Now it came to pass
This phrase is a common biblical expression that indicates the unfolding of events in God's divine timeline. In Hebrew, it is often rendered as "וַיְהִי" (vayehi), which signifies a transition or a significant moment in the narrative. It reminds us that history is not random but orchestrated by God, who is sovereign over time and events. This phrase sets the stage for a pivotal moment in Solomon's reign, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises and plans.

when Solomon had finished
The completion of Solomon's projects marks a significant achievement in his reign. The Hebrew root for "finished" is "כָּלָה" (kalah), which implies completion or fulfillment. This reflects Solomon's dedication and the culmination of years of labor and planning. It serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and diligence in fulfilling God's purposes in our lives.

building the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "house" is "בַּיִת" (bayit), which can mean both a physical structure and a household or family. The Temple was not just a building but a symbol of God's presence among His people. Its construction was a fulfillment of God's promise to David and a testament to Solomon's wisdom and devotion.

and the royal palace
Solomon's palace, or "בֵּית הַמֶּלֶךְ" (beit hamelech) in Hebrew, was a symbol of his earthly authority and the prosperity of his kingdom. The construction of both the Temple and the palace highlights the balance between spiritual and temporal responsibilities. It underscores the biblical principle that leaders are called to honor God while also stewarding their earthly duties.

and had achieved all he had desired to do
This phrase speaks to the fulfillment of Solomon's ambitions and plans. The Hebrew root for "achieved" is "עָשָׂה" (asah), meaning to do, make, or accomplish. It reflects Solomon's God-given wisdom and ability to bring his plans to fruition. However, it also serves as a cautionary reminder that human desires must align with God's will, as Solomon's later life shows the dangers of straying from divine guidance.

(1) And it came to pass.--The obvious prima facie meaning of this verse would land us in much difficulty. By 1Kings 6:38; 1Kings 7:1, we find that, while the Temple was built in seven years, the erection of the palace and the other buildings occupied thirteen years; and from 1Kings 5:10 and 2Chronicles 8:1 it appears that these works were successive, and therefore that the completion of the palace could not have taken place till thirteen years after the completion of the Temple. Hence we should have to conclude, either that the dedication was postponed for thirteen years, till all the buildings were finished--which is in itself infinitely improbable, and contradicts the express declaration of Josephus--or that a similar period intervened between Solomon's prayer and the Divine answer to it, which is even more preposterous. The variation in 2Chronicles 7:11 probably suggests the true key to the difficulty: viz., that the notice in this verse is merely a summary of the history of 1 Kings 6-8, which records the whole of the building works of Solomon, and is not intended to fix the date of the vision of 1Kings 9:2-9. . . . Verse 1. - And it came to pass when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the Lord, and the king's house [1 Kings 7:1], and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do [By "desire" we are not to understand "pleasure buildings" (cf. vers. 10, 19). The chronicler gives the true meaning: "all that came into Solomon's heart." It is, however, somewhat doubtful what works are comprehended under this term. 2 Chronicles 7:11 limits it to the two great erections already described - "all that came into his heart to make in the house of the Lord and in his own house." But it is by no means certain that our author intended the word to be thus restricted; it is quite possible, e.g., that some of the buildings mentioned below (vers. 15-19) are to be included. But another question of much greater importance presents itself here. In the Divine communication of vers. 3-9 there is constant and unmistakeable reference to the prayer of dedication (see especially ver. 3); in fact, this message is the answer to that prayer. It has been held, consequently, that the answer must have followed, if not immediately, yet soon after the petitions were uttered; if so, the dedication must clearly have taken place, not on the completion of the temple (1 Kings 6:38), but on the completion of the palace, etc.; in other words, the temple must have been finished fully thirteen years before it was consecrated and occupied. Rawlinson suggests that the delay was perhaps occasioned by the circumstance that the furniture of the temple was not till then ready; but 1 Kings 6:38, Hebrews, seems to state distinctly that all the vessels and appointments of the sanctuary were finished at the date there given. Reasons have been given elsewhere (see note on 1 Kings 8:1) in support of the position that the dedication possibly have been delayed for so long a period, especially after the strenuous efforts which had been made to hurry on the undertaking. Nor does the text, when carefully examined, really require this hypothesis; indeed, it suggests some reasons for thinking that a considerable period must have intervened between the prayer and the response. For the tone of this response is unmistakeably foreboding, if not minatory. Vers. 6-9 contain a stern warning. But there was nothing, so far as we know, in the attitude of Solomon or of Israel at the time of the dedication to call for any such denunciation. At that time, as the prayer surely proves, Solomon's heart was perfect with the Lord his God. But the response has unmistakeably the appearance of having been elicited by signs of defection. The wide difference, consequently, between the spirit of the prayer and the tone of the answer suggests that some time must have elapsed between them, and so far supports the view that the dedication was not delayed until the palace, etc., was completed. And it is also to be remembered that the prayer of dedication had not been without acknowledgment at the time. The excellent glory which filled and took possession of the house was itself a significant and sufficient response. No voice or vision could have said more plainly, "I have heard thy prayer, I have hallowed this house." But when, some thirteen years later - about the very time, that is, when he was at the height of his prosperity, and when, owing to the completion of his undertakings, we might fear lest his heart should be lifted up with pride - when Solomon and his court began to decline in piety and to go after other gods, then this merciful message opportunely refers him to the prayer which he was in danger of forgetting, and warns him of the consequences of the apostasy to which he was tending.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


Now
וַיְהִי֙ (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

when Solomon
שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה (šə·lō·mōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

had finished
כְּכַלּ֣וֹת (kə·ḵal·lō·wṯ)
Preposition-k | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3615: To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent

building
לִבְנ֥וֹת (liḇ·nō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1129: To build

the house
בֵּית־ (bêṯ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

and
וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

the royal
הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

palace,
בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

and had achieved
לַעֲשֽׂוֹת׃ (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

[he]
שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה (šə·lō·mōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

had desired
חֵ֣שֶׁק (ḥê·šeq)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2837: Delight

to do,
חָפֵ֖ץ (ḥā·p̄êṣ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2654: To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire


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OT History: 1 Kings 9:1 It happened when Solomon had finished (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)