I Kings 9-10

"If you will walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and uprightness ... then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever" (9:4). God's blessing was conditional. The temple was beautiful, but what really mattered was Solomon's integrity before God. Solomon's prayer of dedication acknowledged this: "Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the Lord our God" (8:61). Success upon success was dangerous for the heart.

"My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually" (9:3). A covenant with the God of Abraham is no casual thing; He is the Living God.