1 Kings 7:8 Study Bible: His house where he was to dwell, the other court within the porch, was of the like work. He made also a house for Pharaoh's daughter (whom Solomon had taken as wife), like this porch.

◄ 1 Kings 7:8 ►

And the palace where Solomon would live, set further back, was of similar construction. He also made a palace like this hall for Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had married.

Study Bible

And the palace where Solomon would live
This phrase indicates the personal residence of King Solomon, separate from the Temple he built for the Lord. The construction of a royal palace signifies the wealth and power of Solomon's reign, as well as the importance of establishing a stable and impressive seat of government. The palace's location, likely within the city of Jerusalem, underscores the city's central role in Israel's political and spiritual life. Solomon's palace would have been a place of administration and governance, reflecting his role as a king who was both a political and spiritual leader.

set further back
The positioning of Solomon's palace "set further back" suggests a strategic placement, possibly for security reasons or to signify the separation between the sacred space of the Temple and the secular authority of the king. This spatial arrangement may reflect the biblical principle of distinguishing between the sacred and the secular, a theme seen throughout Scripture. The placement could also indicate a hierarchy of importance, with the Temple taking precedence over the king's residence.

was of similar construction
The phrase "of similar construction" implies that Solomon's palace shared architectural features with other significant buildings of the time, possibly including the Temple itself. This similarity could reflect a unified aesthetic or a demonstration of the king's resources and craftsmanship. The use of similar materials and design elements would have conveyed a sense of continuity and stability in Solomon's reign, as well as the interconnectedness of the king's authority and religious devotion.

He also made a palace like this hall for Pharaoh’s daughter
This part of the verse highlights Solomon's marriage alliance with Egypt, one of the major powers of the ancient world. The construction of a separate palace for Pharaoh's daughter signifies the importance of this political alliance and the influence of foreign relations on Israel's domestic affairs. Marriages to foreign princesses were common among ancient Near Eastern kings to secure peace and strengthen political ties. This alliance with Egypt, however, also foreshadows potential spiritual compromises, as foreign influences could lead to idolatry, a recurring issue in Israel's history.

whom he had married
Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter is a significant event, reflecting the king's political acumen but also hinting at future spiritual challenges. While such alliances were politically advantageous, they often brought foreign religious practices into Israel, which could lead to idolatry and a departure from exclusive worship of Yahweh. This marriage is a precursor to Solomon's later struggles with maintaining faithfulness to God, as seen in his eventual accumulation of many wives and concubines, which led his heart astray. Solomon's marriages serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's faith for political or personal gain.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel, known for his wisdom and for building the temple in Jerusalem. He is the central figure in this passage, responsible for the construction of his own palace and the house for Pharaoh's daughter.

2. Pharaoh’s Daughter
She was married to Solomon, symbolizing a political alliance between Israel and Egypt. Her house was built with similar craftsmanship to Solomon's palace, indicating her importance.

3. The Hall
Refers to the Hall of Justice or the Hall of the Forest of Lebanon, part of Solomon's palace complex, known for its grandeur and intricate design.

4. Jerusalem
The city where Solomon's palace and the temple were constructed, serving as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

5. The Palace Complex
A series of buildings constructed by Solomon, including his own residence, the Hall of Justice, and the house for Pharaoh’s daughter, showcasing the wealth and architectural prowess of Solomon's reign.

Teaching Points

Wisdom in Leadership
Solomon's construction projects reflect his wisdom and ability to manage resources and people. As leaders, we should seek God's wisdom in our endeavors.

Importance of Alliances
The marriage to Pharaoh's daughter highlights the significance of alliances. In our lives, we should consider the impact of our relationships and partnerships.

Balance of Priorities
Solomon's attention to both the temple and his palace complex suggests a balance between spiritual and worldly responsibilities. We should strive to maintain this balance in our own lives.

Cultural Sensitivity
By building a house for Pharaoh's daughter, Solomon showed respect for her cultural background. We should be sensitive to the cultures and traditions of others in our interactions.

Legacy of Faithfulness
Solomon's building projects were part of his legacy. We should consider what legacy we are leaving behind, particularly in terms of faithfulness to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's construction of a house for Pharaoh's daughter reflect his political and diplomatic strategies?

2. In what ways can we apply Solomon's wisdom in leadership to our own roles and responsibilities today?

3. How do the alliances we form in our lives impact our spiritual journey and relationship with God?

4. What steps can we take to ensure a balance between our spiritual commitments and worldly responsibilities?

5. How can we demonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect in our interactions with people from different backgrounds?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 3:1
This verse describes Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter, establishing the political alliance and setting the context for the construction of her house.

2 Chronicles 8:11
This passage provides additional insight into Solomon's relationship with Pharaoh's daughter and his efforts to maintain religious purity by relocating her away from the Ark of the Covenant.

1 Kings 9:24
This verse mentions the completion of the house for Pharaoh's daughter, indicating the fulfillment of Solomon's building projects.

Sermons

Building God's House and One's Own	J. Parker, D. D.	1 Kings 7:1-12
The Satisfaction of Completing a Work		1 Kings 7:1-12

People

Boaz, David, Hiram, Huram, Jachin, Naphtali, Pharaoh, Solomon

Places

Hall of Judgment, Hall of Pillars, Hall of the Throne, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jordan River, Most Holy Place, Succoth, Tyre, Zarethan

Topics

Court, Covered, Daughter, Design, Dwell, Dwelleth, Dwelt, Farther, Hall, Inward, Living-place, Maketh, Marriage, Married, Open, Palace, Pharaoh, Pharaoh's, Porch, Room, Similar, Solomon, Square, Wife, Within, Workmanship

Dictionary of Bible Themes

1 Kings 7:1-12

     5207   architecture
     5437   palaces
     5776   achievement

1 Kings 7:7-8

5119 Solomon, life of

Library

Gadara
There was a double Gadara. One at the shore of the Mediterranean sea: that was first called Gezer, 1 Kings 9:15. In Josephus, "Simon destroyed the city Gazara, and Joppe, and Jamnia."--And in the Book of the Maccabees, "And he fortified Joppe, which is on the sea, and Gazara, which is on the borders of Azotus." At length, according to the idiom of the Syrian dialect, Zain passed into Daleth; and instead of Gazara, it was called Gadara. Hence Strabo, after the mention of Jamnia, saith, "and there …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
BY REV. W. J. TOWNSEND, D.D. The Temple of Solomon was the crown of art in the old world. There were temples on a larger scale, and of more massive construction, but the enormous masses of masonry of the oldest nations were not comparable with the artistic grace, the luxurious adornments, and the harmonious proportions of this glorious House of God. David had laid up money and material for the great work, but he was not permitted to carry it out. He was a man of war, and blood-stained hands were …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Whether any Preparation and Disposition for Grace is Required on Man's Part?
Objection 1: It would seem that no preparation or disposition for grace is required on man's part, since, as the Apostle says (Rom. 4:4), "To him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt." Now a man's preparation by free-will can only be through some operation. Hence it would do away with the notion of grace. Objection 2: Further, whoever is going on sinning, is not preparing himself to have grace. But to some who are going on sinning grace is given, as is …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
I suspect a double error in some maps, while they place these two towns in Perea; much more, while they place them at so little a distance. We do not deny, indeed, that the city Adam was in Perea; but Zaretan was not so. Of Adam is mention, Joshua 3:16; where discourse is had of the cutting-off, or cutting in two, the waters of Jordan, that they might afford a passage to Israel; The waters rose up upon a heap afar off in Adam. For the textual reading "In Adam," the marginal hath "From Adam." You …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

That the Ruler Should be a Near Neighbour to Every one in Compassion, and Exalted Above all in Contemplation.
The ruler should be a near neighbour to every one in sympathy, and exalted above all in contemplation, so that through the bowels of loving-kindness he may transfer the infirmities of others to himself, and by loftiness of speculation transcend even himself in his aspiration after the invisible; lest either in seeking high things he despise the weak things of his neighbours, or in suiting himself to the weak things of his neighbours he relinquish his aspiration after high things. For hence it is …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

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

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