<hi type="bold">21. to build an altar unto the Lord, that the plague may be stayed--</hi>It is evident that the plague was not stayed till after the altar was built, and the sacrifice offered, so that what is related (<reference osisRef="2Sam.24.16">2Sa 24:16</reference>) was by anticipation. Previous to the offering of this sacrifice, he had seen the destroying angel as well as offered the intercessory prayer (<reference osisRef="2Sam.24.17">2Sa 24:17</reference>). This was a sacrifice of expiation; and the reason why he was allowed to offer it on Mount Moriah was partly in gracious consideration to his fear of repairing to Gibeon (<reference osisRef="1Chr.21.29">1Ch 21:29</reference>, <reference osisRef="1Chr.21.30">30</reference>), and partly in anticipation of the removal of the tabernacle and the erection of the temple there (<reference osisRef="2Chr.3.1">2Ch 3:1</reference>).

21. to build an altar unto the Lord, that the plague may be stayed-- It is evident that the plague was not stayed till after the altar was built, and the sacrifice offered, so that what is related (2Sa 24:16) was by anticipation. Previous to the offering of this sacrifice, he had seen the destroying angel as well as offered the intercessory prayer (2Sa 24:17). This was a sacrifice of expiation; and the reason why he was allowed to offer it on Mount Moriah was partly in gracious consideration to his fear of repairing to Gibeon (1Ch 21:29, 30), and partly in anticipation of the removal of the tabernacle and the erection of the temple there (2Ch 3:1).


<hi type="bold">23. All these things did Araunah, as a king, give--</hi>Indicating, as the sense is, that this man had been anciently a heathen king or chief, but was now a proselyte who still retained great property and influence in Jerusalem, and whose piety was evinced by the liberality of his offers. The words, "as a king," are taken by some to signify simply, "he gave with royal munificence."

23. All these things did Araunah, as a king, give-- Indicating, as the sense is, that this man had been anciently a heathen king or chief, but was now a proselyte who still retained great property and influence in Jerusalem, and whose piety was evinced by the liberality of his offers. The words, "as a king," are taken by some to signify simply, "he gave with royal munificence."


<hi type="bold">24. Nay; ... I will ... buy it of thee at a price--</hi>The sum mentioned here, namely, fifty shekels of silver, equal £6 sterling, was paid for the floor, oxen and wood instruments only, whereas the large sum (<reference osisRef="1Chr.21.25">1Ch 21:25</reference>) was paid afterwards for the whole hill, on which David made preparations for building the temple.

24. Nay;... I will... buy it of thee at a price-- The sum mentioned here, namely, fifty shekels of silver, equal £6 sterling, was paid for the floor, oxen and wood instruments only, whereas the large sum (1Ch 21:25) was paid afterwards for the whole hill, on which David made preparations for building the temple.


<hi type="bold">25. David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings--</hi>There seem to have been two sacrifices; the first expiatory, the second a thanksgiving for the cessation of the pestilence (see on <reference osisRef="1Chr.21.26">1Ch 21:26</reference>). <chapter eID="2Sam.24"/>

25. David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings-- There seem to have been two sacrifices; the first expiatory, the second a thanksgiving for the cessation of the pestilence (see on 1Ch 21:26).


<title type="x-ms">THE FIRST BOOK OF THE KINGS, COMMONLY CALLED THE THIRD BOOK OF THE KINGS.</title>
 Commentary by Robert Jamieson
 <title type="x-s">CHAPTER 1</title>
 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.1.1-1Kgs.1.4">1Ki 1:1-4</reference>. Abishag Cherishes David in His Extreme Age.

<hi type="bold">1-2. Now king David was old--</hi>He was in the seventieth year of his age (<reference osisRef="2Sam.5.4">2Sa 5:4</reference>, <reference osisRef="2Sam.5.5">5</reference>). But the wear and tear of a military life, bodily fatigue, and mental care, had prematurely, if we may say it, exhausted the energies of David's strong constitution (<reference osisRef="1Sam.16.12">1Sa 16:12</reference>). In modern Palestine and Egypt the people, owing to the heat of the climate, sleep each in a "separate" bed. They only depart from this practice for medical reasons (<reference osisRef="Eccl.4.11">Ec 4:11</reference>). The expedient recommended by David's physicians is the regimen still prescribed in similar cases in the East, particularly among the Arab population, not simply to give heat, but "to cherish," as they are aware that the inhalation of young breath will give new life and vigor to the worn-out frame. The fact of the health of the young and healthier person being, as it were, stolen to support that of the more aged and sickly is well established among the medical faculty. And hence the prescription for the aged king was made in a hygienic point of view for the prolongation of his valuable life, and not merely for the comfort to be derived from the natural warmth imparted to his withered frame [Porter, Tent and Khan]. The polygamy of the age and country may account for the introduction of this practice; and it is evident that Abishag was made a concubine or secondary wife to David (see on <reference osisRef="1Kgs.2.22">1Ki 2:22</reference>).

THE FIRST BOOK OF THE KINGS, COMMONLY CALLED THE THIRD BOOK OF THE KINGS. Commentary by Robert Jamieson CHAPTER 1 1Ki 1:1-4. Abishag Cherishes David in His Extreme Age. 1-2. Now king David was old-- He was in the seventieth year of his age (2Sa 5:4, 5). But the wear and tear of a military life, bodily fatigue, and mental care, had prematurely, if we may say it, exhausted the energies of David's strong constitution (1Sa 16:12). In modern Palestine and Egypt the people, owing to the heat of the climate, sleep each in a "separate" bed. They only depart from this practice for medical reasons (Ec 4:11). The expedient recommended by David's physicians is the regimen still prescribed in similar cases in the East, particularly among the Arab population, not simply to give heat, but "to cherish," as they are aware that the inhalation of young breath will give new life and vigor to the worn-out frame. The fact of the health of the young and healthier person being, as it were, stolen to support that of the more aged and sickly is well established among the medical faculty. And hence the prescription for the aged king was made in a hygienic point of view for the prolongation of his valuable life, and not merely for the comfort to be derived from the natural warmth imparted to his withered frame [Porter, Tent and Khan]. The polygamy of the age and country may account for the introduction of this practice; and it is evident that Abishag was made a concubine or secondary wife to David (see on 1Ki 2:22).


<hi type="bold">3. a Shunammite--</hi>Shunem, in the tribe of Issachar (<reference osisRef="Josh.19.18">Jos 19:18</reference>), lay on an eminence in the plain of Esdraelon, five miles south of Tabor. It is now called Sulam.

 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.1.5-1Kgs.1.31">1Ki 1:5-31</reference>. Adonijah Usurps the Kingdom.

3. a Shunammite-- Shunem, in the tribe of Issachar (Jos 19:18), lay on an eminence in the plain of Esdraelon, five miles south of Tabor. It is now called Sulam. 1Ki 1:5-31. Adonijah Usurps the Kingdom.


<hi type="bold">5-6. Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself--</hi>Nothing is said as to the origin or rank of Haggith, so that it is probable she was not distinguished by family descent. Adonijah, though David's fourth son (<reference osisRef="2Sam.3.4">2Sa 3:4</reference>; <reference osisRef="1Chr.3.2">1Ch 3:2</reference>), was now the oldest alive; and his personal attractions and manners (<reference osisRef="1Sam.9.2">1Sa 9:2</reference>) not only recommended him to the leading men about court, but made him the favorite of his father, who, though seeing him assume an equipage becoming only the heir-presumptive to the throne (<reference osisRef="2Sam.15.1">2Sa 15:1</reference>), said nothing; and his silence was considered by many, as well as by Adonijah, to be equivalent to an expression of consent. The sinking health of the king prompted him to take a decisive step in furtherance of his ambitious designs.

5-6. Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself-- Nothing is said as to the origin or rank of Haggith, so that it is probable she was not distinguished by family descent. Adonijah, though David's fourth son (2Sa 3:4; 1Ch 3:2), was now the oldest alive; and his personal attractions and manners (1Sa 9:2) not only recommended him to the leading men about court, but made him the favorite of his father, who, though seeing him assume an equipage becoming only the heir-presumptive to the throne (2Sa 15:1), said nothing; and his silence was considered by many, as well as by Adonijah, to be equivalent to an expression of consent. The sinking health of the king prompted him to take a decisive step in furtherance of his ambitious designs.


<hi type="bold">7. he conferred with Joab--</hi>The anxiety of Adonijah to secure the influence of a leader so bold, enterprising, and popular with the army was natural, and the accession of the hoary commander is easily accounted for from his recent grudge at the king (see on <reference osisRef="2Sam.19.13">2Sa 19:13</reference>).

<hi type="bold">and with Abiathar the priest--</hi>His influence was as great over the priests and Levites--a powerful body in the kingdom--as that of Joab over the troops. It might be that both of them thought the crown belonged to Adonijah by right of primogeniture, from his mature age and the general expectations of the people (<reference osisRef="1Kgs.2.15">1Ki 2:15</reference>).

7. he conferred with Joab-- The anxiety of Adonijah to secure the influence of a leader so bold, enterprising, and popular with the army was natural, and the accession of the hoary commander is easily accounted for from his recent grudge at the king (see on 2Sa 19:13). and with Abiathar the priest-- His influence was as great over the priests and Levites--a powerful body in the kingdom--as that of Joab over the troops. It might be that both of them thought the crown belonged to Adonijah by right of primogeniture, from his mature age and the general expectations of the people (1Ki 2:15).


<hi type="bold">8. But Zadok the priest--</hi>He had been high priest in the tabernacle at Gibeon under Saul (<reference osisRef="1Chr.16.39">1Ch 16:39</reference>). David, on his accession, had conjoined him and Abiathar equal in the exercise of their high functions (<reference osisRef="2Sam.8.17">2Sa 8:17</reference>; <reference osisRef="2Sam.15.24">15:24</reference>, 29, 35). But it is extremely probable that some cause of jealousy or discord between them had arisen, and hence each lent his countenance and support to opposite parties.

<hi type="bold">Benaiah--</hi>Distinguished for his bravery (<reference osisRef="1Sam.23.20">1Sa 23:20</reference>), he had been appointed captain of the king's bodyguard (<reference osisRef="2Sam.8.18">2Sa 8:18</reference>; <reference osisRef="2Sam.20.23">20:23</reference>; <reference osisRef="1Chr.18.17">1Ch 18:17</reference>), and was regarded by Joab as a rival.

<hi type="bold">Nathan the prophet--</hi>He was held in high estimation by David, and stood on the most intimate relations with the royal family (<reference osisRef="2Sam.12.25">2Sa 12:25</reference>).

<hi type="bold">Shimei--</hi>probably the person of this name who was afterwards enrolled among Solomon's great officers (<reference osisRef="1Kgs.4.18">1Ki 4:18</reference>).

<hi type="bold">Rei--</hi>supposed to be the same as Ira (<reference osisRef="2Sam.20.26">2Sa 20:26</reference>).

<hi type="bold">and the mighty men--</hi>the select band of worthies.

8. But Zadok the priest-- He had been high priest in the tabernacle at Gibeon under Saul (1Ch 16:39). David, on his accession, had conjoined him and Abiathar equal in the exercise of their high functions (2Sa 8:17; 15:24, 29, 35). But it is extremely probable that some cause of jealousy or discord between them had arisen, and hence each lent his countenance and support to opposite parties. Benaiah-- Distinguished for his bravery (1Sa 23:20), he had been appointed captain of the king's bodyguard (2Sa 8:18; 20:23; 1Ch 18:17), and was regarded by Joab as a rival. Nathan the prophet-- He was held in high estimation by David, and stood on the most intimate relations with the royal family (2Sa 12:25). Shimei-- probably the person of this name who was afterwards enrolled among Solomon's great officers (1Ki 4:18). Rei-- supposed to be the same as Ira (2Sa 20:26). and the mighty men-- the select band of worthies.


<hi type="bold">9-10. En-rogel--</hi>situated (<reference osisRef="Josh.15.7-Josh.15.10">Jos 15:7-10</reference>) east of Jerusalem, in a level place, just below the junction of the valley of Hinnom with that of Jehoshaphat. It is a very deep well, measuring one hundred twenty-five feet in depth; the water is sweet, but not very cold, and it is at times quite full to overflowing. The Orientals are fond of enjoying festive repasts in the open air at places which command the advantage of shade, water, and verdure; and those fetes champetres are not cold collations, but magnificent entertainments, the animals being killed and dressed on the spot. Adonijah's feast at En-rogel was one of this Oriental description, and it was on a large scale (<reference osisRef="2Sam.3.4">2Sa 3:4</reference>, <reference osisRef="2Sam.3.5">5</reference>; <reference osisRef="2Sam.5.14-2Sam.5.16">5:14-16</reference>; <reference osisRef="1Chr.14.1-1Chr.14.7">1Ch 14:1-7</reference>). At the accession of a new king there were sacrifices offered (<reference osisRef="1Sam.11.15">1Sa 11:15</reference>). But on such an occasion it was no less customary to entertain the grandees of the kingdom and even the populace in a public manner (<reference osisRef="1Chr.12.23-1Chr.12.40">1Ch 12:23-40</reference>). There is the strongest probability that Adonijah's feast was purely political, to court popularity and secure a party to support his claim to the crown.

9-10. En-rogel-- situated (Jos 15:7-10) east of Jerusalem, in a level place, just below the junction of the valley of Hinnom with that of Jehoshaphat. It is a very deep well, measuring one hundred twenty-five feet in depth; the water is sweet, but not very cold, and it is at times quite full to overflowing. The Orientals are fond of enjoying festive repasts in the open air at places which command the advantage of shade, water, and verdure; and those fetes champetres are not cold collations, but magnificent entertainments, the animals being killed and dressed on the spot. Adonijah's feast at En-rogel was one of this Oriental description, and it was on a large scale (2Sa 3:4, 5; 5:14-16; 1Ch 14:1-7). At the accession of a new king there were sacrifices offered (1Sa 11:15). But on such an occasion it was no less customary to entertain the grandees of the kingdom and even the populace in a public manner (1Ch 12:23-40). There is the strongest probability that Adonijah's feast was purely political, to court popularity and secure a party to support his claim to the crown.


<hi type="bold">11-27. Nathan spake unto Bath-sheba ... let me ... give thee counsel, &c.--</hi>The revolt was defeated by this prophet, who, knowing the Lord's will (<reference osisRef="2Sam.7.12">2Sa 7:12</reference>; <reference osisRef="1Chr.22.9">1Ch 22:9</reference>), felt himself bound, in accordance with his character and office, to take the lead in seeing it executed. Hitherto the succession of the Hebrew monarchy had not been settled. The Lord had reserved to Himself the right of nomination (<reference osisRef="Deut.17.15">De 17:15</reference>), which was acted upon in the appointments both of Saul and David; and in the case of the latter the rule was so far modified that his posterity were guaranteed the perpetual possession of the sovereignty (<reference osisRef="2Sam.7.12">2Sa 7:12</reference>). This divine purpose was known throughout the kingdom; but no intimation had been made as to whether the right of inheritance was to belong to the oldest son. Adonijah, in common with the people generally, expected that this natural arrangement should be followed in the Hebrew kingdom as in all others. Nathan, who was aware of the old king's solemn promise to Solomon, and, moreover, that this promise was sanctioned by the divine will, saw that no time was to be lost. Fearing the effects of too sudden excitement in the king's feeble state, he arranged that Bath-sheba should go first to inform him of what was being transacted without the walls, and that he himself should follow to confirm her statement. The narrative here not only exhibits the vivid picture of a scene within the interior of a palace, but gives the impression that a great deal of Oriental state ceremonial had been established in the Hebrew court.

11-27. Nathan spake unto Bath-sheba... let me... give thee counsel, &c.-- The revolt was defeated by this prophet, who, knowing the Lord's will (2Sa 7:12; 1Ch 22:9), felt himself bound, in accordance with his character and office, to take the lead in seeing it executed. Hitherto the succession of the Hebrew monarchy had not been settled. The Lord had reserved to Himself the right of nomination (De 17:15), which was acted upon in the appointments both of Saul and David; and in the case of the latter the rule was so far modified that his posterity were guaranteed the perpetual possession of the sovereignty (2Sa 7:12). This divine purpose was known throughout the kingdom; but no intimation had been made as to whether the right of inheritance was to belong to the oldest son. Adonijah, in common with the people generally, expected that this natural arrangement should be followed in the Hebrew kingdom as in all others. Nathan, who was aware of the old king's solemn promise to Solomon, and, moreover, that this promise was sanctioned by the divine will, saw that no time was to be lost. Fearing the effects of too sudden excitement in the king's feeble state, he arranged that Bath-sheba should go first to inform him of what was being transacted without the walls, and that he himself should follow to confirm her statement. The narrative here not only exhibits the vivid picture of a scene within the interior of a palace, but gives the impression that a great deal of Oriental state ceremonial had been established in the Hebrew court.


<hi type="bold">28-31. Then king David answered and said, Call me Bath-sheba--</hi>He renews to her the solemn pledge he had given, in terms of solemnity and impressiveness which show that the aged monarch had roused himself to the duty the emergency called for.

 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.1.32-1Kgs.1.49">1Ki 1:32-49</reference>. Solomon, by David's Appointment, Is Anointed King.

28-31. Then king David answered and said, Call me Bath-sheba-- He renews to her the solemn pledge he had given, in terms of solemnity and impressiveness which show that the aged monarch had roused himself to the duty the emergency called for. 1Ki 1:32-49. Solomon, by David's Appointment, Is Anointed King.


<hi type="bold">33. cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule--</hi>Directions were forthwith given for the immediate coronation of Solomon. A procession was to be formed by the "servants of their lord"--that is, the king's bodyguard. Mules were then used by all the princes (<reference osisRef="2Sam.13.29">2Sa 13:29</reference>); but there was a state mule of which all subjects were forbidden, under pain of death, to make use, without special permission; so that its being granted to Solomon was a public declaration in his favor as the future king (see on <reference osisRef="Esth.6.8">Es 6:8</reference>, <reference osisRef="Esth.6.9">9</reference>).

<hi type="bold">bring him down to Gihon--</hi>a pool or fountain on the west of Jerusalem (see on <reference osisRef="2Chr.32.30">2Ch 32:30</reference>), chosen as equally public for the counter proclamation.

33. cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule-- Directions were forthwith given for the immediate coronation of Solomon. A procession was to be formed by the "servants of their lord"--that is, the king's bodyguard. Mules were then used by all the princes (2Sa 13:29); but there was a state mule of which all subjects were forbidden, under pain of death, to make use, without special permission; so that its being granted to Solomon was a public declaration in his favor as the future king (see on Es 6:8, 9). bring him down to Gihon-- a pool or fountain on the west of Jerusalem (see on 2Ch 32:30), chosen as equally public for the counter proclamation.


<hi type="bold">34. anoint him--</hi>done only in the case of a new dynasty or disputed succession (see on <reference osisRef="1Sam.16.13">1Sa 16:13</reference>; <reference osisRef="2Sam.2.1">2Sa 2:1</reference>).

34. anoint him-- done only in the case of a new dynasty or disputed succession (see on 1Sa 16:13; 2Sa 2:1).


<hi type="bold">35. Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne--</hi>The public recognition of the successor to the throne, during the old king's lifetime, is accordant with the customs of the East.

35. Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne-- The public recognition of the successor to the throne, during the old king's lifetime, is accordant with the customs of the East.


<hi type="bold">39. an horn of oil out of the tabernacle--</hi>It was the sacred oil (<reference osisRef="Exod.30.25">Ex 30:25</reference>) with which the kings were anointed.

39. an horn of oil out of the tabernacle-- It was the sacred oil (Ex 30:25) with which the kings were anointed.


<hi type="bold">40. all the people came up after him--</hi>that is, from the valley to the citadel of Zion.

40. all the people came up after him-- that is, from the valley to the citadel of Zion.


<hi type="bold">41-49. Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating--</hi>The loud shouts raised by the populace at the joyous proclamation at Gihon, and echoed by assembled thousands, from Zion to En-rogel, were easily heard at that distance by Adonijah and his confederates. The arrival of a trusty messenger, who gave a full detail of the coronation ceremony [1Ki 1:43-48], spread dismay in their camp. The wicked and ambitious plot they had assembled to execute was dissipated, and every one of the conspirators consulted his safety by flight.

 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.1.50-1Kgs.1.53">1Ki 1:50-53</reference>. Adonijah, Fleeing to the Horns of the Altar, Is Dismissed by Solomon.

41-49. Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating-- The loud shouts raised by the populace at the joyous proclamation at Gihon, and echoed by assembled thousands, from Zion to En-rogel, were easily heard at that distance by Adonijah and his confederates. The arrival of a trusty messenger, who gave a full detail of the coronation ceremony [1Ki 1:43-48], spread dismay in their camp. The wicked and ambitious plot they had assembled to execute was dissipated, and every one of the conspirators consulted his safety by flight. 1Ki 1:50-53. Adonijah, Fleeing to the Horns of the Altar, Is Dismissed by Solomon.


<hi type="bold">50-53. Adonijah ... went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar--</hi>most probably the altar of burnt offering which had been erected on Mount Zion, where Abiathar, one of his partisans, presided as high priest. The horns or projections at the four corners of the altar, to which the sacrifices were bound, and which were tipped with the blood of the victim, were symbols of grace and salvation to the sinner. Hence the altar was regarded as a sanctuary (<reference osisRef="Exod.21.14">Ex 21:14</reference>), but not to murderers, rebels, or deliberate perpetrators. Adonijah, having acted in opposition to the will of the reigning king, was guilty of rebellion, and stood self-condemned. Solomon spared his life on the express condition of his good behavior--living in strict privacy, leading a quiet, peaceable life, and meddling with the affairs of neither the court nor the kingdom.

50-53. Adonijah... went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar-- most probably the altar of burnt offering which had been erected on Mount Zion, where Abiathar, one of his partisans, presided as high priest. The horns or projections at the four corners of the altar, to which the sacrifices were bound, and which were tipped with the blood of the victim, were symbols of grace and salvation to the sinner. Hence the altar was regarded as a sanctuary (Ex 21:14), but not to murderers, rebels, or deliberate perpetrators. Adonijah, having acted in opposition to the will of the reigning king, was guilty of rebellion, and stood self-condemned. Solomon spared his life on the express condition of his good behavior--living in strict privacy, leading a quiet, peaceable life, and meddling with the affairs of neither the court nor the kingdom.


<title type="x-s2">CHAPTER 2</title>
 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.2.1-1Kgs.2.11">1Ki 2:1-11</reference>. David Dies.

<hi type="bold">1. David ... charged Solomon his son--</hi>The charge recorded here was given to Solomon just before his death and is different from the farewell address delivered in public some time before (<reference osisRef="1Chr.28.2-1Chr.28.9">1Ch 28:2-9</reference>). It is introduced with great solemnity.

CHAPTER 2 1Ki 2:1-11. David Dies. 1. David... charged Solomon his son-- The charge recorded here was given to Solomon just before his death and is different from the farewell address delivered in public some time before (1Ch 28:2-9). It is introduced with great solemnity.


<hi type="bold">2. I go the way of all the earth--</hi>a beautiful and impressive periphrasis for death.

<hi type="bold">be thou strong, ... show thyself a man--</hi>This counsel is similar to the apostolic direction (<reference osisRef="1Cor.16.13">1Co 16:13</reference>) and refers to the fortitude or strength of mind that was required to discharge the onerous functions of king.

2. I go the way of all the earth-- a beautiful and impressive periphrasis for death. be thou strong,... show thyself a man-- This counsel is similar to the apostolic direction (1Co 16:13) and refers to the fortitude or strength of mind that was required to discharge the onerous functions of king.


<hi type="bold">3. keep the charge of the Lord thy God--</hi>that is, the divine law in all its ceremonial as well as moral requirements. But particular reference was intended to its political institutions, as it was only by strictly maintaining the conduct that became the Hebrew monarch (<reference osisRef="Deut.17.10-Deut.17.20">De 17:10-20</reference>), that he would secure the blessing of peace and prosperity to his reign (see on <reference osisRef="Deut.4.5">De 4:5</reference>; <reference osisRef="Deut.29.10">De 29:10</reference>).

3. keep the charge of the Lord thy God-- that is, the divine law in all its ceremonial as well as moral requirements. But particular reference was intended to its political institutions, as it was only by strictly maintaining the conduct that became the Hebrew monarch (De 17:10-20), that he would secure the blessing of peace and prosperity to his reign (see on De 4:5; De 29:10).


<hi type="bold">4. there shall not fail thee ... a man on the throne of Israel--</hi>a reference to the promise made to David of the sovereignty being vested perpetually in his lineage (<reference osisRef="2Sam.7.11-2Sam.7.16">2Sa 7:11-16</reference>), which was confirmed to Solomon afterwards (see <reference osisRef="1Kgs.9.5">1Ki 9:5</reference>), and repeated with reference to its spiritual meaning long after (<reference osisRef="Jer.33.17">Jr 33:17</reference>).

4. there shall not fail thee... a man on the throne of Israel-- a reference to the promise made to David of the sovereignty being vested perpetually in his lineage (2Sa 7:11-16), which was confirmed to Solomon afterwards (see 1Ki 9:5), and repeated with reference to its spiritual meaning long after (Jr 33:17).


<hi type="bold">5-6. thou knowest also what Joab ... did--</hi>The insolent and imperious conduct of that general had not only been deeply offensive to the feelings (<reference osisRef="2Sam.18.5-2Sam.15.19">2Sa 18:5-15; 19</reference>:<reference osisRef="2Sam.15.5-2Sam.15.7">5-7</reference>), but calculated to bring reproach on the character, to injure the prospects, and endanger the throne of David. Passing over the injuries committed directly against himself, David dwelt with strong feelings on the base assassination of Abner and Amasa.

<hi type="bold">shed the blood of war in peace, &c.--</hi>The obvious meaning is, that in peace he acted towards them as if they had been in a state of warfare; but perhaps these graphic expressions might be designed to impress Solomon's mind more strongly with a sense of the malice, treachery, and cruelty by which those murders were characterized.

5-6. thou knowest also what Joab... did-- The insolent and imperious conduct of that general had not only been deeply offensive to the feelings (2Sa 18:5-15; 19:5-7), but calculated to bring reproach on the character, to injure the prospects, and endanger the throne of David. Passing over the injuries committed directly against himself, David dwelt with strong feelings on the base assassination of Abner and Amasa. shed the blood of war in peace, &c.-- The obvious meaning is, that in peace he acted towards them as if they had been in a state of warfare; but perhaps these graphic expressions might be designed to impress Solomon's mind more strongly with a sense of the malice, treachery, and cruelty by which those murders were characterized.


<hi type="bold">8. thou hast with thee Shimei--</hi>Though David promised him a pardon, which being enforced by the presence of a thousand followers, could not have been well refused, he warned his son against Shimei as a turbulent and dangerous character. It must not be supposed that in these dying instructions David was evincing a fierce, vindictive spirit. He is rather to be considered as acting in the character of a king and magistrate, in noticing crimes which he had not been in a condition to punish, and pointing out persons of whom Solomon would be under a necessity to rid himself as dangerous to the state. The grateful mention of Barzillai's kindness [1Ki 2:7] was, however, a personal feeling that does honor to the warmth of his heart; and his silence as to Mephibosheth, the son of his beloved Jonathan, would imply the previous death of that prince.

8. thou hast with thee Shimei-- Though David promised him a pardon, which being enforced by the presence of a thousand followers, could not have been well refused, he warned his son against Shimei as a turbulent and dangerous character. It must not be supposed that in these dying instructions David was evincing a fierce, vindictive spirit. He is rather to be considered as acting in the character of a king and magistrate, in noticing crimes which he had not been in a condition to punish, and pointing out persons of whom Solomon would be under a necessity to rid himself as dangerous to the state. The grateful mention of Barzillai's kindness [1Ki 2:7] was, however, a personal feeling that does honor to the warmth of his heart; and his silence as to Mephibosheth, the son of his beloved Jonathan, would imply the previous death of that prince.


<hi type="bold">9. for thou art a wise man--</hi>Solomon had given early indications of wisdom before his miraculous endowment with the heavenly gift (see <reference osisRef="1Kgs.3.11">1Ki 3:11</reference>), and his own sagacity would dictate the course that should be followed in any new offense that Shimei might commit.

9. for thou art a wise man-- Solomon had given early indications of wisdom before his miraculous endowment with the heavenly gift (see 1Ki 3:11), and his own sagacity would dictate the course that should be followed in any new offense that Shimei might commit.


<hi type="bold">10. So David slept with his fathers--</hi>about six months after the coronation of Solomon (compare <reference osisRef="2Sam.5.5">2Sa 5:5</reference> with <reference osisRef="1Chr.29.27">1Ch 29:27</reference>). The interval was spent in developing his ideas and plans for the future glory of the kingdom and providing for the permanent worship of God (see on <reference osisRef="1Chr.22.1">1Ch 22:1</reference>, and following).

<hi type="bold">was buried in the city of David--</hi>Sepulchres were not allowed within the precincts of cities. Jerusalem, however, formed an exception; and yet, even there, the privilege was reserved chiefly for the royal family (<reference osisRef="Acts.2.29">Ac 2:29</reference>). Tradition says that the bones of David repose on Mount Zion, and the minaret of a small mosque points out the spot which tradition has fixed. His was a noble, a wondrous, and a humbling history. He was a good man, yet his life was deformed by various crimes of a very gross character. But there were many bright and noble traits in his character; he was an earnest lover of the divine law; his reign was signalized by many important services that contributed to the glory of God and the exaltation of His kingdom; and his name, as the sweet Psalmist of Israel, will be held in honor to the latest age of the Church.

 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.2.12-1Kgs.2.24">1Ki 2:12-24</reference>. Solomon Succeeds Him.

10. So David slept with his fathers-- about six months after the coronation of Solomon (compare 2Sa 5:5 with 1Ch 29:27). The interval was spent in developing his ideas and plans for the future glory of the kingdom and providing for the permanent worship of God (see on 1Ch 22:1, and following). was buried in the city of David-- Sepulchres were not allowed within the precincts of cities. Jerusalem, however, formed an exception; and yet, even there, the privilege was reserved chiefly for the royal family (Ac 2:29). Tradition says that the bones of David repose on Mount Zion, and the minaret of a small mosque points out the spot which tradition has fixed. His was a noble, a wondrous, and a humbling history. He was a good man, yet his life was deformed by various crimes of a very gross character. But there were many bright and noble traits in his character; he was an earnest lover of the divine law; his reign was signalized by many important services that contributed to the glory of God and the exaltation of His kingdom; and his name, as the sweet Psalmist of Israel, will be held in honor to the latest age of the Church. 1Ki 2:12-24. Solomon Succeeds Him.


<hi type="bold">12. Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father--</hi>His ascension to the royal dignity was made under the happiest auspices. Having been born after his father became monarch of the whole kingdom, his claim, according to the notions of Oriental people, was preferable to that of all, even his elder brothers. The Hebrew kingdom enjoyed internal prosperity; it was respected and renowned abroad, and Solomon well knew how to improve these advantages.

12. Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father-- His ascension to the royal dignity was made under the happiest auspices. Having been born after his father became monarch of the whole kingdom, his claim, according to the notions of Oriental people, was preferable to that of all, even his elder brothers. The Hebrew kingdom enjoyed internal prosperity; it was respected and renowned abroad, and Solomon well knew how to improve these advantages.


<hi type="bold">13-18. Adonijah ... came to Bath-sheba--</hi>Her question to him betrays an apprehension which his recent conduct might well warrant; but his pious acknowledgment of the divine will seemed apparently to indicate so entire an acquiescence in the settlement of the succession [1Ki 2:15], that, in her womanly simplicity, she perceived not the deep cunning and evil design that was concealed under his request and readily undertook to promote his wishes.

13-18. Adonijah... came to Bath-sheba-- Her question to him betrays an apprehension which his recent conduct might well warrant; but his pious acknowledgment of the divine will seemed apparently to indicate so entire an acquiescence in the settlement of the succession [1Ki 2:15], that, in her womanly simplicity, she perceived not the deep cunning and evil design that was concealed under his request and readily undertook to promote his wishes.


<hi type="bold">19-20. Bath-sheba ... went unto King Solomon--</hi>The filial reverence and the particular act of respect, which Solomon rendered, were quite in accordance with the sentiments and customs of the East. The right hand is the place of honor; and as it expressly said to have been assigned to "the king's mother," it is necessary to remark that, when a husband dies, his widow acquires a higher dignity and power, as a mother over her son, than she ever possessed before. Besides, the dignity of "king's mother" is a state office, to which certain revenues are attached. The holder has a separate palace or court, as well as possesses great influence in public affairs; and as the dignity is held for life, it sometimes happens, in consequence of deaths, that the person enjoying it may not be related to the reigning sovereign by natural maternity. Bath-sheba had evidently been invested with this honorable office.

19-20. Bath-sheba... went unto King Solomon-- The filial reverence and the particular act of respect, which Solomon rendered, were quite in accordance with the sentiments and customs of the East. The right hand is the place of honor; and as it expressly said to have been assigned to "the king's mother," it is necessary to remark that, when a husband dies, his widow acquires a higher dignity and power, as a mother over her son, than she ever possessed before. Besides, the dignity of "king's mother" is a state office, to which certain revenues are attached. The holder has a separate palace or court, as well as possesses great influence in public affairs; and as the dignity is held for life, it sometimes happens, in consequence of deaths, that the person enjoying it may not be related to the reigning sovereign by natural maternity. Bath-sheba had evidently been invested with this honorable office.


<hi type="bold">22. why dost thou ask Abishag ... ask for him the kingdom also--</hi>(See on <reference osisRef="2Sam.16.5">2Sa 16:5</reference>; also see on <reference osisRef="2Sam.12.8">2Sa 12:8</reference>). Solomon's indignation was roused; he in a moment penetrated the artful scheme, and from his associating the names of Abiathar and Joab, he seems to have suspected or known that those deep schemers had been the prompters of Adonijah.

22. why dost thou ask Abishag... ask for him the kingdom also-- (See on 2Sa 16:5; also see on 2Sa 12:8). Solomon's indignation was roused; he in a moment penetrated the artful scheme, and from his associating the names of Abiathar and Joab, he seems to have suspected or known that those deep schemers had been the prompters of Adonijah.


<hi type="bold">23-25. God do so to me, and more also--</hi>the common form of introducing a solemn oath.

<hi type="bold">if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life--</hi>Whether there was a treasonable design to conceal under this request or not, the act, according to Eastern notions, was criminal, and of dangerous consequence to the state. There is no ground of censure upon Solomon for cruelty or precipitation in this instance. He had pardoned Adonijah's former conspiracy; but this new attempt was rebellion against the viceroy appointed by the divine King and called for condign punishment. The office of executioner was among the Hebrews, as in other ancient countries of the East, performed unceremoniously and privately--often without any previous warning--by the captain of the guard, or one of his officers (<reference osisRef="Matt.14.10">Mt 14:10</reference>).

23-25. God do so to me, and more also-- the common form of introducing a solemn oath. if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life-- Whether there was a treasonable design to conceal under this request or not, the act, according to Eastern notions, was criminal, and of dangerous consequence to the state. There is no ground of censure upon Solomon for cruelty or precipitation in this instance. He had pardoned Adonijah's former conspiracy; but this new attempt was rebellion against the viceroy appointed by the divine King and called for condign punishment. The office of executioner was among the Hebrews, as in other ancient countries of the East, performed unceremoniously and privately--often without any previous warning--by the captain of the guard, or one of his officers (Mt 14:10).


<hi type="bold">26-27. unto Abiathar the priest said the king--</hi>This functionary, as the counsellor or accomplice of Adonijah, had deserved to share his fate. But partly from regard to his priestly dignity, and partly from his long associations with the late king, Solomon pronounced on him the mitigated sentence of banishment to his country estate at Anathoth, and thereby, as God's vicegerent, deprived him of his office and its emoluments. The sacred writer notices the remarkable fulfilment, Abiathar's degradation from the high priesthood (see on <reference osisRef="1Kgs.4.4">1Ki 4:4</reference>), of the doom denounced against the house of Eli (<reference osisRef="1Sam.2.30">1Sa 2:30</reference>).

 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.2.28-1Kgs.2.45">1Ki 2:28-45</reference>. Joab Slain.

26-27. unto Abiathar the priest said the king-- This functionary, as the counsellor or accomplice of Adonijah, had deserved to share his fate. But partly from regard to his priestly dignity, and partly from his long associations with the late king, Solomon pronounced on him the mitigated sentence of banishment to his country estate at Anathoth, and thereby, as God's vicegerent, deprived him of his office and its emoluments. The sacred writer notices the remarkable fulfilment, Abiathar's degradation from the high priesthood (see on 1Ki 4:4), of the doom denounced against the house of Eli (1Sa 2:30). 1Ki 2:28-45. Joab Slain.


<hi type="bold">28. Then tidings came to Joab--</hi>The execution of these sentences respectively on Adonijah and Abiathar prepared Joab for his fate. Death, due to his great crimes (<reference osisRef="Num.35.33">Nu 35:33</reference>), would long ago have been inflicted, had not his power and popularity with the army been too formidable for the old king. He now fled to the altar, which, though a recognized asylum, afforded no sanctuary to the rebel and murderer (<reference osisRef="Exod.21.14">Ex 21:14</reference>). And, as he refused to leave it, he seems to have cherished some faint hope that a religious scruple would have been felt at the thought of violating the sanctity of the place by bloodshed. Benaiah, not liking to assume any responsibility, referred the matter to Solomon, who determined that the law should take its course (<reference osisRef="Deut.19.13">De 19:13</reference>).

28. Then tidings came to Joab-- The execution of these sentences respectively on Adonijah and Abiathar prepared Joab for his fate. Death, due to his great crimes (Nu 35:33), would long ago have been inflicted, had not his power and popularity with the army been too formidable for the old king. He now fled to the altar, which, though a recognized asylum, afforded no sanctuary to the rebel and murderer (Ex 21:14). And, as he refused to leave it, he seems to have cherished some faint hope that a religious scruple would have been felt at the thought of violating the sanctity of the place by bloodshed. Benaiah, not liking to assume any responsibility, referred the matter to Solomon, who determined that the law should take its course (De 19:13).


<hi type="bold">33. Their blood shall ... return upon the head of Joab, &c.--</hi>A reference is here made to the curse publicly and solemnly pronounced by King David (<reference osisRef="2Sam.3.28">2Sa 3:28</reference>, <reference osisRef="2Sam.3.29">29</reference>).

 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.2.34-1Kgs.2.46">1Ki 2:34-46</reference>. Shimei Put to Death.

33. Their blood shall... return upon the head of Joab, &c.-- A reference is here made to the curse publicly and solemnly pronounced by King David (2Sa 3:28, 29). 1Ki 2:34-46. Shimei Put to Death.


<hi type="bold">34. Benaiah ... went up, and fell upon him--</hi>According to the terms of the statute (<reference osisRef="Exod.21.14">Ex 21:14</reference>), and the practice in similar cases (<reference osisRef="2Kgs.11.15">2Ki 11:15</reference>), the criminal was to be dragged from the altar and slain elsewhere. But the truth is, that the sanctity of the altar was violated as much by the violence used in forcing the criminal from the place as in shedding his blood there; the express command of God authorized the former and therefore by implication permitted the latter.

<hi type="bold">was buried in his own house--</hi>or family vault, at his property in the wilderness of Judah. His interment was included in the king's order, as enjoined in the divine law (<reference osisRef="Deut.21.23">De 21:23</reference>).

34. Benaiah... went up, and fell upon him-- According to the terms of the statute (Ex 21:14), and the practice in similar cases (2Ki 11:15), the criminal was to be dragged from the altar and slain elsewhere. But the truth is, that the sanctity of the altar was violated as much by the violence used in forcing the criminal from the place as in shedding his blood there; the express command of God authorized the former and therefore by implication permitted the latter. was buried in his own house-- or family vault, at his property in the wilderness of Judah. His interment was included in the king's order, as enjoined in the divine law (De 21:23).


<hi type="bold">36. the king sent and called for Shimei--</hi>He was probably residing at Bahurim, his native place. But, as he was a suspicious character, Solomon condemned him henceforth to live in Jerusalem, on the penalty of death, for going without the gates. He submitted to this confinement for three years, when, violating his oath, he was arrested and put to death by Solomon for perjury, aggravated by his former crime of high treason against David [1Ki 2:42-44].

36. the king sent and called for Shimei-- He was probably residing at Bahurim, his native place. But, as he was a suspicious character, Solomon condemned him henceforth to live in Jerusalem, on the penalty of death, for going without the gates. He submitted to this confinement for three years, when, violating his oath, he was arrested and put to death by Solomon for perjury, aggravated by his former crime of high treason against David [1Ki 2:42-44].


<hi type="bold">46. the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon--</hi>Now, by the death of Shimei, all the leaders of the rival factions had been cut off. <chapter eID="1Kgs.2"/>

46. the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon-- Now, by the death of Shimei, all the leaders of the rival factions had been cut off.


<title type="x-s2">CHAPTER 3</title>
 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.3.1">1Ki 3:1</reference>. Solomon Marries Pharaoh's Daughter.

<hi type="bold">1. Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh--</hi>This was a royal title, equivalent to "sultan," and the personal name of this monarch is said to have been Vaphres. The formation, on equal terms, of this matrimonial alliance with the royal family of Egypt, shows the high consideration to which the Hebrew kingdom had now arisen. Rosellini has given, from the Egyptian monuments, what is supposed to be a portrait of this princess. She was received in the land of her adoption with great eclat; for the Song of Solomon and the forty-fifth Psalm are supposed to have been composed in honor of this occasion, although they may both have a higher typical reference to the introduction of the Gentiles into the church.

<hi type="bold">and brought her into the city of David--</hi>that is, Jerusalem. She was not admissible into the stronghold of Zion, the building where the ark was (<reference osisRef="Deut.23.7">De 23:7</reference>, <reference osisRef="Deut.23.8">8</reference>). She seems to have been lodged at first in his mother's apartments (<reference osisRef="Song.3.4">So 3:4</reference>; <reference osisRef="Song.8.2">8:2</reference>), as a suitable residence was not yet provided for her in the new palace (<reference osisRef="1Kgs.7.8">1Ki 7:8</reference>; <reference osisRef="1Kgs.9.24">9:24</reference>; <reference osisRef="2Chr.8.11">2Ch 8:11</reference>).

<hi type="bold">building ... the wall of Jerusalem round about--</hi>Although David had begun (<reference osisRef="Ps.51.18">Psa 51:18</reference>), it was, according to Josephus, reserved for Solomon to extend and complete the fortifications of the city. It has been questioned whether this marriage was in conformity with the law (see <reference osisRef="Exod.34.16">Ex 34:16</reference>; <reference osisRef="Deut.7.3">De 7:3</reference>; <reference osisRef="Ezra.10.1-Ezra.10.10">Ezr 10:1-10</reference>; <reference osisRef="Neh.13.26">Ne 13:26</reference>). But it is nowhere censured in Scripture, as are the connections Solomon formed with other foreigners (<reference osisRef="1Kgs.11.1-1Kgs.11.3">1Ki 11:1-3</reference>); whence it may be inferred that he had stipulated for her abandonment of idolatry, and conforming to the Jewish religion (<reference osisRef="Ps.45.10">Psa 45:10</reference>, <reference osisRef="Ps.45.11">11</reference>).

 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.3.2-1Kgs.3.5">1Ki 3:2-5</reference>. High Places Being in Use, He Sacrifices at Gibeon.

CHAPTER 3 1Ki 3:1. Solomon Marries Pharaoh's Daughter. 1. Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh-- This was a royal title, equivalent to "sultan," and the personal name of this monarch is said to have been Vaphres. The formation, on equal terms, of this matrimonial alliance with the royal family of Egypt, shows the high consideration to which the Hebrew kingdom had now arisen. Rosellini has given, from the Egyptian monuments, what is supposed to be a portrait of this princess. She was received in the land of her adoption with great eclat; for the Song of Solomon and the forty-fifth Psalm are supposed to have been composed in honor of this occasion, although they may both have a higher typical reference to the introduction of the Gentiles into the church. and brought her into the city of David-- that is, Jerusalem. She was not admissible into the stronghold of Zion, the building where the ark was (De 23:7, 8). She seems to have been lodged at first in his mother's apartments (So 3:4; 8:2), as a suitable residence was not yet provided for her in the new palace (1Ki 7:8; 9:24; 2Ch 8:11). building... the wall of Jerusalem round about-- Although David had begun (Psa 51:18), it was, according to Josephus, reserved for Solomon to extend and complete the fortifications of the city. It has been questioned whether this marriage was in conformity with the law (see Ex 34:16; De 7:3; Ezr 10:1-10; Ne 13:26). But it is nowhere censured in Scripture, as are the connections Solomon formed with other foreigners (1Ki 11:1-3); whence it may be inferred that he had stipulated for her abandonment of idolatry, and conforming to the Jewish religion (Psa 45:10, 11). 1Ki 3:2-5. High Places Being in Use, He Sacrifices at Gibeon.


<hi type="bold">3. And Solomon loved the Lord--</hi>This declaration, illustrated by what follows, affords undoubted evidence of the young king's piety; nor is the word "only," which prefaces the statement, to be understood as introducing a qualifying circumstance that reflected any degree of censure upon him. The intention of the sacred historian is to describe the generally prevailing mode of worship before the temple was built. The

 high places were altars erected on natural or artificial eminences, probably from the idea that men were brought nearer to the Deity. They had been used by the patriarchs, and had become so universal among the heathen that they were almost identified with idolatry. They were prohibited in the law (<reference osisRef="Lev.17.3">Le 17:3</reference>, <reference osisRef="Lev.17.4">4</reference>; <reference osisRef="Deut.12.13">De 12:13</reference>, <reference osisRef="Deut.12.14">14</reference>; <reference osisRef="Jer.7.31">Jr 7:31</reference>; <reference osisRef="Ezek.6.3">Eze 6:3</reference>, <reference osisRef="Ezek.6.4">4</reference>; <reference osisRef="Hos.10.8">Ho 10:8</reference>). But, so long as the tabernacle was migratory and the means for the national worship were merely provisional, the worship on those high places was tolerated. Hence, as accounting for their continuance, it is expressly stated (<reference osisRef="1Kgs.3.2">1Ki 3:2</reference>) that God had not yet chosen a permanent and exclusive place for his worship.

3. And Solomon loved the Lord-- This declaration, illustrated by what follows, affords undoubted evidence of the young king's piety; nor is the word "only," which prefaces the statement, to be understood as introducing a qualifying circumstance that reflected any degree of censure upon him. The intention of the sacred historian is to describe the generally prevailing mode of worship before the temple was built. The high places were altars erected on natural or artificial eminences, probably from the idea that men were brought nearer to the Deity. They had been used by the patriarchs, and had become so universal among the heathen that they were almost identified with idolatry. They were prohibited in the law (Le 17:3, 4; De 12:13, 14; Jr 7:31; Eze 6:3, 4; Ho 10:8). But, so long as the tabernacle was migratory and the means for the national worship were merely provisional, the worship on those high places was tolerated. Hence, as accounting for their continuance, it is expressly stated (1Ki 3:2) that God had not yet chosen a permanent and exclusive place for his worship.


<hi type="bold">4. the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there--</hi>The old tabernacle and the brazen altar which Moses had made in the wilderness were there (<reference osisRef="1Chr.16.39">1Ch 16:39</reference>; <reference osisRef="1Chr.21.29">21:29</reference>; <reference osisRef="2Chr.1.3-2Chr.1.6">2Ch 1:3-6</reference>). The royal progress was of public importance. It was a season of national devotion. The king was accompanied by his principal nobility (<reference osisRef="2Chr.1.2">2Ch 1:2</reference>); and, as the occasion was most probably one of the great annual festivals which lasted seven days, the rank of the offerer and the succession of daily oblations may help in part to account for the immense magnitude of the sacrifices.

4. the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there-- The old tabernacle and the brazen altar which Moses had made in the wilderness were there (1Ch 16:39; 21:29; 2Ch 1:3-6). The royal progress was of public importance. It was a season of national devotion. The king was accompanied by his principal nobility (2Ch 1:2); and, as the occasion was most probably one of the great annual festivals which lasted seven days, the rank of the offerer and the succession of daily oblations may help in part to account for the immense magnitude of the sacrifices.


<hi type="bold">5. In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream--</hi>It was probably at the close of this season, when his mind had been elevated into a high state of religious fervor by the protracted services. Solomon felt an intense desire, and he had offered an earnest petition, for the gift of wisdom. In sleep his thoughts ran upon the subject of his prayer, and he dreamed that God appeared to him and gave him the option of every thing in the world--that he asked wisdom, and that God granted his request (<reference osisRef="1Kgs.3.9-1Kgs.3.12">1Ki 3:9-12</reference>). His dream was but an imaginary repetition of his former desire, but God's grant of it was real.

 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.3.6-1Kgs.3.15">1Ki 3:6-15</reference>. He Chooses Wisdom.

5. In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream-- It was probably at the close of this season, when his mind had been elevated into a high state of religious fervor by the protracted services. Solomon felt an intense desire, and he had offered an earnest petition, for the gift of wisdom. In sleep his thoughts ran upon the subject of his prayer, and he dreamed that God appeared to him and gave him the option of every thing in the world--that he asked wisdom, and that God granted his request (1Ki 3:9-12). His dream was but an imaginary repetition of his former desire, but God's grant of it was real. 1Ki 3:6-15. He Chooses Wisdom.


<hi type="bold">6. Solomon said--</hi>that is, had dreamed that he said.

6. Solomon said-- that is, had dreamed that he said.


<hi type="bold">7. I am but a little child--</hi>not in age, for he had reached manhood (<reference osisRef="1Kgs.2.9">1Ki 2:9</reference>) and must have been at least twenty years old; but he was raw and inexperienced in matters of government.

7. I am but a little child-- not in age, for he had reached manhood (1Ki 2:9) and must have been at least twenty years old; but he was raw and inexperienced in matters of government.


<hi type="bold">10. the speech pleased the Lord--</hi>It was Solomon's waking prayers that God heard and requited, but the acceptance was signified in this vision.

10. the speech pleased the Lord-- It was Solomon's waking prayers that God heard and requited, but the acceptance was signified in this vision.


<hi type="bold">15. behold, it was a dream--</hi>The vivid impression, the indelible recollection he had of this dream, together with the new and increased energy communicated to his mind, and the flow of worldly prosperity that rushed upon him, gave him assurance that it came by divine inspiration and originated in the grace of God. The wisdom, however, that was asked and obtained was not so much of the heart as of the head--it was wisdom not for himself personally, but for his office, such as would qualify him for the administration of justice, the government of a kingdom, and for the attainment of general scientific knowledge.

 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.3.16-1Kgs.3.28">1Ki 3:16-28</reference>. His Judgment between Two Harlots.

15. behold, it was a dream-- The vivid impression, the indelible recollection he had of this dream, together with the new and increased energy communicated to his mind, and the flow of worldly prosperity that rushed upon him, gave him assurance that it came by divine inspiration and originated in the grace of God. The wisdom, however, that was asked and obtained was not so much of the heart as of the head--it was wisdom not for himself personally, but for his office, such as would qualify him for the administration of justice, the government of a kingdom, and for the attainment of general scientific knowledge. 1Ki 3:16-28. His Judgment between Two Harlots.


<hi type="bold">16. Then came there two women--</hi>Eastern monarchs, who generally administer justice in person, at least in all cases of difficulty, often appeal to the principles of human nature when they are at a loss otherwise to find a clue to the truth or see clearly their way through a mass of conflicting testimony. The modern history of the East abounds with anecdotes of judicial cases, in which the decision given was the result of an experiment similar to this of Solomon upon the natural feelings of the contending parties. <chapter eID="1Kgs.3"/>

16. Then came there two women-- Eastern monarchs, who generally administer justice in person, at least in all cases of difficulty, often appeal to the principles of human nature when they are at a loss otherwise to find a clue to the truth or see clearly their way through a mass of conflicting testimony. The modern history of the East abounds with anecdotes of judicial cases, in which the decision given was the result of an experiment similar to this of Solomon upon the natural feelings of the contending parties.


<title type="x-s2">CHAPTER 4</title>
 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.4.1-1Kgs.4.6">1Ki 4:1-6</reference>. Solomon's Princes.

<hi type="bold">1. So King Solomon was king over all Israel--</hi>This chapter contains a general description of the state and glory of the Hebrew kingdom during the more flourishing or later years of his reign.

CHAPTER 4 1Ki 4:1-6. Solomon's Princes. 1. So King Solomon was king over all Israel-- This chapter contains a general description of the state and glory of the Hebrew kingdom during the more flourishing or later years of his reign.


<hi type="bold">2. these were the princes--</hi>or chief officers, as is evident from two of them marrying Solomon's daughters.

<hi type="bold">Azariah the son of Zadok the priest--</hi>rather, "the prince," as the Hebrew word frequently signifies (<reference osisRef="Gen.41.45">Ge 41:45</reference>; <reference osisRef="Exod.2.16">Ex 2:16</reference>; <reference osisRef="2Sam.8.18">2Sa 8:18</reference>); so that from the precedency given to his person in the list, he seems to have been prime minister, the highest in office next the king.

2. these were the princes-- or chief officers, as is evident from two of them marrying Solomon's daughters. Azariah the son of Zadok the priest-- rather, "the prince," as the Hebrew word frequently signifies (Ge 41:45; Ex 2:16; 2Sa 8:18); so that from the precedency given to his person in the list, he seems to have been prime minister, the highest in office next the king.


<hi type="bold">3. scribes--</hi>that is, secretaries of state. Under David, there had been only one [2Sa 8:17; 20:25]. The employment of three functionaries in this department indicates either improved regulations by the division of labor, or a great increase of business, occasioned by the growing prosperity of the kingdom, or a more extensive correspondence with foreign countries.

<hi type="bold">recorder--</hi>that is, historiographer, or annalist--an office of great importance in Oriental courts, and the duties of which consisted in chronicling the occurrences of every day.

3. scribes-- that is, secretaries of state. Under David, there had been only one [2Sa 8:17; 20:25]. The employment of three functionaries in this department indicates either improved regulations by the division of labor, or a great increase of business, occasioned by the growing prosperity of the kingdom, or a more extensive correspondence with foreign countries. recorder-- that is, historiographer, or annalist--an office of great importance in Oriental courts, and the duties of which consisted in chronicling the occurrences of every day.


<hi type="bold">4. Benaiah ... was over the host--</hi>formerly captain of the guard. He had succeeded Joab as commander of the forces.

<hi type="bold">Zadok and Abiathar were the priests--</hi>Only the first discharged the sacred functions; the latter had been banished to his country seat and retained nothing more than the name of high priest.

4. Benaiah... was over the host-- formerly captain of the guard. He had succeeded Joab as commander of the forces. Zadok and Abiathar were the priests-- Only the first discharged the sacred functions; the latter had been banished to his country seat and retained nothing more than the name of high priest.


<hi type="bold">5. over the officers--</hi>that is, the provincial governors enumerated in <reference osisRef="1Kgs.4.17-1Kgs.4.19">1Ki 4:17-19</reference>.

<hi type="bold">principal officer, and the king's friend--</hi>perhaps president of the privy council, and Solomon's confidential friend or favorite. This high functionary had probably been reared along with Solomon. That he should heap those honors on the sons of Nathan was most natural, considering the close intimacy of the father with the late king, and the deep obligations under which Solomon personally lay to the prophet.

5. over the officers-- that is, the provincial governors enumerated in 1Ki 4:17-19. principal officer, and the king's friend-- perhaps president of the privy council, and Solomon's confidential friend or favorite. This high functionary had probably been reared along with Solomon. That he should heap those honors on the sons of Nathan was most natural, considering the close intimacy of the father with the late king, and the deep obligations under which Solomon personally lay to the prophet.


<hi type="bold">6. Ahishar was over the household--</hi>steward or chamberlain of the palace.

<hi type="bold">Adoniram--</hi>or Adoram (<reference osisRef="2Sam.20.24">2Sa 20:24</reference>; <reference osisRef="1Kgs.12.18">1Ki 12:18</reference>), or Hadoram (<reference osisRef="2Chr.10.18">2Ch 10:18</reference>),

<hi type="bold">was over the tribute--</hi>not the collection of money or goods, but the levy of compulsory laborers (compare <reference osisRef="1Kgs.5.13">1Ki 5:13</reference>, <reference osisRef="1Kgs.5.14">14</reference>).

 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.4.7-1Kgs.4.21">1Ki 4:7-21</reference>. His Twelve Officers.

6. Ahishar was over the household-- steward or chamberlain of the palace. Adoniram-- or Adoram (2Sa 20:24; 1Ki 12:18), or Hadoram (2Ch 10:18), was over the tribute-- not the collection of money or goods, but the levy of compulsory laborers (compare 1Ki 5:13, 14). 1Ki 4:7-21. His Twelve Officers.


<hi type="bold">7. Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel--</hi>The royal revenues were raised according to the ancient, and still, in many parts, existing usage of the East, not in money payments, but in the produce of the soil. There would be always a considerable difficulty in the collection and transmission of these tithes (<reference osisRef="1Sam.8.15">1Sa 8:15</reference>). Therefore, to facilitate the work, Solomon appointed twelve officers, who had each the charge of a tribe or particular district of country, from which, in monthly rotation, the supplies for the maintenance of the king's household were drawn, having first been deposited in "the store cities" which were erected for their reception (<reference osisRef="1Kgs.9.19">1Ki 9:19</reference>; <reference osisRef="2Chr.8.4">2Ch 8:4</reference>, <reference osisRef="2Chr.8.6">6</reference>).

7. Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel-- The royal revenues were raised according to the ancient, and still, in many parts, existing usage of the East, not in money payments, but in the produce of the soil. There would be always a considerable difficulty in the collection and transmission of these tithes (1Sa 8:15). Therefore, to facilitate the work, Solomon appointed twelve officers, who had each the charge of a tribe or particular district of country, from which, in monthly rotation, the supplies for the maintenance of the king's household were drawn, having first been deposited in "the store cities" which were erected for their reception (1Ki 9:19; 2Ch 8:4, 6).


<hi type="bold">8. The son of Hur--</hi>or, as the Margin has it, Benhur, Bendekar. In the rural parts of Syria, and among the Arabs, it is still common to designate persons not by their own names, but as the sons of their fathers.

8. The son of Hur-- or, as the Margin has it, Benhur, Bendekar. In the rural parts of Syria, and among the Arabs, it is still common to designate persons not by their own names, but as the sons of their fathers.


<hi type="bold">21. Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river--</hi>All the petty kingdoms between the Euphrates and the Mediterranean were tributary to him. Similar is the statement in <reference osisRef="1Kgs.4.24">1Ki 4:24</reference>.

21. Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river-- All the petty kingdoms between the Euphrates and the Mediterranean were tributary to him. Similar is the statement in 1Ki 4:24.


<hi type="bold">22-23. Solomon's provision for one day--</hi>not for the king's table only, but for all connected with the court, including, besides the royal establishment, those of his royal consorts, his principal officers, his bodyguards, his foreign visitors, &c. The quantity of fine floor used is estimated at two hundred forty bushels; that of meal or common flour at four hundred eighty. The number of cattle required for consumption, besides poultry and several kinds of game (which were abundant on the mountains) did not exceed in proportion what is needed in other courts of the East.

22-23. Solomon's provision for one day-- not for the king's table only, but for all connected with the court, including, besides the royal establishment, those of his royal consorts, his principal officers, his bodyguards, his foreign visitors, &c. The quantity of fine floor used is estimated at two hundred forty bushels; that of meal or common flour at four hundred eighty. The number of cattle required for consumption, besides poultry and several kinds of game (which were abundant on the mountains) did not exceed in proportion what is needed in other courts of the East.


<hi type="bold">24. from Tiphsah--</hi>that is, Thapsacus, a large and flourishing town on the west bank of the Euphrates, the name of which was derived from a celebrated ford near it, the lowest on that river.

<hi type="bold">even to Azzah--</hi>that is, Gaza, on the southwestern extremity, not far from the Mediterranean.

24. from Tiphsah-- that is, Thapsacus, a large and flourishing town on the west bank of the Euphrates, the name of which was derived from a celebrated ford near it, the lowest on that river. even to Azzah-- that is, Gaza, on the southwestern extremity, not far from the Mediterranean.


<hi type="bold">25. every man under his vine and ... fig tree--</hi>This is a common and beautiful metaphor for peace and security (<reference osisRef="Mic.4.4">Mi 4:4</reference>; <reference osisRef="Zech.3.10">Zec 3:10</reference>), founded on the practice, still common in modern Syria, of training these fruit trees up the walls and stairs of houses, so as to make a shady arbor, beneath which the people sit and relax.

25. every man under his vine and... fig tree-- This is a common and beautiful metaphor for peace and security (Mi 4:4; Zec 3:10), founded on the practice, still common in modern Syria, of training these fruit trees up the walls and stairs of houses, so as to make a shady arbor, beneath which the people sit and relax.


<hi type="bold">26. forty thousand stalls--</hi>for the royal mews (see on <reference osisRef="2Chr.9.25">2Ch 9:25</reference>).

26. forty thousand stalls-- for the royal mews (see on 2Ch 9:25).


<hi type="bold">28. Barley ... and straw--</hi>Straw is not used for litter, but barley mixed with chopped straw is the usual fodder of horses.

<hi type="bold">dromedaries--</hi>one-humped camels, distinguished for their great fleetness.

 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.4.29-1Kgs.4.34">1Ki 4:29-34</reference>. His Wisdom.

28. Barley... and straw-- Straw is not used for litter, but barley mixed with chopped straw is the usual fodder of horses. dromedaries-- one-humped camels, distinguished for their great fleetness. 1Ki 4:29-34. His Wisdom.


<hi type="bold">29. God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart--</hi>that is, high powers of mind, great capacity for receieving, as well as aptitude for communicating knowledge.

29. God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart-- that is, high powers of mind, great capacity for receieving, as well as aptitude for communicating knowledge.


<hi type="bold">30. Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country--</hi>that is, the Arabians, Chaldeans, and Persians (<reference osisRef="Gen.25.6">Ge 25:6</reference>).

<hi type="bold">all the wisdom of Egypt--</hi>Egypt was renowned as the seat of learning and sciences, and the existing monuments, which so clearly describe the ancient state of society and the arts, show the high culture of the Egyptian people.

30. Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country-- that is, the Arabians, Chaldeans, and Persians (Ge 25:6). all the wisdom of Egypt-- Egypt was renowned as the seat of learning and sciences, and the existing monuments, which so clearly describe the ancient state of society and the arts, show the high culture of the Egyptian people.


<hi type="bold">31. wiser than all men--</hi>that is, all his contemporaries, either at home or abroad.

<hi type="bold">than Ethan--</hi>or Jeduthun, of the family of Merari (<reference osisRef="1Chr.6.44">1Ch 6:44</reference>).

<hi type="bold">Heman--</hi>(<reference osisRef="1Chr.15.17-1Chr.15.19">1Ch 15:17-19</reference>)--the chief of the temple musicians and the king's seers (<reference osisRef="1Chr.25.5">1Ch 25:5</reference>); the other two are not known.

<hi type="bold">the sons of Mahol--</hi>either another name for Zerah (<reference osisRef="1Chr.2.6">1Ch 2:6</reference>); or taking it as a common noun, signifying a dance, a chorus, "the sons of Mahol" signify persons eminently skilled in poetry and music.

31. wiser than all men-- that is, all his contemporaries, either at home or abroad. than Ethan-- or Jeduthun, of the family of Merari (1Ch 6:44). Heman-- (1Ch 15:17-19)--the chief of the temple musicians and the king's seers (1Ch 25:5); the other two are not known. the sons of Mahol-- either another name for Zerah (1Ch 2:6); or taking it as a common noun, signifying a dance, a chorus, "the sons of Mahol" signify persons eminently skilled in poetry and music.


<hi type="bold">32. he spake three thousand proverbs--</hi>embodying his moral sentiments and sage observations on human life and character.

<hi type="bold">songs ... a thousand and five--</hi>Psalm 72, 127, 132, and the Song of Songs are his.

32. he spake three thousand proverbs-- embodying his moral sentiments and sage observations on human life and character. songs... a thousand and five-- Psalm 72, 127, 132, and the Song of Songs are his.


<hi type="bold">33. he spake of trees, from the cedar ... to the hyssop--</hi>all plants, from the greatest to the least. The Spirit of God has seen fit to preserve comparatively few memorials of the fruits of his gigantic mind. The greater part of those here ascribed to him have long since fallen a prey to the ravages of time, or perished in the Babylonish captivity, probably because they were not inspired. <chapter eID="1Kgs.4"/>

33. he spake of trees, from the cedar... to the hyssop-- all plants, from the greatest to the least. The Spirit of God has seen fit to preserve comparatively few memorials of the fruits of his gigantic mind. The greater part of those here ascribed to him have long since fallen a prey to the ravages of time, or perished in the Babylonish captivity, probably because they were not inspired.


<title type="x-s2">CHAPTER 5</title>
 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.5.1-1Kgs.5.6">1Ki 5:1-6</reference>. Hiram Sends to Congratulate Solomon.

<hi type="bold">1. Hiram ... sent his servants unto Solomon--</hi>the grandson of David's contemporary [Kitto]; or the same Hiram [Winer and others]. The friendly relations which the king of Tyre had cultivated with David are here seen renewed with his son and successor, by a message of condolence as well as of congratulation on his accession to the throne of Israel. The alliance between the two nations had been mutually beneficial by the encouragement of useful traffic. Israel, being agricultural, furnished corn and oil, while the Tyrians, who were a commercial people, gave in exchange their Phoenician manufactures, as well as the produce of foreign lands. A special treaty was now entered into in furtherance of that undertaking which was the great work of Solomon's splendid and peaceful reign.

CHAPTER 5 1Ki 5:1-6. Hiram Sends to Congratulate Solomon. 1. Hiram... sent his servants unto Solomon-- the grandson of David's contemporary [Kitto]; or the same Hiram [Winer and others]. The friendly relations which the king of Tyre had cultivated with David are here seen renewed with his son and successor, by a message of condolence as well as of congratulation on his accession to the throne of Israel. The alliance between the two nations had been mutually beneficial by the encouragement of useful traffic. Israel, being agricultural, furnished corn and oil, while the Tyrians, who were a commercial people, gave in exchange their Phoenician manufactures, as well as the produce of foreign lands. A special treaty was now entered into in furtherance of that undertaking which was the great work of Solomon's splendid and peaceful reign.


<hi type="bold">6. command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon--</hi>Nowhere else could Solomon have procured materials for the woodwork of his contemplated building. The forests of Lebanon, adjoining the seas in Solomon's time, belonged to the Phoenicians, and the timber being a lucrative branch of their exports, immense numbers of workmen were constantly employed in the felling of trees as well as the transportation and preparation of the wood. Hiram stipulated to furnish Solomon with as large a quantity of cedars and cypresses as he might require and it was a great additional obligation that he engaged to render the important service of having it brought down, probably by the Dog river, to the seaside, and conveyed along the coast in floats; that is, the logs being bound together, to the harbor of Joppa (<reference osisRef="2Chr.2.16">2Ch 2:16</reference>), whence they could easily find the means of transport to Jerusalem.

<hi type="bold">my servants shall be with thy servants--</hi>The operations were to be on so extensive a scale that the Tyrians alone would be insufficient. A division of labor was necessary, and while the former would do the work that required skilful artisans, Solomon engaged to supply the laborers.

 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.5.7-1Kgs.5.12">1Ki 5:7-12</reference>. Furnishes Timber to Build the Temple.

6. command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon-- Nowhere else could Solomon have procured materials for the woodwork of his contemplated building. The forests of Lebanon, adjoining the seas in Solomon's time, belonged to the Phoenicians, and the timber being a lucrative branch of their exports, immense numbers of workmen were constantly employed in the felling of trees as well as the transportation and preparation of the wood. Hiram stipulated to furnish Solomon with as large a quantity of cedars and cypresses as he might require and it was a great additional obligation that he engaged to render the important service of having it brought down, probably by the Dog river, to the seaside, and conveyed along the coast in floats; that is, the logs being bound together, to the harbor of Joppa (2Ch 2:16), whence they could easily find the means of transport to Jerusalem. my servants shall be with thy servants-- The operations were to be on so extensive a scale that the Tyrians alone would be insufficient. A division of labor was necessary, and while the former would do the work that required skilful artisans, Solomon engaged to supply the laborers. 1Ki 5:7-12. Furnishes Timber to Build the Temple.


<hi type="bold">7. Blessed be the Lord--</hi>This language is no decisive evidence that Hiram was a worshipper of the true God, as he might use it only on the polytheistic principle of acknowledging Jehovah as the God of the Hebrews (see on <reference osisRef="2Chr.2.11">2Ch 2:11</reference>).

7. Blessed be the Lord-- This language is no decisive evidence that Hiram was a worshipper of the true God, as he might use it only on the polytheistic principle of acknowledging Jehovah as the God of the Hebrews (see on 2Ch 2:11).


<hi type="bold">8. Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things ... and I will do--</hi>The contract was drawn out formally in a written document (<reference osisRef="2Chr.2.11">2Ch 2:11</reference>), which, according to Josephus, was preserved both in the Jewish and Tyrian records.

8. Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things... and I will do-- The contract was drawn out formally in a written document (2Ch 2:11), which, according to Josephus, was preserved both in the Jewish and Tyrian records.


<hi type="bold">10. fir trees--</hi>rather, the cypress.

10. fir trees-- rather, the cypress.


<hi type="bold">11. food to his household--</hi>This was an annual supply for the palace, different from that mentioned in <reference osisRef="2Chr.2.10">2Ch 2:10</reference>, which was for the workmen in the forests.

 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.5.13-1Kgs.5.18">1Ki 5:13-18</reference>. Solomon's Workmen and Laborers.

11. food to his household-- This was an annual supply for the palace, different from that mentioned in 2Ch 2:10, which was for the workmen in the forests. 1Ki 5:13-18. Solomon's Workmen and Laborers.


<hi type="bold">13. Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel--</hi>The renewed notice of Solomon's divine gift of wisdom (<reference osisRef="1Kgs.5.12">1Ki 5:12</reference>) is evidently introduced to prepare for this record of the strong but prudent measures he took towards the accomplishment of his work. So great a stretch of arbitrary power as is implied in this compulsory levy would have raised great discontent, if not opposition, had not his wise arrangement of letting the laborers remain at home two months out of three, added to the sacredness of the work, reconciled the people to this forced labor. The carrying of burdens and the irksome work of excavating the quarries was assigned to the remnant of the Canaanites (<reference osisRef="1Kgs.9.20">1Ki 9:20</reference>; <reference osisRef="2Chr.8.7-2Chr.8.9">2Ch 8:7-9</reference>) and war prisoners made by David--amounting to 153,600. The employment of persons of that condition in Eastern countries for carrying on any public work, would make this part of the arrangements the less thought of.

13. Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel-- The renewed notice of Solomon's divine gift of wisdom (1Ki 5:12) is evidently introduced to prepare for this record of the strong but prudent measures he took towards the accomplishment of his work. So great a stretch of arbitrary power as is implied in this compulsory levy would have raised great discontent, if not opposition, had not his wise arrangement of letting the laborers remain at home two months out of three, added to the sacredness of the work, reconciled the people to this forced labor. The carrying of burdens and the irksome work of excavating the quarries was assigned to the remnant of the Canaanites (1Ki 9:20; 2Ch 8:7-9) and war prisoners made by David--amounting to 153,600. The employment of persons of that condition in Eastern countries for carrying on any public work, would make this part of the arrangements the less thought of.


<hi type="bold">17. brought great stones--</hi>The stone of Lebanon is "hard, calcareous, whitish and sonorous, like free stone" [Shaw]. The same white and beautiful stone can be obtained in every part of Syria and Palestine.

<hi type="bold">hewed stones--</hi>or neatly polished, as the Hebrew word signifies (<reference osisRef="Exod.20.25">Ex 20:25</reference>). Both Jewish and Tyrian builders were employed in hewing these great stones.

17. brought great stones-- The stone of Lebanon is "hard, calcareous, whitish and sonorous, like free stone" [Shaw]. The same white and beautiful stone can be obtained in every part of Syria and Palestine. hewed stones-- or neatly polished, as the Hebrew word signifies (Ex 20:25). Both Jewish and Tyrian builders were employed in hewing these great stones.


<hi type="bold">18. and the stone squarers--</hi>The Margin, which renders it "the Giblites" (<reference osisRef="Josh.13.5">Jos 13:5</reference>), has long been considered a preferable translation. This marginal translation also must yield to another which has lately been proposed, by a slight change in the Hebrew text, and which would be rendered thus: "Solomon's builders, and Hiram's builders, did hew them and bevel them" [Thenius]. These great bevelled or grooved stones, measuring some twenty, others thirty feet in length, and from five to six feet in breadth, are still seen in the substructures about the ancient site of the temple; and, in the judgment of the most competent observers, were those originally employed "to lay the foundation of the house." <chapter eID="1Kgs.5"/>

18. and the stone squarers-- The Margin, which renders it "the Giblites" (Jos 13:5), has long been considered a preferable translation. This marginal translation also must yield to another which has lately been proposed, by a slight change in the Hebrew text, and which would be rendered thus: "Solomon's builders, and Hiram's builders, did hew them and bevel them" [Thenius]. These great bevelled or grooved stones, measuring some twenty, others thirty feet in length, and from five to six feet in breadth, are still seen in the substructures about the ancient site of the temple; and, in the judgment of the most competent observers, were those originally employed "to lay the foundation of the house."


<title type="x-s2">CHAPTER 6</title>
 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.6.1-1Kgs.6.4">1Ki 6:1-4</reference>. The Building of Solomon's Temple.

<hi type="bold">2. the house which king Solomon built for the Lord--</hi>The dimensions are given in cubits, which are to be reckoned according to the early standard (<reference osisRef="2Chr.3.3">2Ch 3:3</reference>), or holy cubit (<reference osisRef="Ezek.40.5">Eze 40:5</reference>; <reference osisRef="Ezek.43.13">43:13</reference>), a handbreadth longer than the common or later one. It is probable that the internal elevation only is here stated.

CHAPTER 6 1Ki 6:1-4. The Building of Solomon's Temple. 2. the house which king Solomon built for the Lord-- The dimensions are given in cubits, which are to be reckoned according to the early standard (2Ch 3:3), or holy cubit (Eze 40:5; 43:13), a handbreadth longer than the common or later one. It is probable that the internal elevation only is here stated.


<hi type="bold">3. the porch--</hi>or portico, extended across the whole front (see on <reference osisRef="2Chr.3.4">2Ch 3:4</reference>).

3. the porch-- or portico, extended across the whole front (see on 2Ch 3:4).


<hi type="bold">4. windows of narrow lights--</hi>that is, windows with lattices, capable of being shut and opened at pleasure, partly to let out the vapor of the lamps, the smoke of the frankincense, and partly to give light [Keil].

 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.6.5-1Kgs.6.10">1Ki 6:5-10</reference>. The Chambers Thereof.

4. windows of narrow lights-- that is, windows with lattices, capable of being shut and opened at pleasure, partly to let out the vapor of the lamps, the smoke of the frankincense, and partly to give light [Keil]. 1Ki 6:5-10. The Chambers Thereof.


<hi type="bold">5. against the wall of the house he built chambers--</hi>On three sides, there were chambers in three stories, each story wider than the one beneath it, as the walls were narrowed or made thinner as they ascended, by a rebate being made, on which the beams of the side floor rested, without penetrating the wall. These chambers were approached from the right-hand side, in the interior of the under story, by a winding staircase of stone, which led to the middle and upper stories.

5. against the wall of the house he built chambers-- On three sides, there were chambers in three stories, each story wider than the one beneath it, as the walls were narrowed or made thinner as they ascended, by a rebate being made, on which the beams of the side floor rested, without penetrating the wall. These chambers were approached from the right-hand side, in the interior of the under story, by a winding staircase of stone, which led to the middle and upper stories.


<hi type="bold">7. there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house while it was in building--</hi>A subterranean quarry has been very recently discovered near Jerusalem, where the temple stones are supposed to have been hewn. There is unequivocal evidence in this quarry that the stones were dressed there; for there are blocks very similar in size, as well as of the same kind of stone, as those found in the ancient remains. Thence, probably, they would be moved on rollers down the Tyropean valley to the very side of the temple [Porter, Tent and Kahn].

7. there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house while it was in building-- A subterranean quarry has been very recently discovered near Jerusalem, where the temple stones are supposed to have been hewn. There is unequivocal evidence in this quarry that the stones were dressed there; for there are blocks very similar in size, as well as of the same kind of stone, as those found in the ancient remains. Thence, probably, they would be moved on rollers down the Tyropean valley to the very side of the temple [Porter, Tent and Kahn].


<hi type="bold">9-10. built the house--</hi>The temple is here distinguished from the wings or chambers attached to it--and its roofing was of cedar-wood.

9-10. built the house-- The temple is here distinguished from the wings or chambers attached to it--and its roofing was of cedar-wood.


<hi type="bold">11-13. the word of the Lord came to Solomon--</hi>probably by a prophet. It was very seasonable, being designed: first, to encourage him to go on with the building, by confirming anew the promise made to his father David (<reference osisRef="2Sam.7.12-2Sam.7.16">2Sa 7:12-16</reference>); and secondly, to warn him against the pride and presumption of supposing that after the erection of so magnificent a temple, he and his people would always be sure of the presence and favor of God. The condition on which that blessing could alone be expected was expressly stated. The dwelling of God among the children of Israel refers to those symbols of His presence in the temple, which were the visible tokens of His spiritual relation to that people.

 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.6.15-1Kgs.6.22">1Ki 6:15-22</reference>. The Ceiling and Adorning of It.

11-13. the word of the Lord came to Solomon-- probably by a prophet. It was very seasonable, being designed: first, to encourage him to go on with the building, by confirming anew the promise made to his father David (2Sa 7:12-16); and secondly, to warn him against the pride and presumption of supposing that after the erection of so magnificent a temple, he and his people would always be sure of the presence and favor of God. The condition on which that blessing could alone be expected was expressly stated. The dwelling of God among the children of Israel refers to those symbols of His presence in the temple, which were the visible tokens of His spiritual relation to that people. 1Ki 6:15-22. The Ceiling and Adorning of It.


<hi type="bold">15-21. he built the walls of the house within--</hi>The walls were wainscotted with cedar-wood; the floor, paved with cypress planks; the interior was divided (by a partition consisting of folding doors, which were opened and shut with golden chains) into two apartments--the back or inner room, that is, the most holy place, was twenty cubits long and broad; the front, or outer room, that is, the holy place, was forty cubits. The cedar-wood was beautifully embellished with figures in relievo, representing clusters of foliage, open flowers, cherubims, and palm trees. The whole interior was overlaid with gold, so that neither wood nor stone was seen; nothing met the eye but pure gold, either plain or richly chased.

15-21. he built the walls of the house within-- The walls were wainscotted with cedar-wood; the floor, paved with cypress planks; the interior was divided (by a partition consisting of folding doors, which were opened and shut with golden chains) into two apartments--the back or inner room, that is, the most holy place, was twenty cubits long and broad; the front, or outer room, that is, the holy place, was forty cubits. The cedar-wood was beautifully embellished with figures in relievo, representing clusters of foliage, open flowers, cherubims, and palm trees. The whole interior was overlaid with gold, so that neither wood nor stone was seen; nothing met the eye but pure gold, either plain or richly chased.


<hi type="bold">31-35. for the entering of the oracle--</hi>The door of the most holy place was made of solid olive tree and adorned with figures. The door of the holy place was made of cypress wood, the sides being of olive wood.

31-35. for the entering of the oracle-- The door of the most holy place was made of solid olive tree and adorned with figures. The door of the holy place was made of cypress wood, the sides being of olive wood.


<hi type="bold">36. the inner court--</hi>was for the priests. Its wall, which had a coping of cedar, is said to have been so low that the people could see over it.

 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.6.37">1Ki 6:37</reference>, <reference osisRef="1Kgs.6.38">38</reference>. The time Taken to Build It.

36. the inner court-- was for the priests. Its wall, which had a coping of cedar, is said to have been so low that the people could see over it. 1Ki 6:37, 38. The time Taken to Build It.


<hi type="bold">37. In the fourth year was the foundation laid--</hi>The building was begun in the second month of the fourth year and completed in the eighth month of the eleventh year of Solomon's reign, comprising a period of seven and a half years, which is reckoned here in round numbers. It was not a very large, but a very splendid building, requiring great care, and ingenuity, and division of labor. The immense number of workmen employed, together with the previous preparation of the materials, serves to account for the short time occupied in the process of building. <chapter eID="1Kgs.6"/>

37. In the fourth year was the foundation laid-- The building was begun in the second month of the fourth year and completed in the eighth month of the eleventh year of Solomon's reign, comprising a period of seven and a half years, which is reckoned here in round numbers. It was not a very large, but a very splendid building, requiring great care, and ingenuity, and division of labor. The immense number of workmen employed, together with the previous preparation of the materials, serves to account for the short time occupied in the process of building.


<title type="x-s2">CHAPTER 7</title>
 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.7.1">1Ki 7:1</reference>. Building of Solomon's House.

<hi type="bold">1. Solomon was building his own house thirteen years--</hi>The time occupied in building his palace was nearly double that spent in the erection of the temple [1Ki 6:38], because neither had there been the same previous preparations for it, nor was there the same urgency as in providing a place of worship, on which the national well-being so much depended.

 <reference osisRef="1Kgs.7.2-1Kgs.7.7">1Ki 7:2-7</reference>. Of the House of Lebanon.

CHAPTER 7 1Ki 7:1. Building of Solomon's House. 1. Solomon was building his own house thirteen years-- The time occupied in building his palace was nearly double that spent in the erection of the temple [1Ki 6:38], because neither had there been the same previous preparations for it, nor was there the same urgency as in providing a place of worship, on which the national well-being so much depended. 1Ki 7:2-7. Of the House of Lebanon.


<hi type="bold">2. He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon--</hi>It is scarcely possible to determine whether this was a different edifice from the former, or whether his house, the house of the forest of Lebanon, and the one for Pharaoh's daughter, were not parts of one grand palace. As difficult is it to decide what was the origin of the name; some supposing it was so called because built on Lebanon; others, that it was in or near Jerusalem, but contained such a profuse supply of cedar columns as to have occasioned this peculiar designation. We have a similar peculiarity of name in the building called the East India house, though situated in London. The description is conformable to the arrangement of Eastern palaces. The building stood in the middle of a great oblong square, which was surrounded by an enclosing wall, against which the houses and offices of those attached to the court were built. The building itself was oblong, consisting of two square courts, flanking a large oblong hall which formed the center, and was one hundred cubits long, by fifty broad. This was properly the house of the forest of Lebanon, being the part where were the cedar pillars of this hall. In front was the porch of judgment, which was appropriated to the transaction of public business. On the one side of this great hall was the king's house; and on the other the harem or royal apartments for Pharaoh's daughter (<reference osisRef="Esth.2.3">Es 2:3</reference>, <reference osisRef="2Cor.2.9">9</reference>). This arrangement of the palace accords with the Oriental style of building, according to which a great mansion always consists of three divisions, or separate houses--all connected by doors and passages--the men dwelling at one extremity, the women of the family at the other, while public rooms occupy the central part of the building.

2. He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon-- It is scarcely possible to determine whether this was a different edifice from the former, or whether his house, the house of the forest of Lebanon, and the one for Pharaoh's daughter, were not parts of one grand palace. As difficult is it to decide what was the origin of the name; some supposing it was so called because built on Lebanon; others, that it was in or near Jerusalem, but contained such a profuse supply of cedar columns as to have occasioned this peculiar designation. We have a similar peculiarity of name in the building called the East India house, though situated in London. The description is conformable to the arrangement of Eastern palaces. The building stood in the middle of a great oblong square, which was surrounded by an enclosing wall, against which the houses and offices of those attached to the court were built. The building itself was oblong, consisting of two square courts, flanking a large oblong hall which formed the center, and was one hundred cubits long, by fifty broad. This was properly the house of the forest of Lebanon, being the part where were the cedar pillars of this hall. In front was the porch of judgment, which was appropriated to the transaction of public business. On the one side of this great hall was the king's house; and on the other the harem or royal apartments for Pharaoh's daughter (Es 2:3, 9). This arrangement of the palace accords with the Oriental style of building, according to which a great mansion always consists of three divisions, or separate houses--all connected by doors and passages--the men dwelling at one extremity, the women of the family at the other, while public rooms occupy the central part of the building.