1 Kings 7:8

And his house where he dwelt [had] another court within the porch, [which] was of the like work. Solomon made also an house for Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had taken [to wife], like unto this porch.

And his house {H1004} where he dwelt {H3427} had another {H312} court {H2691} within {H1004} the porch {H197}, which was of the like work {H4639}. Solomon {H8010} made {H6213} also an house {H1004} for Pharaoh's {H6547} daughter {H1323}, whom he had taken {H3947} to wife, like unto this porch {H197}.

His own living quarters, in the other courtyard, set back from the Hall, were similarly designed. He also made a house like this Hall for Pharaoh's daughter, whom Shlomo had taken as his wife.

And the palace where Solomon would live, set further back, was of similar construction. He also made a palace like this hall for Pharaoh’s daughter, whom he had married.

And his house where he was to dwell, the other court within the porch, was of the like work. He made also a house for Pharaoh’s daughter (whom Solomon had taken to wife), like unto this porch.

Commentary

1 Kings 7:8 is part of a detailed account of King Solomon's extensive building projects in Jerusalem, specifically focusing on his royal palace. Following the completion of the magnificent Temple of the Lord, which took seven years to build (1 Kings 6:38), Solomon then embarked on constructing his own palace, a project that took even longer—thirteen years (1 Kings 7:1).

This verse offers a glimpse into the private quarters of Solomon's residence and highlights a significant political aspect of his reign: his marriage to Pharaoh's daughter.

Context

The book of 1 Kings describes the height of Israel's power and prosperity under King Solomon. Chapter 7 transitions from the construction of the sacred Temple to the detailed description of Solomon's secular building projects, particularly his vast palace complex. This complex included several distinct structures: the House of the Forest of Lebanon, the Hall of Pillars, the Hall of the Throne (or Hall of Judgment), and his personal dwelling. Verse 8 describes a private, inner court within Solomon's own house, emphasizing its luxurious and consistent design, mirroring the grandeur of the more public areas. Crucially, it also mentions the construction of a separate, equally grand residence for Pharaoh's daughter, whom Solomon had taken as his wife, a pivotal event first noted in 1 Kings 3:1.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Royal Grandeur and Wealth: The description of Solomon's personal dwelling having "another court within the porch" and a separate, elaborate house for Pharaoh's daughter underscores the unparalleled opulence, wealth, and power of Solomon's reign. His palace was a testament to his immense resources and architectural ambition, reflecting a kingdom at its zenith (1 Kings 10:23).
  • Architectural Excellence and Consistency: The phrase "of the like work" indicates a high standard of craftsmanship and a consistent aesthetic applied throughout the sprawling royal complex. This suggests meticulous planning and execution, ensuring that even the more private areas of the palace maintained the same level of quality and design as the grand public halls.
  • Political Alliances and Their Implications: The specific mention of a dedicated house for Pharaoh's daughter highlights the strategic political alliances Solomon forged. While such a marriage to the daughter of the Egyptian pharaoh was a significant diplomatic achievement, solidifying Israel's standing among regional powers, it also represented a potential spiritual compromise. The Mosaic Law prohibited intermarriage with foreign nations to prevent the introduction of idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). Later, Solomon's many foreign wives did indeed lead his heart astray (1 Kings 11:1-8).

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's phrase "of the like work" translates the Hebrew *mimma'asehu* (מִמַּעֲשֵׂהוּ), which literally means "from its work" or "according to its making." This emphasizes that the construction and artistic style of the inner court and Pharaoh's daughter's house were identical to, or consistent with, the overall grand design of the palace complex. It speaks to a unified architectural vision and a commitment to high-quality materials and craftsmanship throughout the royal residence.

Practical Application

While describing ancient construction, 1 Kings 7:8 offers modern reflections:

  • Priorities in Building: Solomon spent more time building his own palace than the Temple of God. This can serve as a reminder for individuals and communities to examine their priorities, ensuring that spiritual foundations and the Lord's work are not overshadowed by the pursuit of personal comfort, worldly success, or grand achievements (Haggai 1:4).
  • The Dangers of Compromise: Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter, though politically advantageous, ultimately contributed to his spiritual downfall. This highlights the potential dangers of alliances or relationships that, while seemingly beneficial, can compromise one's faith or lead away from God's commands (2 Corinthians 6:14).
  • Excellence in Craftsmanship: The consistent quality "of the like work" throughout Solomon's buildings can inspire us to pursue excellence in all our endeavors, whether in our professional lives, personal projects, or service within the community, doing everything as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 8:11 (6 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.

  • 1 Kings 3:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • 1 Kings 9:24 (3 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.

  • 2 Kings 20:4 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,