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1 Kings 7

1 Kings 7:8

Solomon’s Palace Complex · 1 Kings 7:1–12
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Translations

Modern
And the palace where Solomon would live, set further back, was of similar construction. He also made a palace like this hall for Pharaoh’s daughter, whom he had married.
Traditional
And his house where he dwelt 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 unto this porch.
Literal
And the house where he dwelt there had another court inside the porch. It was of like workmanship as this and he made a house for the daughter of Pharaoh—whom Solomon had taken—like this porch.
Latin
Et domuncula, in qua sedebatur ad judicandum, erat in media porticu simili opere. Domum quoque fecit filiæ Pharaonis (quam uxorem duxerat Salomon) tali opere, quali et hanc porticum.

Original

Hebrew
English
And the palace where Solomon would live, set further back, was of similar construction. He also made a palace like this hall for Pharaoh’s daughter, whom he had married.

Notes

1 Kings 7:6–8

  • There was a columned entrance to the Hall of Justice, where Solomon listened to legal cases (see also 1 Kings 10:18–20). Similar throne rooms have been discovered in Syria and Mesopotamia.

  • Solomon built separate living quarters for Pharaoh’s daughter (see 1 Kings 3:1; 9:24; 2 Chronicles 8:11).

1 Kings 7:1–12

Before describing the temple's furnishings, the writer talks about the construction of Solomon's palace complex. Building this complex took almost twice as long (thirteen years) as building the temple (seven years, 1 Kings 6:38). The entire project lasted twenty years (1 Kings 9:10). Although construction details are brief, archaeological finds of two of Solomon's buildings give us an idea of the palace's appearance. Despite its grandeur, Solomon's palace is not the main focus; the author is more interested in the temple, where God resides.

1 Kings 6:1–8:66

The construction of the Temple and palace complex, along with the temple's dedication celebration, are key events in the 1 Kings account of Solomon's time. The temple, built to honor God, was Israel's most important building. Therefore, the writer of 1 Kings documented its construction details thoroughly.

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon Ancient Law Codes Solomon’s Wisdom

Events

People

Pharaoh: Egyptian Pharaoh during Solomon's reign Solomon: Son of David, king of Israel, known for his wisdom

Glossary

Beam Kings, Books of First and Second Palace Pharaoh’s Daughter Porch Solomon (Person) Temple

Topics

Palace of Solomon Solomon: Builds Another House for Pharaoh's Daughter Solomon: Builds his Palace