PHARAOH] probably one of the immediate predecessors of the Shishak (Sheshonk) mentioned in 1 Kings 11:40 is intended. HIS OWN HOUSE.. LORD] see 1 Kings 7:6. Both of these buildings were outside the limits of the city of David.... [ Continue Reading ]
SOLOMON'S CHOICE This chapter relates how Solomon, out of various gifts offered to him by the Almighty, chose wisdom, and adds an illustration of the use he made of the gift with which he was endowed.... [ Continue Reading ]
HIGH PLACES] Both the Canaanites (see Numbers 33:52; Deuteronomy 12:2) and the early Israelites (see 1 Samuel 9:12; 2 Samuel 15:30; 2 Samuel 15:32) use(i to worship on hill-tops, possibly as being nearer heaven, the dwelling-place of the Deity, or perhaps (more probably) as being the best sites for... [ Continue Reading ]
GIBEON] in the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:25). TO SACRIFICE THERE] in 2 Chronicles 13 it is stated that the Tabernacle of the congregation was at Gibeon; if so, it must have been removed thither from Shiloh when the latter place was destroyed (Jeremiah 7:12), or from Nob, to which it may have been... [ Continue Reading ]
I _am but_ A LITTLE CHILD] The words seem to imply that Solomon was quite youthful when he came to the throne; but the politic measures by which he secured his crown, as described in 1 Kings 2, suggest that he had attained to full manhood, and according to 1 Kings 14:21 he left, after a reign of 40... [ Continue Reading ]
GO OUT OR COME IN] i.e. pursue the active life of a man in his prime: cp. Numbers 27:17; 1 Samuel 18:13; Deuteronomy 31:2. 9. Solomon's prayer exhibits (_a_) a strong sense of responsibility and a conviction that high position involves corresponding duties; (_b_) a consciousness that truth and fals... [ Continue Reading ]
THE ARK OF THE COVENANT] This had been placed by David in a tent at Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:12). Solomon fitly inaugurated his reign by acts of religious worship at his capital as well as at Gibeon (1 Kings 3:4). BURNT OFFERINGS.. PEACE OFFERINGS] see on 1 Kings 8:12.... [ Continue Reading ]
HER BOWELS] i.e. her heart. 27. Give her the living child] The pronounrefers not to the last speaker but to her rival (as LXX explains).... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WISDOM OF GOD] Solomon's wisdom was divine not only in its source but in its quality.... [ Continue Reading ]