1 Kings 9:3

I have heard thy prayer This could not have been the form of God's message, if thirteen years had passed away since the dedication. God's way is rather that spoken of by Isaiah 65:24 -While they are yet speaking I will hear." The LXX. adds after the first clause of this verse -I have done for thee according to all thy prayer."

to put my name there for ever The place which God had chosen was now made known; and God's purposes change not.

mine eyes and mine heart shall be there As in the former vision at Gibeon, God had given more than Solomon asked, so it is here. The prayer was that God's eyes might be open toward the house, the promise is that His heart shall be there perpetually.

This verse is largely expanded in 2 Chronicles 7:12 seqq. thus: -I have heard thy prayer and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; if my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and sanctified this house that my name may be there for ever." This addition appears to be the work of a later writer who wished to express by it, that God's answer was as large as the king's prayer.