NOVEMBER 9, 2025 – THE CONSTRUCTION

READ: 1 Kin. 6:1-38: … Then the word of the Lord came to Solomon, saying: ‘Concerning this temple which you are building, if you … keep all My commandments, and walk in them, then I will perform My word with you, which I spoke to your father David. And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake My people Israel.’ So Solomon built the temple and finished it.

In the fourth year of his reign, Solomon begins the actual construction of the house of the LORD. The house has various sections: a vestibule, a large hall, the inner sanctuary, and an annex with many side chambers. It is three stories tall.

As the house is being built, the LORD speaks again (v.12). He sets forth a condition for His dwelling in this house. The mere construction of it—no matter how masterfully and beautifully it is built and decorated—is not enough for the LORD.

He also requires the hearts of His people to be devoted to Him. Solomon himself must set the right example and must demonstrate what it means to please God and be acceptable to Him.

In essence, Solomon and the people must live holy lives because the LORD is holy (Lev. 11:45; 19:2; 20:26; 21:8; 1 Pet. 1:16). God has given commandments and statutes for this in Scripture, and He expects His people to follow His Word.

For Solomon, this also includes the stipulations of the king’s law (Deut. 17:14-20): the king must write a copy of all God’s laws and read them daily to more fully incorporate them into his life, so that obedience to the Word of the Lord is as automatic as breathing.

He must not multiply horses (so as not to rely on them for strength), nor amass excessive silver and gold, nor take many wives (so as not to be led into idolatry). Only then can Solomon rule the people theocratically, that is, as if God Himself rules.

If Solomon governs this way, God will bless it and dwell among His people to protect and bless them, as He promised David.

Was there ever a king after David who was highly obedient to the LORD?
Sing: Ps. 89:12