1 Kings 9:1

¶ And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do,

And it came to pass, when Solomon {H8010} had finished {H3615} the building {H1129} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and the king's {H4428} house {H1004}, and all Solomon's {H8010} desire {H2837} which he was pleased {H2654} to do {H6213},

After Shlomo had finished building the house of ADONAI, the royal palace and everything else he wanted to build for himself,

Now when Solomon had finished building the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and had achieved all that he had desired to do,

And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of Jehovah, and the king’s house, and all Solomon’s desire which he was pleased to do,

Commentary

1 Kings 9:1 marks a pivotal moment in the reign of King Solomon, signifying the successful completion of his monumental building projects. This verse sets the stage for God's subsequent appearance to Solomon, underscoring divine attention to human endeavor, especially when dedicated to His glory.

Context

This verse immediately follows the detailed accounts of the construction of the Temple of the LORD and Solomon's own royal palace. The Temple, a magnificent structure dedicated to God's worship, took seven years to complete (1 Kings 6:38). His personal residence, the "king's house" (a complex of buildings including the House of the Forest of Lebanon, the Hall of Pillars, and the Hall of the Throne), was an even longer undertaking, requiring thirteen years (1 Kings 7:1). The phrase "all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do" indicates that not only these two primary structures but also all other significant architectural and infrastructural projects Solomon envisioned for his kingdom of Israel had reached fruition.

Key Themes

  • Completion and Fulfillment: The verse highlights the culmination of decades of national effort and Solomon's personal vision. It signifies a period of stability and achievement in Israel, marked by the physical manifestation of God's dwelling among His people and the establishment of a strong royal administration.
  • Divine Recognition: The completion of these significant works, particularly the Temple, is a prerequisite for God's next direct interaction with Solomon. It underscores that God takes notice of human labor, especially when it is undertaken with faith and dedication to His purposes. This moment serves as a transition from building to divine revelation and covenant reaffirmation.
  • Solomon's Authority and Wealth: The ability to undertake and complete such vast projects speaks volumes about Solomon's immense wealth, wisdom, and organizational capabilities, fulfilling the prosperity promised to Israel under his reign.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do" (Hebrew: kol chephetz Shlomo asher chaphetz la'asot) emphasizes the comprehensiveness of his achievements. Chephetz can mean desire, pleasure, or purpose. It suggests that Solomon had not only completed the necessary religious and governmental buildings but had also realized all his personal architectural aspirations, bringing a sense of satisfaction and completion to his major undertakings.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Kings 9:1 offers several insights:

  • The Value of Completion: Just as Solomon brought his great projects to a successful close, there is value in persevering to complete tasks and fulfill commitments, whether personal, professional, or spiritual.
  • Preparation for God's Next Move: Often, God reveals His next steps or reconfirms His promises after we have diligently completed the work He has set before us. This verse teaches that diligent labor often precedes new levels of divine interaction and guidance, much like God's second appearance to Solomon in the verses that follow.
  • Stewarding Resources: Solomon's ability to complete these projects demonstrates the importance of stewarding resources—time, talent, and treasure—effectively for God's glory and the good of His kingdom.
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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

  • 2 Chronicles 7:11

    Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king's house: and all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected.

  • 2 Chronicles 8:6

    And Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had, and all the chariot cities, and the cities of the horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and throughout all the land of his dominion.

  • 1 Kings 9:19

    And all the cities of store that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.

  • Ecclesiastes 6:9

    Better [is] the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit.

  • 1 Kings 6:37

    In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of the LORD laid, in the month Zif:

  • 1 Kings 7:1

    ¶ But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.

  • 1 Kings 7:51

    So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated; [even] the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the LORD.
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