And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.
God's acceptance of Solomon's prayer shone out in the fire from heaven, yet acceptance and answered petition are not the same thing. So He appeared that night to explain Himself: His name would dwell there forever, His ear would hear the prayers of His people in that place, and if they humbled themselves, sought His face, and turned from wickedness, He would forgive and heal their land. National judgment requires national repentance; pardon must come before healing.
AI summary
Commenting on 2 Chronicles 7:12-22
GOD APPEARS TO HIM. (Ch2 7:12-22) the Lord appeared to Solomon by night--(See on Kg1 9:1-9). The dedication of the temple must have been an occasion of intense national interest to Solomon and his subjects. Nor was the interest merely temporary or local. The record of it is read and thought of with an interest that is undiminished by the lapse of time.
The Lord appeared to Solomon - This was a second manifestation; see Kg1 9:2-9 (note), and the notes there. The Targum says, "The Word of the Lord appeared to Solomon."