1 Kings: Walk Before Me FaithfullySample

The building of the temple is interrupted in the narrative by a description of Solomon building his own palace. Even though the temple is grand and lavish, his own palace takes longer to build (thirteen years) and is on a grand scale indeed.

Admittedly Solomon’s palace probably functioned as a place of government. Nonetheless, the author is suggesting that having built a palace for Yahweh, Solomon turns his attentions to his own magnificent seat of government. The story of Solomon is full of his internal contradictions, and his divided heart keeps getting exposed. 

The Palace of the Forest (vv. 2–5) – with so many cedar pillars that it probably feels like being in a forest – is a significant hall. For the first time, Israel is becoming a significant world influence, and Solomon’s palace reflects that status with its grandeur. No expense is spared for Solomon’s own residential house either (v. 8). 

Another house is made for his wife, the daughter of Pharaoh, mentioned already in chapter 3. Again this sounds an alarm at his compromised allegiances. Notice the emphasis on costly stones in verses 9–12a: her palace is huge and grand. The stone foundations and walls are the same as for the temple of Yahweh (v. 12b). 

The picture of Solomon in this section is of a world leader whose allegiance to Yahweh is being compromised. Solomon himself is being exalted in this grand palace. That may befit a king ‘like the nations’ (1 Samuel 8:20), but it raises questions, subtly put by the author, about Solomon’s heart and ultimate loyalty. 

Sometimes those in long Christian service can find their hearts thinking that God owes them for all these years of labour. Such people can turn to reward themselves in later years, turning generosity into greed, service into personal gain, and office into fame and self-importance. Are there times when we are generous and lavish in our service of God but then turn to lavish indulgence of ourselves? How should we guard our hearts from such thinking?

Reflection

How divided is your loyalty to God? How is your devotion to him compromised by other loves?