1 Kings 3:1

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

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 verse sets the stage for both the splendor and the eventual spiritual decline of Solomon's kingdom.

Historical and Cultural Context

Upon ascending the throne after his father King David, Solomon sought to solidify his position and secure peace for his kingdom. Marrying a daughter of Pharaoh was a common practice for powerful monarchs of the ancient Near East, symbolizing a strong diplomatic bond and alliance. Egypt was a dominant regional power, and such a union would have been seen as a shrewd political move, bringing prestige and security to the young Israelite kingdom. However, this act also stood in tension with the Mosaic Law, which cautioned against intermarriage with foreign nations to prevent the Israelites from being led astray into idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:3-4, Exodus 34:16). The verse also notes that Pharaoh's daughter was brought into the City of David (Jerusalem) until Solomon completed his ambitious building projects, including his own palace, the Temple of the LORD, and the walls of Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Political Expediency vs. Divine Command: Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter highlights the tension between what seemed politically advantageous and what God had commanded. While it secured peace, it introduced a foreign influence into the heart of Israel.
  • Foreshadowing of Compromise: This initial act of forming an alliance through marriage, though seemingly minor at the outset, tragically foreshadows Solomon's later downfall. His numerous foreign wives eventually turned his heart away from the LORD (1 Kings 11:1-8).
  • Solomon's Building Ambitions: The mention of his three major building projects (his house, the Temple, the city walls) indicates his vision for a grand and secure kingdom, reflecting the divine promise given to David concerning his son building the Temple (2 Samuel 7:13).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "made affinity" is hatan (חתן), which specifically refers to the act of becoming a son-in-law or forming a marriage alliance. It emphasizes the deep, familial bond created through this political union. This was not merely a treaty but a merging of families, which carried significant weight in ancient diplomacy.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the subtle beginnings of spiritual compromise. Even wise leaders like Solomon can be tempted to rely on worldly strategies (like political alliances) over complete trust in God's provision and commands. For believers today, it underscores the importance of guarding against influences that, while seemingly beneficial or harmless, can gradually lead one away from God's perfect will. Our ultimate security and prosperity come from obedience to God, not from human schemes or alliances that contradict His word. It reminds us to prioritize God's glory and His commands above all else, even when faced with opportunities for worldly gain or perceived security.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 9:24 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Kings 6:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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