Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Kings 6:11-13

"And the word of Jehovah came to Solomon, saying, Concerning this house which thou art building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute mine ordinances, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I establish my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father. And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel." — 1 Kings 6:11-13 (ASV)

In the midst of this architectural description is inserted a brief notice of the Lord’s promise concerning the Temple, which may be compared, and in some degree contrasted, with the fuller utterance given (see 1 Kings 9:3–9) after the consecration was over. Unlike this latter, it is one of simple promise of blessing, with no note of warning. But it is to be observed that, in accordance with the general principle laid down in Jeremiah 18:5-10, the promise—repeating the promises already made to David in 2 Samuel 7:10–15, and to Moses in Exodus 25:8, but with special application to the newly-built Temple—is made strictly conditional on obedience.

In its main points, indeed, as working out the great covenant with Abraham for the blessing of all families of the earth, it was to be in any case fulfilled. But for each generation the enjoyment of the blessings promised was contingent on faith and obedience, and for the whole nation it was from time to time forfeited, until the final destruction of Israel as a nation. Yet even now, St. Paul (Romans 11:29) teaches that for Israel there is still some hope of the ancient promise of blessing.