin of his kingdom, the demolition of this glorious temple, the contempt of the heathen, and the mournful reflection of those who remained, on the sins which brought down such desolating judgments. Thus Solomon and the people were admonished not to pride themselves on their outward privileges, or rest on the glory of the temple, seeing that its greater beauty was the holiness of the worshippers; and that that once lost, the fine gold would become dim, and this lofty fabric be laid in the dust. Note; (1.) If our growth in grace does not correspond with our privileges, our boast of the temple, and the best form of worship, will but delude and destroy us. (2.) Whenever we see or read the desolations that God hath wrought in the earth, we should reflect on the dreadful evil and malignity of sin, and take warning.