I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. (vs. 3b)

God wasn’t lying when He said this to Solomon. It was His every heart intention and desire to remain, for His house and His presence to remain within Israel.

God warns Solomon that if he or his children turn from following His commandments, then Israel will be cut off from their land and the temple will be cast out.

Why? Why can’t God just promise to always be there for always and all time?

Sin separates from God. He is a holy God and needs to be with a holy people, a people set apart for Himself. He is a holy God; he must be in a holy temple set apart for Himself.

If sin separates from God, why was David never separated from Him? Listen to God’s description of David. “Your father, [David], walked with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you.”

How did David get away with sin and not lose fellowship with God?

One, he did. There was no way he was fellowshipping with God while he was in the midst of his sin with Bathsheba. However, he was quickly restored because he confessed his sin and turned his heart back to God.

When God forgives, He forgets. He removes our sin from His sight. He remembers it no more. David becomes upright in His eyes.

God remembers David’s heart that is towards Him, which is one way to define godliness. A godly person’s heart is set toward God.

The temple will be destroyed. Israel will be removed from the land. Solomon will let his heart be turned away as will many of Israel’s and Judah’s kings after him.

God is patient, desiring all to repent and turn to Him, but He is just and holy and must remain so.