And the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying,
The word of the Lord came to Solomon - probably by a prophet. It was very seasonable, being designed, first, To encourage him to go on with the building, by confirming anew the promise made to his father David (2 Samuel 7:1-29); and secondly, To warn him against the pride and presumption of supposing that, after the erection of so magnificent a temple, he and his people would always be sure of the presence and favour of God. The condition on which that blessing could alone be expected was expressly stated. The dwelling of God among the children of Israel refers to those symbols of His presence in the temple which were the visible tokens of His spiritual relation to that people.