1 Kings 5:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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.

Berean Standard Bible

“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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
In 1 Kings 5:3, King Solomon initiates diplomatic correspondence with Hiram, King of Tyre, by articulating the divinely ordained reason his father, King David, was prevented from constructing a permanent temple for the Lord. Solomon explains that David's inability stemmed from the incessant warfare that surrounded him on all sides, emphasizing that the building of "an house unto the name of the LORD" could only commence once God had granted a period of profound peace by decisively subjugating Israel's enemies. This verse highlights God's sovereign timing, the specific conditions required for sacred undertakings, and the generational continuity of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the opening statement in Solomon's crucial letter to Hiram, King of Tyre, immediately following his peaceful ascension to the throne and the consolidation of his kingdom. The preceding verses [1 Kings 5:1-2](/1_kings/5-1 "1 Kings 5:1-2 - Hiram's Friendship and Solomon's Succession") establish Hiram's enduring friendship with David and his prompt congratulatory message to Solomon. Solomon's strategic outreach to Tyre was indispensable, as the Phoenician city-state possessed unparalleled expertise in timber procurement and skilled craftsmanship—resources absolutely vital for the ambitious Temple project. Solomon's respectful reference to David's unfulfilled desire functions not merely as a diplomatic courtesy but as a profound theological justification for why this monumental task now fell to him, a man of peace, rather than David, a man of war. The subsequent narrative [1 Kings 5:4-18](/1_kings/5-4 "1 Kings 5:4-18 - Solomon's Request and Agreement with Hiram") details Solomon's specific request for cedar and cypress timber, skilled laborers, and the formal covenant established between the two kings, meticulously setting the stage for the Temple's construction, which commences in [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Building of the Temple Begins").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The transition from David's reign to Solomon's marked a pivotal shift for the nascent Israelite kingdom. David had been a formidable warrior king, relentlessly expanding Israel's borders and securing its geopolitical position through numerous military campaigns against surrounding nations, including the Philistines, Ammonites, Moabites, and Arameans. His reign, though foundational for the monarchy, was characterized by perpetual conflict. Solomon, in stark contrast, inherited a remarkably stable, prosperous, and expansive kingdom. The powerful idiom "until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet" reflects a common ancient Near Eastern motif signifying absolute subjugation and decisive victory, often visually depicted in iconography where a conquering monarch literally treads upon the necks of vanquished foes. This divinely granted period of peace was not merely an absence of war but a strategic cessation of hostilities, creating the necessary conditions for the immense logistical, financial, and spiritual undertaking of building a national temple. The alliance with Tyre was also culturally significant, as Phoenician craftsmanship, particularly in carpentry and masonry, was highly esteemed throughout the ancient world, making Hiram's assistance indispensable for a project of such scale and spiritual importance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several foundational themes central to the Books of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Timing and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God meticulously orchestrates historical events and human endeavors according to His perfect, immutable plan. David's inability to build the Temple was not a personal failing but a divinely ordained deferment, a truth explicitly revealed in the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - God's Covenant with David") and reiterated in [1 Chronicles 22:7-10](/1_chronicles/22-7 "1 Chronicles 22:7-10 - David's Desire and God's Promise to Solomon"). Secondly, the theme of **Peace as a Prerequisite for Sacred Undertakings** is profoundly evident. The Temple, intended as the primary symbol of God's presence and the central place of worship, was to be constructed in a time of profound tranquility, reflecting the very nature of the God of peace. This stands in sharp contrast to David's reign, which, though divinely blessed, was marked by bloodshed. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Legacy and Generational Fulfillment**. Solomon reverently acknowledges David's earnest desire and diligent preparations, positioning himself not as an innovator but as the divinely appointed fulfiller of a sacred task passed down through his lineage, thereby legitimizing his own reign and the monumental Temple project itself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** While literally referring to a physical dwelling or structure (H1004), in this specific context, "an house unto the name of the LORD" (בַּיִת לְשֵׁם יְהוָה, _bayit l'shem Yahweh_) carries profound theological weight. It denotes a permanent, sacred temple, a dedicated sanctuary for God's presence and worship, replacing the portable tabernacle. The phrase "unto the name of the LORD" emphasizes that the temple is not merely a building *for* God, but a place where His character, authority, reputation (H8034), and unique presence are manifested, invoked, and honored. It signifies a place where His glory resides and where His people can properly worship Him.
* **Wars (Hebrew, _milchâmâh'_):** This term (H4421) refers to the constant, pervasive military conflicts and battles that characterized King David's reign. The plural form "wars" (מִלְחָמוֹת, _milchamot_) emphasizes the continuous and widespread nature of these conflicts "on every side" (H5437). This state of perpetual warfare rendered David unable to dedicate the necessary resources, time, and peaceful environment required for a project of the Temple's magnitude and sacredness. God's explicit instruction to David, as recorded in [1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David, a Man of War"), directly linked David's extensive bloodshed with his inability to build the Temple, reserving the task for his son, a man of peace.
* **Put (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root (H5414) is a versatile verb meaning "to give," but used with great latitude, including "to put," "to make," "to assign," or "to establish." In the phrase "until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet," _nâthan_ signifies God's sovereign, decisive action in establishing complete subjugation and profound peace. It highlights that the cessation of hostilities and the resulting tranquility were not achieved by human might alone, but were a direct, divinely orchestrated act. God Himself actively granted this period of rest, making the Temple's construction feasible by eliminating the external threats that had preoccupied David.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God":** Solomon begins his diplomatic communication with Hiram by appealing to Hiram's existing knowledge and long-standing relationship with David. This opening is both respectful and strategically astute, acknowledging David's profound legacy and his earnest, well-known desire to build the Temple. The phrase "could not build" (H3201, H1129) directly addresses the divine prohibition and the practical impossibility due to external circumstances, setting the theological and practical stage for Solomon's own divinely appointed role as the builder.
* **"for the wars which were about him on every side":** This clause provides the explicit, divinely sanctioned reason for David's inability to construct the Temple. The constant, surrounding warfare (H4421, H5437) consumed David's attention, military efforts, and the kingdom's resources, making it impossible to divert the immense manpower, materials, and singular focus required for a monumental and sacred building project like the Temple. This highlights the practical and spiritual incompatibility of perpetual conflict with the sacred act of building God's dwelling place.
* **"until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet":** This concluding clause reveals the divine solution and the indispensable prerequisite for the Temple's construction. It was not David's personal failing, but God's sovereign timing and intervention. The cessation of hostilities and the establishment of comprehensive, decisive peace were entirely God's doing (H3068, H5414), signifying His complete victory over Israel's adversaries. This divinely granted rest (H3709, H7272) was the necessary condition that allowed Solomon, whose name (Shlomo) is related to "shalom" (peace), to embark on the sacred task as the "man of rest."

#### Literary Devices
1 Kings 5:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Idiom**, specifically "until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet," which vividly conveys complete subjugation, decisive victory, and the establishment of profound peace. This expression was a common and potent image in ancient Near Eastern conquest narratives and iconography. There is also clear **Allusion** to the Davidic Covenant in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), where God explicitly tells David that his son, not he, will build the Temple. This verse subtly references that divine decree, legitimizing Solomon's role and connecting his actions to God's long-term plan. Furthermore, the passage employs a striking **Contrast** between David's reign of war and Solomon's anticipated reign of peace, highlighting the thematic shift necessary for the Temple's construction. This contrast underscores the theological idea that a house of peace must be built in a time of peace, reflecting a divinely ordained order. Finally, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the glorious Temple construction detailed in subsequent chapters, a monumental project made possible only by the fulfillment of the specific, divinely ordained conditions outlined here.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 5:3 is rich with profound theological implications, primarily emphasizing God's meticulous timing and sovereign control over all human affairs, including periods of war and peace. It underscores the truth that God's grand redemptive purposes are never thwarted by human limitations or adverse circumstances but are brought to fruition according to His perfect, unassailable plan. David's earnest desire to build the Temple was commendable and born of devotion, but God had a specific season and a specific person for that monumental task, demonstrating that while human intention and zeal are valued, divine orchestration and enablement are supreme. This passage teaches that significant spiritual undertakings often require a foundation of peace, stability, and divine enablement, rather than being rushed into amidst chaos or conflict. It also powerfully reinforces the concept of generational faithfulness and continuity in God's kingdom work, where one generation prepares (David) and the next fulfills (Solomon), each contributing their unique part to God's unfolding redemptive narrative.

* [2 Samuel 7:1-17](/2_samuel/7-1 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant and God's Promise to Solomon")
* [1 Chronicles 22:7-10](/1_chronicles/22-7 "1 Chronicles 22:7-10 - David's Preparations and God's Choice of Solomon")
* [Psalm 110:1](/psalm/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Dominion Over Enemies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 5:3 offers profound and practical insights for contemporary believers concerning God's timing, the nature of true peace, and our role in His ongoing work in the world. We often harbor earnest desires and visions for what we want to accomplish for God, much like David's fervent wish to build the Temple. However, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's timing is paramount. There are distinct seasons of preparation and seasons of building, and sometimes, the "wars" (whether external challenges, internal struggles, or unforeseen obstacles) in our lives prevent us from immediately pursuing certain callings or fulfilling deeply held aspirations. This is not necessarily a sign of personal failure or divine displeasure, but often an indication that God is sovereignly orchestrating circumstances, or even preparing us, for a future season of peace, readiness, and greater effectiveness. Just as the physical Temple, a symbol of God's holy presence, required a peaceful environment for its construction, so too do many significant spiritual endeavors in our lives. We are called to pursue peace—both internally (peace with God and within ourselves) and externally (peace with others)—and to trust that God will clear the way and provide the necessary tranquility for His work to be done effectively through us. Furthermore, Solomon's respectful acknowledgment of David's legacy encourages us to honor and appreciate those who have labored before us, recognizing that we often build upon foundations laid by others, contributing our unique part to a larger, generational work of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wars" or significant obstacles in your life might God be using to prepare you for a future season of "building" or a specific calling He has for you?**
* **How does understanding God's perfect timing, as exemplified in 1 Kings 5:3, encourage you to trust His process, even when your earnest desires or plans are delayed?**
* **In what practical ways can you actively cultivate "peace" in your life—both internally (spiritual and emotional peace) and externally (relational peace)—to create an environment conducive to deeper spiritual growth and more effective service?**
* **How can you intentionally honor the spiritual legacy of those who have come before you, recognizing that your efforts are often an integral part of a larger, ongoing work of God's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why was David, a man after God's own heart, prevented from building the Temple?**

Answer: David's inability to build the Temple was not due to a lack of desire, devotion, or God's favor, but rather a divinely ordained reason rooted in the nature of the Temple itself and David's specific role. As stated in [1 Kings 5:3](/1_kings/5-3 "1 Kings 5:3 - Solomon's Explanation to Hiram") and more explicitly in [1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David's Hands of Blood"), God told David, "You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight." The Temple was to be a house of peace, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people in a time of rest and tranquility. David, though chosen by God and instrumental in securing Israel's borders through conquest, was a warrior king whose hands were stained with blood from numerous battles. God reserved the task for his son, Solomon, whose name (Shlomo) is directly related to "shalom" (peace), and whose reign would be characterized by a period of relative tranquility and stability. This highlights God's specific requirements for sacred tasks and His perfect, sovereign timing in fulfilling His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 5:3, with its emphasis on a divinely granted period of peace as the indispensable prerequisite for building God's "house," finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Solomon built a magnificent physical temple, it was always a temporary dwelling, a tangible shadow pointing to a far greater, eternal reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking not of a stone structure but of the temple of His own body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). In Christ, God's true "house" or dwelling place is established, not in a building made with human hands, but in the very person of the Son, "for in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")), who, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His triumphant resurrection, definitively "put under the soles of His feet" all spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil, disarming them and triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). His decisive victory established a profound and lasting spiritual peace, a peace with God that enables the building of His spiritual temple, the Church, composed of believers who are "being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit" ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling")). Thus, the temporary, earthly peace under Solomon that allowed for the building of a physical temple foreshadowed the deeper, redemptive, and eternal peace brought by Christ, which allows for the construction of the eternal, living temple of God's people.

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 Chronicles 28:3

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

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

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

Psalms 8:6

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

Psalms 110:1

¶ 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

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

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