Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's: Palace

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Topical Encyclopedia

Solomon's Palace, often referred to as the "House of the Forest of Lebanon," is a significant structure built by King Solomon, the son of King David, in Jerusalem. This palace is part of a larger complex that includes the Temple of Solomon, which is central to the religious and cultural life of ancient Israel. The construction of Solomon's Palace is detailed in the biblical account found in 1 Kings 7 and 2 Chronicles 8.

Construction and Design

The construction of Solomon's Palace took thirteen years, as recorded in 1 Kings 7:1: "Solomon, however, took thirteen years to complete the construction of his entire palace." This period reflects the grandeur and complexity of the project. The palace was built using the finest materials, including cedar from Lebanon, which was highly prized for its quality and durability. The use of cedar is emphasized in 1 Kings 7:2: "He built the House of the Forest of Lebanon; it was a hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high, with four rows of cedar pillars supporting cedar beams."

The palace's name, "House of the Forest of Lebanon," likely derives from the extensive use of cedar wood, creating an impression reminiscent of a forest. The structure featured a series of rooms and halls, including the Hall of Pillars, the Hall of the Throne (or Hall of Judgment), and the king's own residence. The Hall of the Throne was particularly significant, as it was where Solomon rendered judgments and conducted state affairs.

Architectural Features

Solomon's Palace was renowned for its architectural beauty and intricate craftsmanship. The palace complex included a large courtyard, surrounded by colonnades and adorned with artistic decorations. The use of precious stones and gold further enhanced its splendor, reflecting Solomon's wealth and the prosperity of Israel during his reign.

The palace also featured a special section for Pharaoh's daughter, whom Solomon had married, as noted in 1 Kings 7:8: "And the house where he would live, set farther back from the hall, was similar in design. Solomon also made a house like this hall for Pharaoh’s daughter, whom he had married."

Religious and Cultural Significance

While Solomon's Palace served as the royal residence and administrative center, it also held religious significance. The proximity of the palace to the Temple of Solomon underscored the close relationship between the monarchy and the religious life of Israel. The palace complex was a symbol of God's blessing upon Solomon and the nation, as Solomon's wisdom and wealth were seen as gifts from God.

The construction of the palace, alongside the Temple, fulfilled the promise made to David that his son would build a house for the Lord (2 Samuel 7:12-13). This promise is echoed in 1 Kings 9:1-3, where the Lord appears to Solomon after the completion of the Temple and the palace, affirming His covenant with Solomon and the people of Israel.

Historical Context

Solomon's reign marked a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity for Israel. The construction of the palace and the Temple represented the zenith of Israel's political and economic power. The grandeur of Solomon's Palace was a testament to the king's ability to forge alliances, such as his marriage to Pharaoh's daughter, and to maintain a stable and prosperous kingdom.

The biblical narrative highlights Solomon's wisdom and administrative skills, which were instrumental in the successful completion of such an ambitious building project. However, it also serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of wealth and power, as Solomon's later years were marked by challenges and a turning away from some of the principles that had guided his early reign.

Biblical References

· 1 Kings 7:1-12
· 2 Chronicles 8:1-6
· 1 Kings 9:1-9

These passages provide a detailed account of the construction, design, and significance of Solomon's Palace, offering insight into the historical and spiritual context of this remarkable edifice.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 29:1,19
Furthermore David the king said to all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God has chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Solomon's Reign.
... Besides the temple, palace and other great buildings at the capitol, Solomon
undertook various other great building enterprises. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xii solomons reign.htm

The Story of Solomon and his Temple
... ready great store of precious things for the temple; also stone ... had other sons who
were older than Solomon; and one ... longer able to go out of his palace, and to ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of solomon and.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... mention of the Corinthian ornaments of architecture in Solomon's palace by Josephus ...
ancient orders of architecture were taken from Solomon's temple, as from ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... it Jerusalem, or the vision of peace, fortified it, built a palace there, and ... hallowed
by its being offered to build and adorn the Temple, Solomon's great work ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

The Building of the Golden House.
... Solomon also built a wonderful house for himself, and another ... so that after she had
seen all his palace, and his ... by which he went up to the temple, she said ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm

The Temple and Its Dedication
... At last the temple planned by King David, and built by Solomon ... "All that came into
Solomon's heart to ... And now, in order that the palace crowning the heights of ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

A Royal Seeker after Wisdom
... respectfully to wisdom, if it lived in a palace, than in ... to any knowledge of the
God of the Temple, and the ... Solomon did in it what Israel was meant to do for ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a royal seeker after wisdom.htm

The Priest of the World and King of Men
... that seem to have been meant for palace or shrine. ... Beware lest God's grand temple
should be built up ... house which the King greater than Solomon is building still ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the priest of the world.htm

The Description of Jerusalem.
... also bends again towards the east at Solomon's pool, and ... of it that stood northward
of the temple, and joined ... that might make it appear to be a royal palace. ...
/.../chapter 4 the description of.htm

"If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have ...
... that made it at first a glorious palace for God ... so he enlivens this tabernacle or
temple, he kindles ... the soul that hath it, more than all Solomon's glory could ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxiv if so be.htm