2 Chronicles 8:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Solomon {H8010} brought up {H5927} the daughter {H1323} of Pharaoh {H6547} out of the city {H5892} of David {H1732} unto the house {H1004} that he had built {H1129} for her: for he said {H559}, My wife {H802} shall not dwell {H3427} in the house {H1004} of David {H1732} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478}, because the places are holy {H6944}, whereunto the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068} hath come {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo brought up Pharaoh's daughter from the City of David to the house he had built for her; because he said, "No wife of mine is going to live in the house of David king of Isra'el, since the [buildings] where the ark of ADONAI has been are holy."

Berean Standard Bible

Solomon brought the daughter of Pharaoh up from the City of David to the palace he had built for her. For he said, “My wife must not live in the house of David king of Israel, because the places the ark of the LORD has entered are holy.”

American Standard Version

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 Jehovah hath come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Solomon, having completed his extensive building projects including the Temple and his own palace, made a deliberate decision to move his Egyptian wife, Pharaoh's daughter, from the City of David to a separate residence he had constructed specifically for her. His rationale for this relocation was rooted in a profound recognition of the sacredness of the City of David, which had been consecrated by the presence of the Ark of the LORD. This act underscored Solomon's understanding, at this point in his reign, of the distinction between the holy and the common, affirming that areas touched by God's manifest presence required a unique reverence and separation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of 2 Chronicles (chapters 2-8) that meticulously details Solomon's monumental building endeavors, particularly the construction of the Temple and his royal palace complex. Following the dedication of the Temple in [2 Chronicles 7](/2_chronicles/7 "2 Chronicles 7 - Temple Dedication and God's Promise"), chapter 8 outlines the completion of these projects and Solomon's administrative organization of the kingdom. Verse 11 specifically follows a description of his labor force and the various cities he built or fortified. The Chronicler's emphasis throughout these chapters is on Solomon's adherence to the Mosaic Law and the Davidic Covenant, highlighting his initial faithfulness in establishing the kingdom's infrastructure and religious center. The relocation of Pharaoh's daughter, therefore, is presented as an act consistent with this emphasis on purity and the proper ordering of sacred space, even amidst the political realities of his reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter, initially mentioned in [1 Kings 3:1](/1_kings/3-1 "1 Kings 3:1 - Solomon's Marriage to Pharaoh's Daughter"), was a significant political alliance, typical of ancient Near Eastern diplomacy where royal marriages secured peace and strengthened international relations. Such unions often involved the foreign queen bringing her own deities and religious practices, which could pose a syncretistic threat to Israel's monotheistic faith. The City of David, also known as Zion, was not merely a political capital but had become a sacred site since King David brought the Ark of the Covenant there ([2 Samuel 6:12-17](/2_samuel/6-12 "2 Samuel 6:12-17 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")). Its holiness was intrinsically linked to the Ark's presence, which symbolized God's dwelling among His people. Solomon's decision reflects an awareness of the cultural and religious implications of allowing a foreign queen, likely accustomed to pagan worship, to reside in a place so intimately associated with the LORD's holy presence.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme illuminated by this verse is **Holiness and Separation**. Solomon's declaration that "the places are holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come" underscores the profound sanctity imparted by God's presence. The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's manifest presence and His covenant with Israel, consecrated any space it occupied, setting it apart from common use. This action also highlights the biblical principle of **Distinction Between Sacred and Profane**, a foundational concept in Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguishing Between Holy and Common")). While Solomon's later life saw compromises with foreign wives leading to idolatry ([1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Idolatry and Decline")), this early act demonstrates an initial **Reverence for God's Presence** and a commitment to maintaining ritual and theological purity in the immediate vicinity of the Ark. It suggests an understanding that God's dwelling demands a specific environment of purity and dedication.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qodesh'_):** This term (קֹדֶשׁ) is central to the verse's meaning. It signifies something set apart, consecrated, or dedicated exclusively for God's use or presence. It implies a state of being distinct, pure, and inviolable, distinguishing it from the common, profane, or unclean. In this context, _qodesh_ refers to the ground itself, which was imbued with a sacred quality because of the Ark's temporary dwelling there. Solomon's recognition of this intrinsic holiness mandated a separation from anything that might defile or diminish its sanctity, including the residence of a foreign queen.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayit'_):** The word (בַּיִת) appears twice in the verse, referring to two distinct dwellings. First, "the house that he had built for her" (her new residence), and second, "the house of David king of Israel" (the royal palace within the City of David). The distinction is crucial, as Solomon is not merely moving her to a new house, but specifically *out of* the sacred "house of David" area. This highlights the architectural and geographical separation that Solomon deemed necessary to uphold the holiness of the Ark's former dwelling place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her:"** This clause describes the physical action of relocation. "Brought up" (הֶעֱלָה, _he'elah_) implies an ascent, perhaps from a lower part of the city or simply a formal movement. The "house that he had built for her" signifies a dedicated, new dwelling, emphasizing Solomon's provision for his wife while simultaneously creating a necessary separation. This act demonstrates a practical application of his theological conviction.
* **"for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel,"** This part reveals Solomon's explicit rationale and decision. The "house of David king of Israel" refers to the royal palace complex within the ancient City of David, which had served as the capital and where the Ark of the LORD had resided before the Temple's completion. Solomon's statement indicates a conscious and deliberate policy, not merely a logistical move. It underscores his personal conviction regarding the sanctity of the royal precinct.
* **"because [the places are] holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come."** This final clause provides the theological justification for Solomon's decision. The Ark of the LORD, the most sacred object in Israel, had resided in the City of David for many years (from David's time until its placement in the Temple). Its presence had consecrated the ground, rendering it perpetually holy. Solomon understood that this consecrated space was unsuitable for common dwelling, particularly for a foreign queen who might not fully respect or understand its sanctity, or whose presence might ritually defile it.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Justification** and **Rationale** as literary devices, as Solomon explicitly states the reason for his action ("for he said, ... because the places are holy"). This provides the reader with immediate insight into the theological motivation behind a seemingly domestic arrangement. There is also an implicit **Contrast** drawn between the sacred space of the City of David, hallowed by the Ark's presence, and the more common, though still royal, residence built for Pharaoh's daughter. This highlights the profound distinction Solomon recognized between the holy and the common. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the Ark of the LORD is central; it represents God's tangible presence and the source of the holiness that permeates the space it inhabits.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Solomon's decision in 2 Chronicles 8:11 powerfully illustrates the enduring biblical principle that God's presence confers holiness upon spaces, objects, and even people, demanding a corresponding reverence and separation. The Ark of the Covenant, as the most tangible symbol of God's dwelling among His people, consecrated the City of David, setting it apart from common use. This concept of holiness, derived from God's own nature, is not merely ritualistic but also ethical, calling for purity and distinction in all areas of life. It reminds us that proximity to the divine presence requires a transformed way of living, acknowledging God's absolute otherness and His demand for moral and spiritual integrity. This principle permeates scripture, from the instructions for the Tabernacle to the call for believers to live set apart for God.

* [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguishing Between Holy and Common")
* [Exodus 29:43-44](/exodus/29-43 "Exodus 29:43-44 - God's Presence Consecrates the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursuit of Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's act of relocating Pharaoh's daughter serves as a profound reminder for believers today regarding the sanctity of God's presence and the call to holiness in our lives. While we no longer have a physical Ark or a geographically designated holy city in the same manner, the New Testament reveals that believers themselves are now the "temple of the Holy Ghost" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")), indwelt by the Spirit of God. This profound truth implies that our bodies, our lives, our choices, and our environments should reflect the sacredness of God's indwelling presence. Just as Solomon sought to keep the physical space around the Ark pure and distinct, we are called to maintain spiritual purity, distinguishing between what honors God and what does not. This translates into discerning what we allow into our minds, what we consume, how we use our time, and the relationships we cultivate. Our lives are to be set apart for God's glory, reflecting His character and values in a world that often blurs the lines between the sacred and the profane. It encourages us to be mindful of the spiritual atmosphere we create in our homes, workplaces, and communities, ensuring they are conducive to God's presence and not compromised by anything that would dishonor His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be allowing "unholy" influences to dwell in "holy" spaces, metaphorically speaking?**
* **How does the New Testament teaching that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit impact your daily choices and habits?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater sense of reverence and distinction between the sacred and the common in your personal life and environment?**
* **How can you better honor God's indwelling presence by setting yourself apart for His purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why was the City of David considered holy, even after the Ark was moved to the Temple?**

Answer: The City of David, particularly the area where the royal palace and the Ark's former dwelling (the tent David pitched for it) were located, was considered holy because of its intimate association with the Ark of the LORD. The Ark was the most sacred object in Israel, symbolizing God's manifest presence and His covenant with His people. While the Ark was eventually moved into the newly constructed Temple on Mount Moriah, the ground where it had resided for many years was believed to have been permanently consecrated by its presence. This concept aligns with broader biblical principles where God's direct interaction or presence (e.g., the burning bush in [Exodus 3:5](/exodus/3-5 "Exodus 3:5 - Moses and the Burning Bush")) renders a place holy, even if the divine manifestation is temporary. Solomon's statement reflects a recognition of this enduring sanctity, acknowledging that the spiritual imprint of God's presence remained.

**Was Solomon consistent in his commitment to holiness throughout his reign, given his later actions?**

Answer: While 2 Chronicles 8:11 demonstrates Solomon's early understanding and commitment to the principle of holiness and separation, his reign was not consistently characterized by this adherence. The biblical narrative, particularly in [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Idolatry and Decline"), records that Solomon later took many foreign wives who "turned away his heart after other gods" ([1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Turned Away")). He even built high places for their deities, such as Chemosh and Molech, on the hills near Jerusalem ([1 Kings 11:7-8](/1_kings/11-7 "1 Kings 11:7-8 - Solomon Builds High Places for Idols")). This later apostasy stands in stark contrast to the reverence for holiness shown in 2 Chronicles 8:11. It serves as a tragic reminder that even those who begin with great wisdom and devotion can falter and compromise their commitment to God's standards, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Old Testament concept of holiness, exemplified by the consecrated space of the City of David due to the Ark's presence, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Where the Ark was a symbol of God's presence, Jesus is the very embodiment of God with us, the true Immanuel ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus is Immanuel")). He is the ultimate Temple, as He Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus on the Temple")), referring to His body. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus not only consecrated a physical space but made it possible for humanity to be truly holy before God. In Christ, believers are made righteous ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")) and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, becoming living temples of God ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")). The separation Solomon enacted for a physical space is transcended by the spiritual reality in the New Covenant: through Christ, we are set apart, holy and blameless before God ([Colossians 1:22](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Reconciled in Christ")), called to live as a "holy nation, a peculiar people" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - God's Chosen People")), reflecting the very holiness of God in our lives.

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 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.

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.

1 Kings 9:24

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.

Exodus 3:5

And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest [is] holy ground.

Exodus 29:43

And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and [the tabernacle] shall be sanctified by my glory.

Ezekiel 21:2

Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop [thy word] toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel,

2 Peter 1:18

And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.