And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.
The promise was given to Solomon while he was building the temple, which replaced the wilderness tabernacle as the earthly sanctuary as a permanent and larger structure that kept the tabernacle's proportions and furnishings. It promises that God would dwell among the children of Israel and meet with His people in the house Solomon was building, remaining with them and never abandoning them. This being with Solomon was as He had been with David, fulfilling the word spoken to David his father.
The promise was conditional on walking before God with integrity in His statutes and executing His judgments and keeping all His commandments. Solomon's continued blessing and the establishment of his throne depended on that obedience of Solomon and Israel.
Because the dwelling was tied to the house, its preparation and erection had to be in accordance with God's instructions and oft-repeated specifications, with the utmost exactness in all the work done and with no pains spared. In every part the building had to show forth to the nations of the earth the greatness of Israel's God and represent the perfection of Him whom Israel was called to honor before all the world. The care shown in performing the work taught both believers and unbelievers the importance of the work.
God's taking notice of Solomon's efforts and the efforts of the others engaged on the building shows His same watchcare over His work today, cooperating with those who labor with sincere desire to fulfill His word and glorify His name and keep His glory in view. He gives increased knowledge and skill and understanding and adaptability and a valuable education to those who enter His service determined to do their best. This is given to those who heed His instruction instead of their own wisdom and ideas, remain teachable and humble, and use the knowledge gained for Him with cheerfulness and gratitude.
The promise was given to Solomon while he was building the temple, which replaced the wilderness tabernacle as the earthly sanctuary as a permanent and larger structure that kept the tabernacle's proportions and furnishings. It promises that God would dwell among the children of Israel and meet with His people in the house Solomon was building, remaining with them and never abandoning them. This being with Solomon was as He had been with David, fulfilling the word spoken to David his father.
The promise was conditional on walking before God with integrity in His statutes and executing His judgments and keeping all His commandments. Solomon's continued blessing and the establishment of his throne depended on that obedience of Solomon and Israel.
Because the dwelling was tied to the house, its preparation and erection had to be in accordance with God's instructions and oft-repeated specifications, with the utmost exactness in all the work done and with no pains spared. In every part the building had to show forth to the nations of the earth the greatness of Israel's God and represent the perfection of Him whom Israel was called to honor before all the world. The care shown in performing the work taught both believers and unbelievers the importance of the work.
God's taking notice of Solomon's efforts and the efforts of the others engaged on the building shows His same watchcare over His work today, cooperating with those who labor with sincere desire to fulfill His word and glorify His name and keep His glory in view. He gives increased knowledge and skill and understanding and adaptability and a valuable education to those who enter His service determined to do their best. This is given to those who heed His instruction instead of their own wisdom and ideas, remain teachable and humble, and use the knowledge gained for Him with cheerfulness and gratitude.