Topical Bible: God: Appearances of To Solomon

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The appearances of God to Solomon are significant events in the biblical narrative, highlighting the divine favor and guidance bestowed upon the king of Israel. These encounters are recorded primarily in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, and they underscore Solomon's unique role in the history of Israel as well as the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people.

1. The First Appearance at Gibeon

The first recorded appearance of God to Solomon occurs at Gibeon, shortly after Solomon ascends to the throne. This event is detailed in 1 Kings 3:5-15 and 2 Chronicles 1:7-13. At Gibeon, the LORD appears to Solomon in a dream by night and offers him a divine invitation: "Ask for whatever you want Me to give you" (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon, recognizing his own limitations and the immense responsibility of ruling God's people, requests wisdom and discernment to govern effectively. Pleased with Solomon's request, God grants him unparalleled wisdom and also bestows upon him riches and honor, promising that no other king will compare to him during his lifetime.

2. The Second Appearance After the Temple Dedication

The second appearance of God to Solomon takes place after the completion and dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. This is recorded in 1 Kings 9:1-9 and 2 Chronicles 7:11-22. Following Solomon's prayer of dedication, the LORD appears to him a second time, affirming that He has heard Solomon's prayer and consecrated the Temple as a place for His Name to dwell. God reiterates the conditional nature of His covenant with Solomon, emphasizing obedience to His statutes and commands. The LORD warns Solomon that if he or his descendants turn away from following Him, Israel will face dire consequences, including the loss of the land and the Temple becoming a byword among the nations.

3. Theophanic Elements and Theological Significance

In both appearances, theophanic elements are present, as God communicates directly with Solomon, albeit in a dream or vision. These encounters are not merely personal experiences but carry profound theological significance. They reinforce the Davidic covenant and highlight the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments. Solomon's request for wisdom and God's generous response underscore the biblical principle that true wisdom comes from God and is foundational for righteous leadership.

4. Solomon's Response and Legacy

Solomon's initial response to God's appearances is marked by humility and a desire to serve his people well. However, as his reign progresses, Solomon's adherence to God's commands wanes, leading to idolatry and eventual division of the kingdom after his death. The appearances of God to Solomon serve as both a testament to God's willingness to guide and bless His chosen leaders and a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from divine instruction.

These divine encounters with Solomon remain pivotal in understanding the dynamics of God's relationship with Israel's monarchy and the enduring call to wisdom and obedience in the life of faith.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 3:5
In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give you.
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1 Kings 9:2
That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared to him at Gibeon.
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1 Kings 11:9
And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared to him twice,
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2 Chronicles 1:7-12
In that night did God appear to Solomon, and said to him, Ask what I shall give you.
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2 Chronicles 7:12-22
And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him, I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.
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Library

The Fall of Solomon
... the voice of an indictment drawn in heaven, the aggravations of Solomon's crime
are ... If we would remember God's appearances to us and for us, and meditate on ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the fall of solomon.htm

Be not Deceived; God is not Mocked.
... that trusteth in his own heart is a fool," said Solomon. ... and their friends, they
think they can deceive God. They put on false appearances, they use empty words ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter ii be not deceived.htm

The Voice of the Lord God
... therefore, in these days, when miraculous appearances have, as ... in the good old times
when God and his ... My friends, what says Solomon the Wise?"'Inquire not ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon iii the voice of.htm

What the Apostle Paul Wrote to the Thessalonians About the ...
... of the temple which was built by Solomon, or in ... and killed his children, these were
not deceitful appearances, and yet ... the works of Satan to whom God had given ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 19 what the apostle paul.htm

The Misery of Man Without God
... senses mislead the Reason with false appearances, and receive ... less he was diverted,
like the Saints and God. ... Misery."Solomon and Job have best known and best ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section ii the misery of.htm

The Scheme of Necessity Makes God the Author of Sin.
... who have not sufficiently learned out of Solomon, that the ... in the wisdom and goodness
of God, which the ... who is so taken up with superficial appearances, or who ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter ii the scheme of.htm

Summary view of the Pre-Existence and Divinity of Our Saviour and ...
... that the theophanies recorded were appearances of subordinate ... which is called the
Word of God and Wisdom ... who reveals most clearly through Solomon the following ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter ii summary view of the.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... with wisdom from above, with materials and with cunning workmen, and, above all,
with the approbation and protection of his God, Solomon commenced, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... yea, his most gracious and merciful appearances; how much ... at wandering from the Word
of God; but, on ... the destroyer" (Psalm 17:4). Therefore Solomon saith, "My ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs.
... the name of David, by whom Solomon was begotten ... our power which exalt the knowledge
of God, these will ... not in a state of excitement about external appearances. ...
/.../on proverbs from the commentary.htm