INTRODUCTION.

As the former Book shews how David was chosen to rule over God's peculiar people, so this [Book] explains briefly the reign of Solomon, in the nine first chapters; and in the rest, that of nineteen of his successors, who governed two tribes till the captivity, while Israel was divided. (Worthington)

Sought it: went (Menochius) to offer sacrifice, (Tirinus) in the second year of his reign, the year before Christ 1013.

Victims. Hebrew, "holocausts," either with his own hand, or by the ministry of the priests. See 1 Kings xiii. 12. (Calmet)

Night, after the victims had been offered. On this occasion, Solomon made this prayer, and was heard, 3 Kings iii. 5. (Calmet)

People, as a king ought to do. (Menochius)

Before. Hebrew and Septuagint, "from before the tabernacle," which was at Gabaon. there was another at Jerusalem, where (Haydock) Solomon rendered homage to the Lord. (Calmet)

Chariots. See 3 Kings iv. 26. No king of Israel kept such a multitude of horses. (Calmet)

Sycamores are trees of small value, and not good for building. (Tirinus)

Coa may signify either some city, (Mariana) or an "exporium," where things are sold, as kuch means "a collection." (Tirinus) (3 Kings x. 28.) Neglecting the points of the Masorets, we may well understand Coa, a city of Egypt, or an island of the Mediterranean. The Masorets read Mikve, instead of Micoa. (Du Hamel)