1 Kings 9:2

KJV

That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon.

KJV (with Strong's)

That the LORD {H3068} appeared {H7200} to Solomon {H8010} the second time {H8145}, as he had appeared {H7200} unto him at Gibeon {H1391}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI appeared to Shlomo a second time, as he had appeared to him in Giv'on.

Berean Standard Bible

the LORD appeared to him a second time, as He had appeared to him at Gibeon.

American Standard Version

that Jehovah appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[1 Kings 9:2](/1_kings/9-2 "1 Kings 9:2 - The LORD's Second Appearance to Solomon") marks a profoundly significant moment in the reign of King Solomon: the LORD's second direct manifestation to him. This divine encounter occurs immediately following the completion of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem and Solomon's own royal palace, pivotal achievements that symbolized the zenith of his early rule and the establishment of God's dwelling place among His people. This appearance is God's direct response to Solomon's heartfelt dedication prayer for the newly consecrated Temple, serving to affirm His abiding presence with Israel and to unequivocally reiterate the terms of His covenant with the king and the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial hinge in the narrative of 1 Kings. It directly follows the monumental twenty-year building project of Solomon's Temple and his own palace, as detailed in [1 Kings 9:1](/1_kings/9-1 "1 Kings 9:1 - Completion of Solomon's Building Projects"). The preceding chapter, [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple"), describes the grand dedication of the Temple, culminating in Solomon's extensive and moving prayer for the nation and God's subsequent descent of glory upon the Temple ([1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Temple")). This second appearance of the LORD is therefore a direct, personal divine response to Solomon's prayer and the completion of the sacred edifice, setting the stage for the conditional covenant warnings and promises that immediately follow in [1 Kings 9:3-9](/1_kings/9-3 "1 Kings 9:3-9 - God's Covenant with Solomon").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign represents the golden age of the united monarchy in Israel, marked by unparalleled wealth, wisdom, and architectural achievements. The construction of the Temple was not merely a building project but the fulfillment of David's longing and a central act of national identity and worship. In the ancient Near East, direct divine appearances to kings were rare but highly significant, validating their rule and establishing a direct line of communication between the deity and the monarch. The reference to Gibeon recalls the earlier, foundational encounter where Solomon famously requested wisdom over wealth or long life ([1 Kings 3:5-14](/1_kings/3-5 "1 Kings 3:5-14 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom at Gibeon")), which set the trajectory for his prosperous and wise reign. This second appearance underscores the ongoing nature of God's relationship with His chosen king and nation, particularly after such a monumental act of devotion as the Temple's dedication.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. First, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Presence**: God demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises by responding to Solomon's prayer and the dedication of the Temple, signifying His active presence among His people. Second, it underscores the **Continuity of Relationship and Covenant**: By explicitly linking this appearance to the one at Gibeon, the text emphasizes that God's engagement with Solomon is not a one-time event but an ongoing, personal relationship, albeit one with clear conditions. Third, it foreshadows the theme of **Conditional Blessing and Judgment**: While affirming His presence, the LORD's subsequent words in [1 Kings 9:3-9](/1_kings/9-3 "1 Kings 9:3-9 - God's Conditional Covenant with Solomon") reiterate the conditional nature of His blessings, emphasizing that continued prosperity and divine favor are contingent upon Solomon's and Israel's obedience to God's laws, setting up the tragic trajectory of the later monarchy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Appeared (Hebrew: נִרְאָה, _nir'ah_):** This word is derived from the root רָאָה (_ra'ah_), meaning "to see." In the Niphal stem (as it is here), it signifies a passive or reflexive action: "to be seen," "to appear," or "to reveal oneself." When used of God, it consistently denotes a direct, often visible or profoundly experiential manifestation of the divine presence—a theophany. It implies a deliberate act of divine self-disclosure, not merely a dream, vision, or fleeting thought, but a significant and unmistakable communication that confirms God's active engagement with Solomon and the future of Israel. This is a personal, direct encounter, emphasizing the intimacy and gravity of the divine-human interaction.
* **Second time (Hebrew: שֵׁנִית, _shenit_):** The explicit mention of this being the "second time" is crucial. It immediately draws a parallel to the first appearance at Gibeon ([1 Kings 3:5](/1_kings/3-5 "1 Kings 3:5 - God Appears to Solomon at Gibeon")), establishing a continuity in God's direct interaction with Solomon. This repetition underscores the significance of the divine initiative and the progressive nature of God's revelation and covenant dealings with His chosen king. It suggests that this appearance is not a random event but a deliberate, purposeful follow-up to the initial encounter, marking a new phase in their relationship and a reiteration of divine commitment and expectation.
* **Gibeon (Hebrew: גִּבְעוֹן, _Gib'on_):** This geographical reference serves as a powerful allusion to the inaugural, foundational encounter between God and Solomon. At Gibeon, Solomon, in humility, chose wisdom to govern God's people over personal gain, a choice that pleased the LORD and led to an extraordinary endowment of wisdom, wealth, and honor ([1 Kings 3:5-14](/1_kings/3-5 "1 Kings 3:5-14 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom")). By linking the second appearance to the first, the text reminds the reader of the initial covenant and the principles upon which Solomon's reign was established. It suggests that the terms of this second encounter, though perhaps more conditional, are rooted in the same divine faithfulness and human responsibility established at Gibeon.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time":** This clause highlights God's sovereign initiative. The LORD, not Solomon, initiates this encounter. The "second time" emphasizes the deliberate nature of this divine communication, signifying a continuation of God's personal engagement with Solomon after the initial, foundational encounter at Gibeon. It indicates a new phase in their relationship, following the monumental achievement of the Temple's completion and Solomon's dedication prayer. This appearance is a direct response to human action (the prayer and the Temple's dedication) but is entirely God's prerogative.
* **"as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon":** This comparative clause explicitly links the current manifestation to the earlier, highly significant theophany at Gibeon. The phrase "as he had appeared" suggests a similar nature of encounter—direct, personal, and profoundly impactful. This connection serves to establish continuity in God's dealings with Solomon, grounding the present divine message in the context of the initial covenant and the wisdom granted to Solomon. It implies that the gravity, purpose, and perhaps even the form of this second appearance, carry the same weight and authority as the first, reminding Solomon of the foundational principles of his kingship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Allusion** is central, as the phrase "as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon" directly references the pivotal event in [1 Kings 3](/1_kings/3 "1 Kings 3 - Solomon's Wisdom and Dreams"), immediately recalling Solomon's humble request for wisdom and God's generous response. This allusion establishes a crucial thematic and narrative link, reminding the reader of the covenantal foundations of Solomon's reign. **Repetition** of the concept of God "appearing" to Solomon underscores the divine initiative and the personal nature of God's relationship with His chosen king. This repetition also emphasizes the significance of these direct divine communications as markers in Solomon's spiritual and political journey. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the conditional covenant and warnings that the LORD will deliver to Solomon in the subsequent verses ([1 Kings 9:3-9](/1_kings/9-3 "1 Kings 9:3-9 - God's Conditional Covenant with Solomon")). The solemnity of this second appearance prepares the reader for the weighty message that follows, highlighting the critical importance of obedience for the continued blessing of the monarchy and the nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This second appearance of the LORD to Solomon is a profound theological statement about God's active involvement in human history and His commitment to His covenant people. It demonstrates God's attentiveness to the prayers and faithful actions of His servants, as this appearance is a direct response to Solomon's dedication of the Temple. Yet, it also underscores the enduring truth that divine favor and presence are often accompanied by significant responsibilities and conditional expectations. God's presence is not a guarantee of unconditional blessing, but rather an invitation to deeper obedience and faithfulness. This encounter reinforces the Deuteronomistic theology prevalent in 1 Kings, where blessing follows obedience and judgment follows disobedience, particularly for the king who serves as the spiritual leader of the nation.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God Appears to Abram")
* [Exodus 3:2](/exodus/3-2 "Exodus 3:2 - The Angel of the LORD Appears to Moses")
* [John 14:21](/john/14-21 "John 14:21 - Jesus Will Manifest Himself to Those Who Love Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The LORD's second appearance to Solomon serves as a powerful reminder that God is not a distant deity but one who actively engages with His people, responding to their prayers and acknowledging their efforts to honor Him. Just as He appeared to Solomon after the completion of the Temple, God is attentive to our sincere acts of worship and service. However, this verse also carries a profound challenge: divine favor and significant spiritual achievements (like building a temple) do not exempt us from the ongoing call to obedience. In fact, they often intensify the responsibility. Our continued walk with God, even after moments of great spiritual breakthrough or success, requires sustained faithfulness and adherence to His will. God's presence is a precious gift, but it also calls for reverence, humility, and a steadfast commitment to living according to His commands. It prompts us to consider how we respond to moments of divine affirmation in our own lives—do we grow complacent, or are we spurred to deeper devotion and obedience?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's initiative in appearing to Solomon encourage your own faith in His active presence in your life?**
* **What "Gibeon moments" (foundational encounters with God) in your past shape your understanding of His ongoing expectations for you?**
* **After significant spiritual achievements or blessings, how do you guard against complacency and maintain a posture of ongoing obedience and humility before God?**
* **In what ways does God "appear" or reveal Himself to you today, and how do you respond to those manifestations?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important that this is the "second" appearance of the LORD to Solomon?**

Answer: The designation "second" is crucial because it immediately links this encounter to the first, highly significant appearance at Gibeon, recorded in [1 Kings 3:5](/1_kings/3-5 "1 Kings 3:5 - God Appears to Solomon at Gibeon"). This connection emphasizes continuity in God's direct, personal dealings with Solomon. The first appearance established the foundation of Solomon's reign, where he chose wisdom over wealth. The second appearance, coming after the completion of the Temple, marks a new phase, a divine response to Solomon's faithfulness in building God's house, but also a reiteration of the conditional nature of God's covenant. It signifies that God's relationship with His king is ongoing, purposeful, and dynamic, responding to key moments in Solomon's life and reign. It also highlights the gravity of the message that follows, as it builds upon the established divine-human relationship.

**What was the primary purpose or message of this second appearance?**

Answer: The primary purpose of this second appearance was multifaceted. First, it was a divine affirmation and response to Solomon's dedication prayer for the Temple ([1 Kings 8:22-53](/1_kings/8-22 "1 Kings 8:22-53 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication")). God explicitly states, "I have heard your prayer and your plea, which you have made before me. I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever" ([1 Kings 9:3](/1_kings/9-3 "1 Kings 9:3 - God's Response to Solomon's Prayer")). This confirms God's acceptance of the Temple as His dwelling place. Second, and crucially, it was to reiterate and reinforce the conditional nature of God's covenant with Solomon and his descendants. The subsequent verses ([1 Kings 9:4-9](/1_kings/9-4 "1 Kings 9:4-9 - God's Conditional Promise to Solomon")) lay out clear stipulations: continued blessing and an enduring dynasty are contingent upon Solomon's and Israel's obedience to God's statutes and commandments. Failure to obey would result in severe judgment, including the destruction of the very Temple just consecrated. Thus, the appearance served as both a confirmation of presence and a solemn warning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 9:2 describes a direct theophany to an earthly king, its ultimate theological trajectory points towards Christ. Solomon, in his wisdom and role as temple builder, foreshadows a greater reality. Jesus is the "greater Solomon" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - The Queen of the South and the Greater Solomon")), the one in whom all wisdom resides, and the ultimate Temple, the true dwelling place of God among humanity. The physical presence of God in the Jerusalem Temple, affirmed by this appearance to Solomon, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the incarnate Christ, for "in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). The conditional covenant offered to Solomon, where blessings were tied to human obedience, points to the New Covenant established in Christ's blood, which is founded on God's unconditional grace and fulfilled by Jesus' perfect obedience ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - A Superior Covenant")). While God "appeared" to Solomon in a visible manifestation, in Christ, God has fully and finally revealed Himself, for "no one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known" ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - Jesus Reveals the Father")). Thus, the divine presence affirmed to Solomon is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who is Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel, God With Us")), and through whom believers become living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 3:5

¶ In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

2 Chronicles 7:12

¶ And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.

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 unto him twice,

2 Chronicles 1:7

In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.

2 Chronicles 1:12

Wisdom and knowledge [is] granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that [have been] before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.