Read 1 Kings 6 here (text coming …) or at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew paragraphs:
6:1-10 {p} In the 480th year from the deliverance from Egypt, Solomon began to build the temple
6:11-13 {p} Walk in My commandments, and I will establish you, and I will dwell with Israel
6:14-7:12 {p} …
1 Kin 6:1-38 Chiastic structure:
Notice that in the central axis, YHVH told Solomon that if he would do something, then YHVH Himself would do something.
An “if-then” statement is a basic building block of logic and reasoning. If something happens — if a condition is met — then something else will happen — a result will follow.
The “if” part is the condition. This is what needs to be true for the rule to apply.
The “then” part is the outcome. This is what will happen if the condition is met.
For example: “If it rains, then I will stay inside.”
Condition: It rains.
Outcome: I stay inside.
If the condition is true — it rains — then the rule triggers the outcome —I stay inside. If the condition isn’t true — it doesn’t rain — then the rule doesn’t trigger the outcome — I may go outside. It’s a way to connect two ideas in which one depends on the other.
In the central axis, YHVH told Solomon that if he would walk in YHVH’s statutes, carry out His ordinances, and keep all His commandments, then YHVH will fulfill His word that David will not lack a man on the throne of Israel after him (1 Kin 2:4, 2 Sam 7:12-14), and that YHVH would dwell in the house which Solomon was building, and not forsake His people Israel. The Bible is full of “if-then” statements. Here are a few others:
So YHVH said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.” Gen 18:26
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chr 7:14
“If you will return, O Israel,” says YHVH, “Return to Me; and if you will put away your abominations out of My sight, then you shall not be moved.” Jer 4:1
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, [then] your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, [then] neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Jesus, in Mat 6:14-15
And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Gal 3:29
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