Solomon, however
The name "Solomon" is derived from the Hebrew word "Shlomo," which is related to "shalom," meaning peace. Solomon's reign was marked by peace and prosperity, a fulfillment of God's promise to David. The use of "however" indicates a contrast with the previous chapter, which details the construction of the Temple. This suggests a shift in focus from a communal, religious project to a personal, royal endeavor.

took thirteen years
The number thirteen in the Bible often symbolizes rebellion or lawlessness, but here it may simply indicate the extensive and elaborate nature of the project. The duration of thirteen years highlights Solomon's commitment to creating a grand and lasting legacy. It also contrasts with the seven years it took to build the Temple, suggesting that Solomon prioritized the house of God over his own dwelling, reflecting his initial devotion to the Lord.

to complete the construction
The Hebrew root for "complete" is "kalah," which means to finish or bring to an end. This implies that Solomon's palace was not only a physical structure but also a symbol of his reign's completion and fulfillment. The construction process itself can be seen as a metaphor for the building of a life or a kingdom, requiring time, effort, and dedication.

of his entire palace
The term "palace" in Hebrew is "bayit," which can also mean house or household. This suggests that Solomon's palace was not merely a residence but a center of administration and governance. The grandeur of the palace reflects Solomon's wealth and the prosperity of Israel during his reign. Historically, this aligns with archaeological findings of opulent structures from the period, indicating a time of significant development and influence for Israel.

Verse 1. - But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years [There is no contrast implied between the time spent upon the temple and that occupied in the building of the palace, as the word "but" seems to suggest. The close connexion which exists in the original is interrupted by the division of chapters. In 1 Kings 6:38 we read, "So was he seven years in building it." 1 Kings 7:1 then proceeds, "And he was building his own house thirteen years." The much longer period occupied in the erection of the royal palace is easily accounted for. In the first place, the buildings were much larger, and the undertaking altogether was a much more extensive one (ver. 2). Then, though seven years only were consumed in the actual building of the temple, yet preparations for the work had been made, both by David and Solomon, for a long time beforehand. Lastly, a special force of labourers would appear to have been employed on the temple, while it is probable that they wrought at the palaces in greatly diminished numbers. So that the longer period spent over his own house does not argue selfishness or worldliness on Solomon's part. On the contrary, it speaks well for his piety that he built the temple first and urged on that sacred work with so much vigour. The thirteen years date from the completion of the seven years of 1 Kings 6:38. That is to say, the building of the temple and palace together occupied twenty years, as is expressly stated in 1 Kings 9:10. It is therefore one of Stanley's reckless statements that the palace "was commenced at the same time as the temple, but not finished till eight years afterwards"], and he finished all his house. [By Solomon's "house" we are not to understand his private palace, or residence proper, alone (see ver. 8), but a range of palaces, more or less connected including the "house of the forest of Lebanon" (ver. 2), "the porch of pillars" (ver. 6), the throne-room or judgment hall (ver. 7), his own house and the house of Pharaoh's daughter (ver. 8). That all these are comprehended under the term "house" is evident from 1 Kings 9:1, 10, 15; 1 Kings 10:12, where Solomon's buildings are always spoken of as two, viz., "the house of the Lord" and the "king's house." The situation of this string of palaces is by no means certain. Josephus says it stood over against (or opposite) the temple, which is highly probable; but this still leaves the question of site open, for the palace would be justly described as ἄντικρυς ἔχων ναὸν, whether it stood west or south of the sanctuary. Ewald places it on the opposite ridge of Ophel, i.e., on the south prolongation of the temple mount; while Fergusson, Bahr, etc., locate it on the northeast side of Zion, on the opposite side of the Tyropoean valley, and overlooking it and the whole city of David. Recent explorations seem to favour Ewald's view. See "Recovery of Jerusalem," pp. 319 sqq, and "Our Work in Palestine," p. 159 sqq. When we remember that the very site of Zion is disputed, it will not surprise the reader that questions of this kind should be involved in uncertainty. And when it is further considered that the accumulated debris of Jerusalem at one point reaches a depth of 120 feet, it will be readily understood what obstacles stand in the way of their settlement.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

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

took thirteen
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ (šə·lōš)
Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

years
שָׁנָ֑ה (šā·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8141: A year

to complete
וַיְכַ֖ל (way·ḵal)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3615: To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent

the construction
בָּנָ֣ה (bā·nāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1129: To build

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

palace.
בֵּיתוֹ֙ (bê·ṯōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house


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OT History: 1 Kings 7:1 Solomon was building his own house thirteen (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)