1 Kings 7:1-12
Summary for 1Kgs 7:1-12: 7:1-12 a Before describing the Temple’s furnishings, the writer mentions the construction of Solomon’s palace complex. The multiple buildings within this complex took nearly twice as long to build (thirteen years) as the Temple (seven years, 6:38 b). The entire building project took twenty years (9:10 c). Although construction details are brief, archaeological discovery of two of Solomon’s buildings provides an idea of how this palace might have looked. Despite its grandeur, Solomon’s palace is not the author’s focus; his interest is in the Temple, God’s dwelling place.Summary for 1Kgs 7:2-5: 7:2-5 d The Palace of the Forest of Lebanon was named for the abundant use of cedar in its construction. It would house 300 gold shields (10:16-17 e) and possibly served as both treasury and armory (see 12:25-28 f; Isa 22:8 g). The Egyptian pharaoh Shishak later carried away the shields as booty (1 Kgs 14:27 h).
Summary for 1Kgs 7:6-8: 7:6-8 i The Hall of Pillars was apparently a colonnaded entry to the Hall of Justice, where Solomon sat to hear legal matters (see also 10:18-20 j). Similar throne rooms have been found in Syria and Mesopotamia.
• Solomon erected separate living quarters for Pharaoh’s daughter (see 3:1 k; 9:24 l; 2 Chr 8:11 m).
Summary for 1Kgs 7:9-11: 7:9-11 n As with the Temple, the stones for Solomon’s palace complex were high-quality stone, cut ... and trimmed to exact specifications. Similar stonework has been found at Megiddo. Cedar beams between the courses of the wall provided better protection against earthquakes.
7:12 o The great courtyard that encircled the Temple and palace complex provided a gathering place for the people (see Jer 7:1-2 p; 36:10 q).
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