1 Kings 3:1

KJV

¶ And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Solomon {H8010} made affinity {H2859} with Pharaoh {H6547} king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714}, and took {H3947} Pharaoh's {H6547} daughter {H1323}, and brought {H935} her into the city {H5892} of David {H1732}, until he had made an end {H3615} of building {H1129} his own house {H1004}, and the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and the wall {H2346} of Jerusalem {H3389} round about {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo formed an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying Pharaoh's daughter. He brought her into the City of David, [where she lived] until he had finished building his own palace, the house of ADONAI and the wall around Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

Later, Solomon formed an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying his daughter. Solomon brought her to the City of David until he had finished building his palace and the house of the LORD, as well as the wall around Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh’s daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of Jehovah, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 3:1 introduces King Solomon's reign with a significant political and personal decision: his marriage alliance with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. This strategic union, sealed by taking Pharaoh's daughter as his wife, served to solidify his nascent kingdom's security and prestige in the ancient Near East. The verse also highlights Solomon's ambitious building agenda, noting that Pharaoh's daughter was housed in the City of David until the completion of his own palace, the Temple of the LORD, and the extensive walls of Jerusalem, thereby setting the stage for both the grandeur and the eventual spiritual compromises of his reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the consolidation of Solomon's power at the end of [1 Kings 2](/1_kings/2 "1 Kings 2 - Solomon Consolidates His Kingdom"), where he systematically eliminates potential rivals and threats to his throne, including Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei. Having secured his position internally, [1 Kings 3:1](/1_kings/3-1 "1 Kings 3:1 - Solomon's Alliance with Pharaoh") shifts the focus to his foreign policy, marking the beginning of his established reign and his interactions with surrounding nations. It serves as a crucial prelude to the narrative of God's appearance to Solomon in Gibeon, where Solomon requests wisdom, as detailed in [1 Kings 3:4-15](/1_kings/3-4-15 "1 Kings 3:4-15 - Solomon Asks for Wisdom"). Furthermore, this verse foreshadows the detailed accounts of his extensive building projects, particularly the Temple, which are elaborated upon in subsequent chapters, specifically [1 Kings 5-8](/1_kings/5-8 "1 Kings 5-8 - Construction of the Temple"). The marriage alliance, though seemingly a shrewd political move, subtly introduces a theme of compromise that will tragically unfold in later chapters of Solomon's life, culminating in his spiritual decline.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, marriage alliances between royal families were a common and powerful tool for establishing diplomatic ties, securing borders, and enhancing a kingdom's prestige. Egypt, at this time, was a dominant regional power, and a marital bond with its Pharaoh was an extraordinary achievement for a relatively young kingdom like Israel. Such a union would have been perceived as a significant political triumph, granting Solomon access to Egyptian resources, knowledge, and military support, thereby ensuring peace and stability. However, this act stood in direct tension with the Mosaic Law, which explicitly warned against intermarriage with foreign nations to prevent the Israelites from being led astray into idolatry and away from exclusive devotion to Yahweh, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage") and [Exodus 34:16](/exodus/34-16 "Exodus 34:16 - Warning Against Foreign Alliances"). The mention of the "City of David" refers to the ancient Jebusite stronghold in Jerusalem, conquered by David, which served as the royal capital and was where Pharaoh's daughter initially resided before Solomon's grand palace was completed.
* **Key Themes:** Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter immediately introduces the tension between **Political Expediency vs. Divine Command**. While seemingly a wise geopolitical strategy, it directly contravened God's clear instructions regarding foreign alliances and intermarriage, highlighting a subtle but significant deviation from covenant faithfulness. This act also serves as a crucial **Foreshadowing of Compromise**, setting a dangerous precedent for Solomon's later, more egregious spiritual compromises. The initial, seemingly minor, act of taking a foreign wife tragically prefigures his eventual downfall, as his numerous foreign wives ultimately [turned his heart away from the LORD](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Turned by Foreign Wives"), as explicitly stated in [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1-8 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Many Foreign Wives and Idolatry"). Furthermore, the verse underscores **Solomon's Grand Building Ambitions**, detailing his plans for his own magnificent palace, the magnificent Temple of the LORD, and the fortification of Jerusalem's walls. These projects reflect his vision for a powerful and secure kingdom, fulfilling, in part, the divine promise given to David concerning his son building the Temple, as recorded in [2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "2 Samuel 7:13 - God's Promise to David Regarding the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **affinity (Hebrew, _ḥātan'_):** This verb (H2859) means "to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage." The use of _ḥātan_ emphasizes that Solomon's action was not merely a political treaty or a casual agreement, but the forging of a deep, personal, and familial bond with the Egyptian royal house. This highlights the profound nature of the alliance and its implications, as it integrated a foreign, pagan influence directly into the royal household of Israel, signifying a formal and binding relationship.
* **daughter (Hebrew, _bath'_):** From H1323, this word means "a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)." The explicit mention of "Pharaoh's daughter" underscores the immense political and social status of this woman. Marrying the daughter of the reigning Egyptian monarch was an unparalleled diplomatic feat, signifying the highest level of international recognition and alliance. It was a clear statement of Israel's rising power and Solomon's shrewdness on the world stage. However, from a theological perspective, it also highlights the magnitude of the compromise, as she represented the epitome of a foreign, idolatrous influence entering the sacred space of God's chosen people.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This noun (H1004) refers to "a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); court, palace, temple." The term is used twice in the verse, referring to "his own house" (Solomon's palace) and "the house of the LORD" (the Temple). This dual usage immediately creates a thematic tension, juxtaposing Solomon's personal ambition and lavishness with his sacred duty to build a dwelling for God. It subtly hints at the king's divided priorities and the potential for his own desires to overshadow his devotion to Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt":** This clause establishes the primary action of the verse: Solomon initiated and secured a formal marriage alliance with the most powerful ruler of the region. This was a strategic political move, demonstrating Solomon's diplomatic prowess and his desire to secure his kingdom through international relations rather than solely relying on divine protection. It marked a significant departure from previous Israelite foreign policy, which often emphasized separation from surrounding nations.
* **"and took Pharaoh's daughter":** This specifies the means by which the affinity was established—through marriage to the Pharaoh's daughter. This act involved bringing a foreign princess, and by extension, her culture, customs, and potentially her gods, directly into the heart of Israel's royal family. It was a personal embodiment of the political alliance, symbolizing the integration of a foreign power into the very fabric of the Israelite monarchy.
* **"and brought her into the city of David":** This indicates her initial residence. The City of David, or ancient Jerusalem, was the capital and the spiritual center of Israel, housing the Ark of the Covenant (though the Temple was not yet built). Her presence here, a foreign princess in the sacred city, immediately sets up a subtle tension between the worldly ambitions of the king and the spiritual purity expected of Israel, foreshadowing future conflicts arising from such foreign entanglements.
* **"until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.":** This final clause provides the temporal context for Pharaoh's daughter's residence in the City of David. It reveals Solomon's grand vision for his kingdom, encompassing three massive construction projects: his personal palace (symbolizing his royal power and luxury), the Temple of the LORD (symbolizing his devotion and Israel's spiritual center), and the defensive walls of Jerusalem (symbolizing national security and the fortification of the capital). The delay in moving her to a more suitable royal residence suggests the immense scale and priority of these building endeavors, which would define much of his early reign.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Solomon's initial act of marrying Pharaoh's daughter, though seemingly a shrewd political move, subtly hints at the future spiritual compromises and eventual apostasy that will plague his reign, ultimately leading to the kingdom's division as detailed in [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Apostasy"). There is also a strong element of **Juxtaposition**, as the worldly alliance with Egypt and the building of Solomon's own lavish "house" are placed alongside the sacred task of building "the house of the LORD." This contrast highlights the inherent tension between Solomon's human ambition and his divine calling, suggesting a potential conflict of priorities. Furthermore, a touch of **Irony** is present: Solomon, who would soon be renowned for his unparalleled wisdom granted by God (as recorded in [1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom")), begins his reign with an act that directly contravenes the Mosaic Law, setting a precedent for the very folly that would later undermine his kingdom and spiritual integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse lays bare the perennial tension between human wisdom and divine command, a theme central to the biblical narrative. Solomon, despite his God-given wisdom, chose a path of political expediency over strict obedience to the Mosaic Law. His decision to "make affinity with Pharaoh" through marriage, while strategically sound from a worldly perspective, represented a fundamental distrust in God's ability to provide ultimate security and prosperity for His people. This act, though seemingly minor, initiated a pattern of compromise that would tragically culminate in widespread idolatry and the eventual division of the kingdom. It underscores the biblical principle that true security and blessing come not from human alliances or accumulated wealth, but from unwavering faithfulness to God's covenant. The narrative implicitly critiques the syncretistic tendencies that often arise when God's people attempt to blend divine principles with worldly practices for perceived gain, ultimately leading to spiritual decay and a departure from exclusive devotion to Yahweh.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage with Foreign Nations")
* [Exodus 34:16](/exodus/34-16 "Exodus 34:16 - Warning Against Covenant with Inhabitants of the Land")
* [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1-8 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Foreign Wives and Apostasy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter serves as a profound cautionary tale for believers today. It highlights how spiritual compromise can begin subtly, often cloaked in the guise of "good intentions," "political necessity," or "strategic advantage." Solomon's initial deviation from God's clear command, though perhaps not immediately leading to overt idolatry, opened a door for foreign influences that would eventually corrupt his heart and the nation. This reminds us that our ultimate security and success do not lie in worldly alliances, human schemes, or even great wealth and power, but in absolute trust and unwavering obedience to God's Word. We must be vigilant against the temptation to prioritize perceived worldly benefits over divine principles, recognizing that even small compromises can have far-reaching and devastating spiritual consequences. Our calling is to live by faith, trusting God's provision and protection, rather than relying on the "arm of flesh" or the wisdom of this world, which often leads to spiritual shipwreck.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to make "affinity" with worldly systems or values that subtly contradict God's commands, even if they seem advantageous?**
* **How can I ensure that my pursuit of security, success, or influence does not lead me to compromise my devotion and obedience to God?**
* **What are the "building projects" in my life (career, family, ministry) that might inadvertently distract me from prioritizing God's will and His kingdom above all else?**

### FAQ
**Why was marrying Pharaoh's daughter considered problematic, given Solomon's wisdom and political savvy?**

Answer: While politically astute, marrying Pharaoh's daughter was problematic because it directly violated specific Mosaic Laws. [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage") explicitly commanded Israel not to intermarry with foreign nations, stating, "for they will turn your sons away from following me to serve other gods." Similarly, [Exodus 34:16](/exodus/34-16 "Exodus 34:16 - Warning Against Covenants with Foreigners") warned against making covenants with the inhabitants of the land, which could lead to participating in their idolatry. Solomon's act, therefore, was a compromise of covenant faithfulness. It introduced a foreign, pagan influence into the royal household, setting a dangerous precedent that would eventually lead to his heart being turned away from the LORD by his many foreign wives and their gods, as tragically recounted in [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Apostasy and Decline"). From a divine perspective, it demonstrated a reliance on human power and alliances rather than complete trust in God's provision and protection for Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon, the wise king and builder of the first Temple, stands as a poignant type and shadow of Christ, yet ultimately falls short of perfect obedience. His marriage to Pharaoh's daughter, a strategic alliance with a worldly power, highlights his reliance on human wisdom and strength, a stark contrast to the true King. Jesus, the greater Solomon, does not seek alliances with earthly powers or compromise divine truth for political gain. His kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), and His authority comes from perfect obedience to the Father, not from geopolitical maneuvers or worldly wisdom. While Solomon built a physical temple, which would eventually be destroyed, Christ is the builder of a spiritual Temple, His Church, composed of living stones ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Household and Temple")), a dwelling place for God's Spirit that will never be destroyed. Unlike Solomon, whose heart was eventually led astray by foreign wives and their gods, Jesus perfectly maintained His devotion to God, proving Himself to be the faithful Son over God's house ([Hebrews 3:3-6](/hebrews/3-3-6 "Hebrews 3:3-6 - Christ Greater Than Moses")). Solomon's initial compromise foreshadows the need for a perfect King who would fully embody God's wisdom and faithfulness, a role perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who secured true peace and an eternal kingdom through His perfect sacrifice and resurrection, not through worldly alliances, but through divine power and unwavering faithfulness.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 9:24

But Pharaoh's daughter came up out of the city of David unto her house which [Solomon] had built for her: then did he build Millo.

1 Kings 11:1

¶ But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, [and] Hittites;

2 Samuel 5:7

Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same [is] the city of David.

1 Kings 6:1

¶ And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which [is] the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD.

1 Kings 7:15

For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about.

2 Chronicles 8:11

And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because [the places are] holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come.

2 Chronicles 2:1

¶ And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.