Solomon, however, took thirteen years to complete the construction of his entire palace. Solomon, howeverThe name "Solomon" is derived from the Hebrew word "Shlomo," which is related to "shalom," meaning peace. Solomon's reign was marked by peace and prosperity, a fulfillment of God's promise to David. The use of "however" indicates a contrast with the previous chapter, which details the construction of the Temple. This suggests a shift in focus from a communal, religious project to a personal, royal endeavor. took thirteen years
The number thirteen in the Bible often symbolizes rebellion or lawlessness, but here it may simply indicate the extensive and elaborate nature of the project. The duration of thirteen years highlights Solomon's commitment to creating a grand and lasting legacy. It also contrasts with the seven years it took to build the Temple, suggesting that Solomon prioritized the house of God over his own dwelling, reflecting his initial devotion to the Lord. to complete the construction
The Hebrew root for "complete" is "kalah," which means to finish or bring to an end. This implies that Solomon's palace was not only a physical structure but also a symbol of his reign's completion and fulfillment. The construction process itself can be seen as a metaphor for the building of a life or a kingdom, requiring time, effort, and dedication. of his entire palace
The term "palace" in Hebrew is "bayit," which can also mean house or household. This suggests that Solomon's palace was not merely a residence but a center of administration and governance. The grandeur of the palace reflects Solomon's wealth and the prosperity of Israel during his reign. Historically, this aligns with archaeological findings of opulent structures from the period, indicating a time of significant development and influence for Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem and his own palace. 2. Solomon's PalaceA grand construction project that took thirteen years to complete, reflecting Solomon's wealth and the prosperity of Israel during his reign. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where Solomon's palace and the Temple were located, serving as the political and spiritual center of the nation. Teaching Points Prioritizing God's WorkSolomon spent seven years building the Temple and thirteen years on his palace. This can prompt reflection on how we prioritize our time and resources between God's work and personal pursuits. The Danger of MaterialismSolomon's extensive building projects, including his palace, can serve as a caution against the pursuit of material wealth and comfort at the expense of spiritual priorities. Legacy and InfluenceSolomon's reign was marked by peace and prosperity, allowing for grand projects. Consider how our actions and priorities today can influence future generations. Wisdom in StewardshipSolomon was known for his wisdom, yet his later years showed a drift from God's commands. This highlights the need for continual reliance on God's wisdom in managing our resources and responsibilities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the time Solomon spent on his palace compared to the Temple reflect his priorities, and what can we learn from this about our own priorities? 2. In what ways can the pursuit of material wealth and comfort distract us from our spiritual responsibilities, and how can we guard against this? 3. How does Solomon's building of the Temple and his palace illustrate the balance between serving God and managing personal affairs? 4. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between a personal project and a commitment to God's work. What did you learn from that experience? 5. How can we ensure that our legacy and influence, like Solomon's, are aligned with God's purposes and not just personal achievements? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 6This chapter details the construction of the Temple, which took seven years, highlighting the contrast in time and effort between the Temple and Solomon's palace. 2 Chronicles 8Provides additional details about Solomon's building projects, including cities and infrastructure, showcasing his extensive influence and the prosperity of his reign. Ecclesiastes 2Solomon reflects on his accomplishments and the pursuit of material wealth, offering insight into the ultimate futility of earthly achievements without a focus on God. People Boaz, David, Hiram, Huram, Jachin, Naphtali, Pharaoh, SolomonPlaces Hall of Judgment, Hall of Pillars, Hall of the Throne, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jordan River, Most Holy Place, Succoth, Tyre, ZarethanTopics Building, Built, Complete, Construction, Entire, Finished, Finisheth, However, Palace, Solomon, Thirteen, TillDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 7:1 5399 luxury 1 Kings 7:1-2 5478 property, houses 1 Kings 7:1-3 5119 Solomon, life of 1 Kings 7:1-12 5207 architecture
5437 palaces
5776 achievement
7236 Israel, united kingdom Library Gadara
There was a double Gadara. One at the shore of the Mediterranean sea: that was first called Gezer, 1 Kings 9:15. In Josephus, "Simon destroyed the city Gazara, and Joppe, and Jamnia."--And in the Book of the Maccabees, "And he fortified Joppe, which is on the sea, and Gazara, which is on the borders of Azotus." At length, according to the idiom of the Syrian dialect, Zain passed into Daleth; and instead of Gazara, it was called Gadara. Hence Strabo, after the mention of Jamnia, saith, "and there …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaHiram, the Inspired Artificer
BY REV. W. J. TOWNSEND, D.D. The Temple of Solomon was the crown of art in the old world. There were temples on a larger scale, and of more massive construction, but the enormous masses of masonry of the oldest nations were not comparable with the artistic grace, the luxurious adornments, and the harmonious proportions of this glorious House of God. David had laid up money and material for the great work, but he was not permitted to carry it out. He was a man of war, and blood-stained hands were …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Whether any Preparation and Disposition for Grace is Required on Man's Part?
Objection 1: It would seem that no preparation or disposition for grace is required on man's part, since, as the Apostle says (Rom. 4:4), "To him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt." Now a man's preparation by free-will can only be through some operation. Hence it would do away with the notion of grace. Objection 2: Further, whoever is going on sinning, is not preparing himself to have grace. But to some who are going on sinning grace is given, as is …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
I suspect a double error in some maps, while they place these two towns in Perea; much more, while they place them at so little a distance. We do not deny, indeed, that the city Adam was in Perea; but Zaretan was not so. Of Adam is mention, Joshua 3:16; where discourse is had of the cutting-off, or cutting in two, the waters of Jordan, that they might afford a passage to Israel; The waters rose up upon a heap afar off in Adam. For the textual reading "In Adam," the marginal hath "From Adam." You …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica That the Ruler Should be a Near Neighbour to Every one in Compassion, and Exalted Above all in Contemplation.
The ruler should be a near neighbour to every one in sympathy, and exalted above all in contemplation, so that through the bowels of loving-kindness he may transfer the infirmities of others to himself, and by loftiness of speculation transcend even himself in his aspiration after the invisible; lest either in seeking high things he despise the weak things of his neighbours, or in suiting himself to the weak things of his neighbours he relinquish his aspiration after high things. For hence it is …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great 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 Links 1 Kings 7:1 NIV1 Kings 7:1 NLT1 Kings 7:1 ESV1 Kings 7:1 NASB1 Kings 7:1 KJV
1 Kings 7:1 Commentaries
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