In the midst of the architectural description is inserted a brief notice of the Lord’s promise concerning the Temple. This message evidently came to Solomon while the work of building was in progress. How it came we are not told. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream (ch. 3:5). After the Temple was completed the Lord again appeared to Solomon in the same manner, with a message of warning and blessing (ch. 9:2-9). This message probably also came to Solomon in a dream, although a prophet may have been the instrument.

One of the reasons the Lord sent His word at this time was that Solomon needed to be kept in constant remembrance of his solemn responsibilities to Heaven. Even when a man is engaged in working for the Lord, and is acting upon His command and in fulfillment of His design, it is possible to forget the necessity of continued rededication of purpose. The danger is always present that he will take steps that will take steps that will forfeit the divine blessing. Again and again the Lord sends to His people messages destined to remind them of the vital importance of holding to basic principles which alone will ensure continued prosperity, peace, and blessing.