Bible Commentary

Solomon’s Foreign Wives and Spiritual Compromise King Solomon loved many foreign women, including the daughter of Pharaoh, along with Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women. This extensive collection of foreign wives represented both diplomatic alliances and personal indulgence that violated divine commands. The accumulation of wives from various nations created potential for spiritual compromise […]

The Queen of Sheba’s Journey The Queen of Sheba heard about Solomon’s fame concerning the name of the Lord and came to test him with hard questions. This royal visit demonstrated the international reputation Solomon had gained through his wisdom and prosperity. The reference to “the name of the Lord” suggests that Solomon’s wisdom was

God’s Second Appearance to Solomon The Lord appeared to Solomon a second time, as He had appeared to him at Gibeon, establishing continuity with the earlier divine encounter that granted wisdom. This second appearance came after the completion of both the temple and the royal palace complex. The timing demonstrated God’s response to Solomon’s faithful

The Assembly of Israel’s Leadership King Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes, and the chiefs of the fathers’ houses before him in Jerusalem. This gathering represented the entire nation through its recognized leadership structure. The comprehensive assembly demonstrated the national significance of the temple dedication ceremony. The purpose was

Solomon’s Palace Construction Solomon took thirteen years to build his own house and complete all his royal residence. The extended construction period reflects the palace’s enormous scale and elaborate design. The thirteen-year timeline contrasts with the seven years required for the temple, indicating the palace’s even greater complexity and size. The palace construction demonstrated Solomon’s

The Temple Construction Timeline Solomon began building the house of the Lord in the fourth year of his reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month. This precise dating establishes the historical significance of the temple’s construction beginning. The timing reflects careful preparation and divine guidance in commencing this sacred

Hiram’s Congratulatory Message King Hiram of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon when he heard that Solomon had been anointed king in place of his father David. Hiram had maintained friendly relations with David throughout David’s reign. This diplomatic outreach demonstrated the continuation of peaceful relationships between Israel and Tyre. Hiram’s initiative in sending ambassadors

Solomon’s Royal Officials and Cabinet King Solomon established a sophisticated governmental structure with appointed officials overseeing various aspects of his kingdom. The chapter begins by listing the key ministers who served in Solomon’s administration. These officials managed the complex affairs of Israel’s expanding empire. Azariah son of Zadok served as the priest, continuing the priestly

Solomon’s Political Alliance Through Marriage The chapter opens with Solomon’s marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter. This union represents a significant political alliance between Israel and Egypt. The marriage was arranged to strengthen diplomatic ties and secure peace between the two nations. Solomon brought his Egyptian wife to the City of David while his palace and the

David’s Final Charge to Solomon David’s recognition that he is “going the way of all the earth” demonstrates mature acceptance of mortality and the need to prepare his successor for the responsibilities of kingship. This acknowledgment shows wisdom about transitional planning and generational leadership transfer. The command to “be strong and show yourself a man”