Solomon built the temple over 7 years. It was an amazing temple for Israel at that time. However, notice God’s challenge in the middle of the chapter. God’s presence and blessing is not based on the temple being built but based on obedience of heart to the covenant God had set up through Moses and David. God wants our loyalty – that’s what holiness really is – loyalty to the One who made us and loves us.
Unfortunately, we know Solomon didn’t keep the covenant. He violated it. And eventually God forsook Israel as a result. Fortunately, God didn’t forsake forever. He set up a new covenant, not like the Mosaic one, through Jesus Christ. The new covenant gives people a heart that wants to obey and is loyal to Him. We don’t have to fear God forsaking us because even when we disobey we are under a new covenant and God is just and faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. What a great God we serve!