Useful Bible Studies > 1 Kings Commentary > chapter 9
After Solomon built the temple (house of God), kings from his family continued to rule in Jerusalem for about 350 years. The Books of 1 and 2 Kings give an account of the rule of each of these kings. Some of them were good kings who were loyal to God – but several of them were evil. They encouraged the people to live in a wicked manner and to serve false gods. Sometimes these kings even used God’s temple for these evil acts (2 Kings 21:4-9).
In the end, what God had warned, actually happened. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and its temple (2 Kings 25:8-9). He forced most of Israel’s people to leave their own country and to live in foreign nations (Psalm 137). The Book of Lamentations describes the terrible things that happened to Jerusalem.
For 70 years, Jerusalem remained in that state. However, at the end of that period, God caused King Cyrus to permit Israel’s people to return to Jerusalem. Long before, God had declared that he would do this (Isaiah 44:28; Jeremiah 29:10-14). Ezra chapters 3 and 6 describe how Israel’s people rebuilt the temple. The second temple was not as impressive as Solomon’s temple had been. However, its purpose remained the same: it was God’s house in Jerusalem, where God’s people gave him honour.
So, what God told Moses in Deuteronomy 30:1-5 is true. God’s promises to Israel are certain, and will never change (Jeremiah 31:35-37). He will certainly carry out all of his promises – but evil people who refuse to turn back to God will not benefit from them. They will certainly suffer their punishment (Ezekiel chapter 18).
Next part: Solomon tries to hand over 20 towns to the king of Tyre (1 Kings 9:10-14)
Please use the links at the top of the page to find our other articles in this series. You can download all our articles if you go to the download page for our free 1000+ page course book.
© 2024, Keith Simons.