Read 1 Kings 9 – 10
The LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon. 1 Kings 9:2 KJV
After reading the long prayer of Solomon in chapter 8, along with the completion of the Temple, and its dedication, we expect some kind of response from God. I say this because we normally expect a special response to what we consider special prayers. The passage indicates that there was a long lapse in time before this occurred, even though the words spoken by God give the impression of immediacy, the prayer of Solomon and the answer of God are separated by years. God did not need to respond sooner, a reality that is often difficult for us to accept. This second appearance was like the first, in that God appeared to Solomon in a dream, but the content was very different. The first were words of blessing, the second were of warning. Starting with this chapter we realize Solomon needed them. With all his blessing from Him, Solomon began to turn away from God.
Lord, it seems amazing to look on Solomon’s example filled with conversations with You and blessings from You and to watch him become weaker rather than stronger. Of course today we do the same thing; we abuse Your blessings and use them selfishly rather than as intended. Help me apply Your warning to Solomon to my life that as I grow older I might not become increasingly foolish in my walk with You.
