1 Kings 4 — Solomon’s Officials, Wealth, and Wisdom
1 Kings 5 — Preparations for Building the Temple
1 Kings 6 — Solomon Builds the Temple
1 Kings 7 — Solomon Builds His Palace, the Temple Furnishings
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Some interesting notes:
– Solomon created 12 district governors, “each one had to provide supplies for one month” (1 Kings 4:7). The NIV Study Bible notes suggest this “violated traditional tribal boundaries…contributing to the disruption of the united kingdom.”
– The name Ben-[name] means “son of”
– “He was wiser than anyone else…spoke about plant life…animals and birds, reptiles and fish…” (4:31-33). Solomon was a scientist, writer, scholar, etc., even an architect.
– “The word of the Lord came to Solomon…’As for the temple you are building, if you follow…I will fulfill…'” the promise made to David (6:11-13)
– Hiram, king of Tyre, helps out again by providing supplies to build the temple (previously provided supplies to build David’s palace, 2 Samuel 5:11). Solomon amassed a huge workforce to build the temple (see 5:13-18). He employed Huram from Tyre (with tribal heritage from Naphtali) as a “skilled craftsman in bronze” (7:14). “Huram finished all the work he had undertaken for King Solomon” (7:40).
– Approximate dimensions: 90′ long x 30′ wide and 45′ high (kinda like a narrow and tall basketball court)(see 6:2-3).
The passage that caught my attention in particular: “During Solomon’s lifetime Judah and Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, lived in safety, everyone under their own vine and under their own fig tree” (4:25). Solomon has the Lord’s support and everyone lives in peace, no talk of war and bloodshed in this narrative…nice break. But it’s interesting to note the language of “Judah and Israel” as it sets up the divided kingdom that’s coming relatively soon. Although there is peace during Solomon’s reign, the people still see themselves as Judah and Israel, tribal loyalties run deep. Also, there is a great deal of forced labor, but no indication of rebellion. Somehow Solomon was able to balance the labor force while meeting the people’s needs. The text spends a lot of time describing the work, but not enough time explaining Solomon’s amazing diplomacy: these are the nuggets of gold to look for, yet details are scarce. The phrase, “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight” (4:29) will have to suffice. It’s simple, but Trust in God, ask for his wisdom, lean on his understanding in all things, and we will be blessed. Solomon is attributed with great wisdom, but he attributes this to God.