A Word for Solomon

A word for Solomon.  We read, “The word of the Lord came to Solomon” (1 Kings 6:11).  This is not insignificant.  God had already visited with Solmon once when Solomon asked of God wisdom and discernment to lead the people (1 Kings 3).  Now, Solomon is building the temple, and during that time he receives a word from the Lord.  God tells Solomon, “As for this temple you are building – if you walk in my statues, observe my ordinances, and keep all my commands by walking in them, I will fulfill my promise to you, which I made to your father David.  I will dwell among the Israelites and not abandon my people Israel” (1 Kings 6:12-13).  This has three parts:  statement of condition, a correlation to a promise, and a statement of the promise.  The building of the temple took seven years, so this word from God would have certain been an encouraging word to continue on.  The condition is noted by the word “If” and it pertains to the attitude and actions of Solmon and the Israelites – namely obedience to God’s commands for living.  The action that is about to be spoken is correlated back to what God had already promised David – so this is not a new promise, but a fulfillment of one already stated.  Lastly, the promise is that God would dwell among the people.