I Kings 5-6

“But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side. There is neither adversary nor misfortune. And so I intend to build a house for the name of the LORD” (5:4-5).  God’s covenant with Israel had always included this promise: that if the people loved and obeyed Him, they would have “rest” from their enemies and He would dwell among them (6:13).  Solomon recognized the gift of a united, peaceful nation, and he honored God by building the Temple.

“I will dwell among the children of Israel” (6:13).  This brief time of peace pointed toward God’s ultimate purpose: to live among His redeemed people, walking among us in close friendship (Eph 2:18-22).