Solomon spends thirteen years building his own palace complex, including the House of the Forest of Lebanon (one hundred by fifty by thirty cubits with cedar pillars and beams), the Hall of Pillars, the Hall of the Throne for judgment, his residence, and a house for Pharaoh's daughter. Hiram of Tyre, a bronze craftsman, casts the two pillars Jachin and Boaz for the temple entrance, each eighteen cubits high with capitals decorated with pomegranates and lily-work. He makes the molten sea - ten cubits across, holding two thousand baths, resting on twelve oxen - plus ten bronze stands with basins, pots, shovels, and basins. Solomon places all the gold furnishings - altar, table for showbread, lampstands, and various utensils - bringing in the silver and gold David had dedicated.
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Read 1 Kings Chapter 7 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
David's son, wisest and wealthiest king, builder of the temple, but later fell into idolatry
Prophet who confronted Baal worship and demonstrated God's power on Mount Carmel
Wicked king of Israel who promoted Baal worship through his wife Jezebel
Ahab's Phoenician wife who promoted Baal worship and persecuted God's prophets
Solomon's son whose harsh policies caused the kingdom to divide
Ruler of Egypt during the Exodus
Sixth Son of Jacob, a Hind Let Loose
Kinsman-Redeemer, Husband of Ruth
King of Israel
Places in This Chapter
The Temple in Jerusalem was the permanent house of worship built by Solomon on Mount Moriah. Destroyed by Babylon, it was rebuilt by Zerubbabel and later greatly expanded by Herod. Jesus taught in the Temple courts, cleared it of merchants, and predicted its destruction, which occurred in 70 AD.
Succoth (meaning "booths" or "shelters") refers to multiple locations. In Egypt, it was the first stopping place of the Israelites during the Exodus. East of the Jordan, Jacob built a house and made booths for his livestock at Succoth after reconciling with Esau. Gideon punished the elders of Succoth for refusing to help him pursue the Midianites.
Position in Book
Solomon becomes king, receives wisdom, builds the temple, but later turns to idolatry.