◄ 1 Kings 3:1 ►
Later, Solomon formed an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying his daughter. Solomon brought her to the City of David until he had finished building his palace and the house of the LORD, as well as the wall around Jerusalem.
Study Bible
Later
This word indicates a sequence of events, suggesting that Solomon's actions followed previous developments in his reign. It implies a period of consolidation and strategic planning. In the Hebrew text, the word used can denote a progression in time, emphasizing that Solomon's reign was marked by deliberate and thoughtful decisions.

Solomon
As the son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon's name in Hebrew, "Shlomo," is derived from "shalom," meaning peace. His reign is often characterized by peace and prosperity, contrasting with his father David's era of warfare. Solomon's wisdom and wealth are legendary, and his name evokes the fulfillment of God's promise to David regarding his lineage.

formed an alliance
The Hebrew root here is "chatan," which can mean to become related by marriage. Alliances through marriage were common in the ancient Near East as a means of securing political stability and peace. This phrase highlights Solomon's diplomatic acumen and his efforts to secure his kingdom through strategic relationships.

with Pharaoh king of Egypt
Egypt was a powerful and influential neighbor. By aligning with Pharaoh, Solomon was not only securing peace but also elevating Israel's status among the nations. Historically, this alliance suggests a period of mutual respect and cooperation between Israel and Egypt, which was significant given Egypt's historical dominance in the region.

by marrying his daughter
Marriages in ancient times were often political, serving to cement alliances between nations. This marriage would have been seen as a prestigious union, enhancing Solomon's standing. It also reflects the complexities of maintaining faithfulness to God while engaging in political strategies that involved foreign nations.

Solomon brought her to the City of David
The City of David, Jerusalem, was the political and spiritual center of Israel. Bringing Pharaoh's daughter there signifies the importance of this alliance. It also foreshadows the eventual challenges Solomon would face in maintaining religious purity, as foreign influences began to permeate the kingdom.

until he had finished building his palace
This phrase indicates a period of construction and development under Solomon's reign. The building of his palace was a significant undertaking, reflecting his wealth and the stability of his kingdom. It also symbolizes the establishment of his rule and the consolidation of his power.

and the house of the LORD
The construction of the temple was Solomon's most significant religious contribution. It fulfilled David's desire to build a house for God and became the central place of worship for Israel. This phrase underscores Solomon's role in advancing Israel's spiritual life and his dedication to honoring God.

and the wall around Jerusalem
The wall represents security and protection for the city. Building the wall was crucial for defending Jerusalem against potential threats. It also symbolizes the strength and permanence of Solomon's kingdom, as well as his commitment to safeguarding the city that housed the temple of the LORD.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. He is the central figure in this verse, making a political alliance through marriage.

2. Pharaoh, King of Egypt
The ruler of Egypt at the time, who enters into a political alliance with Solomon by giving his daughter in marriage. This reflects the geopolitical dynamics of the era.

3. Pharaoh’s Daughter
She becomes Solomon's wife as part of a treaty, symbolizing a political alliance between Israel and Egypt.

4. City of David
The fortified city of Jerusalem, where Solomon brings Pharaoh’s daughter. It serves as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

5. Building Projects
Solomon's construction of his palace, the house of the LORD (the Temple), and the wall around Jerusalem are significant undertakings that demonstrate his commitment to establishing a strong and secure kingdom.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Compromise
Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter represents a political compromise that could lead to spiritual compromise. Believers should be cautious about alliances that may lead them away from their faith.

The Importance of Obedience
God's commands, such as those in Deuteronomy, are given for the protection and spiritual well-being of His people. Obedience to God's Word should be prioritized over political or personal gain.

Building a Godly Foundation
Just as Solomon was building physical structures, believers are called to build their lives on the foundation of God's Word and principles, ensuring that their spiritual "walls" are strong and secure.

The Influence of Relationships
Relationships can have a profound impact on one's spiritual life. It is crucial to choose relationships that encourage and strengthen one's faith rather than lead one away from God.
Bible Study Questions
1. What are the potential spiritual risks of forming alliances or relationships with those who do not share your faith, as seen in Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter?

2. How can we apply the warnings in Deuteronomy 7:3-4 to our modern-day relationships and decisions?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our personal and spiritual "building projects" are aligned with God's will and purpose for our lives?

4. Reflect on a time when a relationship or alliance influenced your spiritual journey. What lessons did you learn, and how can they guide your future decisions?

5. How can we balance the need for practical alliances in our lives with the call to remain faithful and obedient to God's commands?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 7:3-4
This passage warns the Israelites against intermarrying with foreign nations to prevent turning away from God. Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter can be seen in light of this warning.

1 Kings 11:1-4
Later in Solomon's life, his many foreign wives lead him astray from God, fulfilling the warnings given in Deuteronomy.

2 Chronicles 8:11
This verse provides additional context about Solomon's relationship with Pharaoh's daughter and his efforts to keep her separate from the holy places of Israel.
Sermons
RetributionsJ. Waite
People
David, Gibeon, Pharaoh, Solomon
Places
Egypt, Gibeon, Jerusalem
Topics
Affinity, Alliance, Allied, Bringeth, Build, Building, Complete, Completeth, Daughter, David, Egypt, Ended, Finished, Formed, Jerusalem, Joineth, Keeping, Marriage, Married, Palace, Pharaoh, Pharaoh's, Round, Solomon, Son-in-law, Taketh, Temple, Till, Town, Wall, Wife
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 3:1

     5119   Solomon, life of
     5120   Solomon, character
     5205   alliance
     5240   building
     5256   city
     5315   fortifications
     5366   king
     5604   walls
     5674   daughters
     5732   polygamy
     7240   Jerusalem, history

Library
A Young Man's Wise Choice Op Wisdom
'In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 6. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto Thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before Thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with Thee; and Thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that Thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7. And now, O Lord my God, Thou hast made Thy servant king instead of David my father: and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," &c. This is a part of Christ's long sermon. He is dissuading his disciples and the people from carnal carefulness and worldly mindedness. The sermon holds out the Christian's diverse aspects towards spiritual and external things. What is the Christian's disposition in regard to the world, how should he look upon food, raiment, and all things necessary in this life? "Be careful for nothing." "Take no thought for your life, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Whether the Degrees of Prophecy Change as Time Goes On?
Objection 1: It would seem that the degrees of prophecy change as time goes on. For prophecy is directed to the knowledge of Divine things, as stated above [3690](A[2]). Now according to Gregory (Hom. in Ezech.), "knowledge of God went on increasing as time went on." Therefore degrees of prophecy should be distinguished according to the process of time. Objection 2: Further, prophetic revelation is conveyed by God speaking to man; while the prophets declared both in words and in writing the things …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Letter Lxxiv. To Rufinus of Rome.
Rufinus, a Roman Presbyter (to be carefully distinguished from Rufinus of Aquileia and Rufinus the Syrian), had written to Jerome for an explanation of the judgment of Solomon (1 Kings iii. 16-28). This Jerome gives at length, treating the narrative as a parable and making the false and true mothers types of the Synagogue and the Church. The date of the letter is 398 a.d. …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Love is the Touchstone by which the Reality of Truth is Perceived...
1. Love is the touchstone by which the reality of truth is perceived, and by it shall all men know that ye are My disciples (John xiii.35). I also make use of the sword of justice, so that at first sight some are inclined to think that, like Solomon, I intend to finish My work without mercy (1 Kings iii.16-28), but My object, like his, is to apply the touchstone of love which will bring out the truth, and show that you are the children of that God of Love who gave His life to save yours. You ought …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

The Song of Solomon.
An important link in the chain of the Messianic hopes is formed by the Song of Solomon. It is intimately associated with Ps. lxxii., which was written by Solomon, and represents the Messiah as the Prince of Peace, imperfectly prefigured by Solomon as His type. As in this Psalm, so also in the Song of Solomon, the coming of the Messiah forms the subject throughout, and He is introduced there under the name of Solomon, the Peaceful One. His coming shall be preceded by severe afflictions, represented …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful.
IN ANSWER TO A BOOK WRITTEN BY THE BAPTISTS, AND PUBLISHED BY MR. T. PAUL AND MR. W. KIFFIN, ENTITLED, 'SOME SERIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THAT PART OF MR BUNYAN'S CONFESSION OF FAITH, TOUCHING CHURCH COMMUNION WITH UNBAPTIZED BELIEVERS.' WHEREIN THEIR OBJECTIONS AND ARGUMENTS ARE ANSWERED, AND THE DOCTRINE OF COMMUNION STILL ASSERTED AND VINDICATED. HERE IS ALSO MR. HENRY JESSE'S JUDGMENT IN THE CASE, FULLY DECLARING THE DOCTRINE I HAVE ASSERTED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'Should not the multitude of words be answered? …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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