Topical Bible: Solomon: Builds Another House for Pharaoh's Daughter

◄ Solomon: Builds Another House for Pharaoh's Daughter ►

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In the biblical narrative, King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and wealth, undertakes the construction of a house for Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had taken as his wife. This event is recorded in the context of Solomon's extensive building projects, which include the construction of the Temple of the LORD and his own royal palace.

Biblical Context

The account of Solomon building a house for Pharaoh's daughter is found in 1 Kings 7:8 and 2 Chronicles 8:11. These passages highlight Solomon's efforts to accommodate his Egyptian wife, reflecting both his political alliances and his commitment to maintaining the sanctity of the sacred spaces in Jerusalem.

1 Kings 7:8 states: "And the house where he was to live, set back from the portico, was of similar construction. Solomon also made a house like this portico for Pharaoh’s daughter, whom he had married."

2 Chronicles 8:11 further elaborates: "Solomon brought Pharaoh’s daughter up from the City of David to the palace he had built for her, for he said, 'My wife must not live in the house of King David of Israel, because the places to which the ark of the LORD has come are holy.'"

Significance of the Construction

The construction of a separate house for Pharaoh's daughter is significant for several reasons:

1. Political Alliance: Marrying Pharaoh's daughter was a strategic move by Solomon to secure a political alliance with Egypt, one of the major powers of the ancient Near East. This marriage symbolized a bond between Israel and Egypt, enhancing Solomon's international standing and influence.

2. Religious Considerations: Solomon's decision to build a separate residence for his Egyptian wife underscores his awareness of the religious implications of her presence in Jerusalem. By relocating her from the City of David, Solomon sought to preserve the holiness of the areas associated with the Ark of the Covenant. This action reflects his respect for the sanctity of the sacred sites and his desire to prevent any potential religious syncretism.

3. Architectural Ambition: The construction of a house for Pharaoh's daughter is part of Solomon's broader architectural endeavors, which include the Temple and his own palace. These projects demonstrate his ambition and the prosperity of his reign. The house for Pharaoh's daughter, described as being of similar construction to other royal buildings, indicates the opulence and grandeur characteristic of Solomon's era.

Theological Implications

Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter and the subsequent construction of her house raise theological questions about the king's adherence to the covenantal laws of Israel. Deuteronomy 7:3-4 warns against intermarriage with foreign nations, lest they lead the Israelites to idolatry. While Solomon's actions were politically astute, they foreshadow the spiritual compromises that would later mark his reign, as he took many foreign wives who turned his heart toward other gods (1 Kings 11:1-4).

Conclusion

The building of a house for Pharaoh's daughter is a multifaceted event in Solomon's reign, reflecting his political acumen, religious sensitivity, and architectural ambition. It serves as a reminder of the complexities faced by a king who sought to balance the demands of governance with the spiritual obligations of his covenant with the LORD.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 7:8-12
And his house where he dwelled had another court within the porch, which was of the like work. Solomon made also an house for Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had taken to wife, like to this porch.
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1 Kings 9:24
But Pharaoh's daughter came up out of the city of David to her house which Solomon had built for her: then did he build Millo.
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2 Chronicles 8:11
And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David to the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD has come.
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Ecclesiastes 2:4
I made me great works; I built me houses; I planted me vineyards:
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Library

Chapter xlvii
... dated from 1680-1580 BC This assumption builds on the ... Israelites did in the days
of David and Solomon. ... Another diplomatic move on Joseph's part was to settle ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvii.htm

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... Gessen had a temple which they likened to Solomon's temple, but ... JOSEPH BUILDS A PLACE
FOR JEWISH PRAYER ... one on each side of the Nile, and another called Babylon ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ...
... Who comes from the north, and builds the Temple ... up seven nations before Israel, while
Solomon reigned over ... have already quoted this passage in another place, as ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix ix list of old.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... even Ahura-mazda himself, had vied with one another in their ... that "where a worshipper
of Ahura-mazda builds a house ... pions men, or to build them a house, to give ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm