1 Kings 5:3

Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.

Thou knowest {H3045} how that David {H1732} my father {H1} could {H3201} not build {H1129} an house {H1004} unto the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} his God {H430} for {H6440} the wars {H4421} which were about him on every side {H5437}, until the LORD {H3068} put {H5414} them under the soles {H3709} of his feet {H7272}.

"You know that David my father wasn't able to build a house for the name of ADONAI his God, because of the wars that beset him from every side, until ADONAI put his enemies under the soles of my feet.

“As you are well aware, due to the wars waged on all sides against my father David, he could not build a house for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD had put his enemies under his feet.

Thou knowest how that David my father could not build a house for the name of Jehovah his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until Jehovah put them under the soles of his feet.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Kings 5:3

In 1 Kings 5:3, King Solomon begins his correspondence with Hiram, King of Tyre, by explaining why his father, King David, was unable to build the magnificent temple for the Lord. This verse highlights a crucial aspect of God's timing and the conditions necessary for such a monumental divine project.

Context

This verse is part of Solomon's diplomatic outreach to Hiram, King of Tyre, seeking resources and skilled labor for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Hiram had always been a friend to David, and Solomon leverages this established relationship. Solomon's statement here serves as a historical justification and a clear indicator that the time for building the Temple—often referred to as "an house unto the name of the LORD"—had finally arrived. David had long desired to build a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:2, but God had reserved this task for Solomon, a man of peace.

Key Themes

  • Divine Timing: The verse explicitly states that David "could not build" because of continuous wars. This points to God's perfect timing, ensuring that the Temple, a symbol of peace and God's presence, would be built during a period of tranquility under Solomon's reign.
  • Peace as a Prerequisite: The cessation of hostilities, signified by the phrase "until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet," was essential. This idiom represents complete victory and subjugation of enemies, bringing about a widespread peace that allowed for the focus, resources, and stability required for such a grand project.
  • David's Legacy and Solomon's Role: Solomon respectfully acknowledges David's desire and the divine reason for its deferment, thereby legitimizing his own role in fulfilling David's vision. David prepared extensively for the Temple, but Solomon was the one destined to build it (1 Chronicles 22:8).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet" is a vivid Hebrew idiom signifying complete conquest and submission. It illustrates the decisive victory God granted over Israel's adversaries, establishing a period of profound peace. This peace was not merely an absence of war, but a divinely orchestrated rest, enabling Solomon to embark on the monumental task of constructing the Temple, which he would begin in 1 Kings 6:1.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Kings 5:3 offers several insights:

  • God's Perfect Timing: Just as God had a specific time for the Temple's construction, He also has perfect timing for our lives and endeavors. We may desire to accomplish great things for God, but He may be preparing the circumstances, or us, for a future season of peace and readiness.
  • Preparation and Peace: Significant spiritual endeavors often require a foundation of peace and stability. While we are called to spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12), there are also seasons where God grants rest to enable building and growth in His Kingdom.
  • Fulfilling a Legacy: Solomon's work was a continuation of David's vision. Similarly, we often build upon the spiritual foundations laid by those who came before us, contributing to God's ongoing work through generations.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 28:3 (8 votes)

    But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou [hast been] a man of war, and hast shed blood.

  • 1 Chronicles 22:8 (5 votes)

    But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:25 (3 votes)

    For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

  • Psalms 8:6 (2 votes)

    Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all [things] under his feet:

  • Psalms 110:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

  • Joshua 10:24 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.

  • 1 Chronicles 22:4 (2 votes)

    Also cedar trees in abundance: for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.