What Pharaoh is meant is uncertain. It must have been a predecessor of Shishak (or Sheshonk), who invaded Judaea more than 40 years later 1 Kings 14:25; and probabilities are in favor, not of Psusennes II, the last king of Manetho’s 21st dynasty, but of Psinaces, the predecessor of Psusennes. This,... [ Continue Reading ]
The word “only” introduces a contrast. The writer means to say that there was one exception to the flourishing condition of things which he has been describing, namely, that “the people sacrificed in high-places.” (Compare the next verse.) The Law did not forbid “high-places” directly, but only by i... [ Continue Reading ]
GIBEON - The transfer to Gibeon of the “tabernacle of the congregation,” and the brass “altar of burnt offerings” made by Moses, which were removed there from Nob (compare 1 Samuel 21:6, with marginal references “i,” “k”), had made it “the great high-place,” more sacred, i. e., than any other in the... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD APPEARED UNTO SOLOMON IN A DREAM - Compare the marginal references and Genesis 15:1; Genesis 28:12; Genesis 37:5.... [ Continue Reading ]
THIS GREAT KINDNESS - David himself had regarded this as God’s crowning mercy to him 1 Kings 1:48.... [ Continue Reading ]
See 1 Kings 2:2 note, and on the hyperbole contained in the phrase “little child,” compare Genesis 43:8; Exodus 33:11. HOW TO GO OUT OR COME IN - This expression is proverbial for the active conduct of affairs. (See the marginal reference.)... [ Continue Reading ]
Compare the marginal references. Solomon regards the promises as fulfilled in the existing greatness and glory of the Jewish nation.... [ Continue Reading ]
One of the chief functions of the Oriental monarch is always to hear and decide causes. Hence, supreme magistrates were naturally called “judges.” (See the introduction to the Book of Judges.) In the minds of the Jews the “judge” and the “prince” were always closely associated, the direct cognisance... [ Continue Reading ]
Although Solomon’s choice was made “in a dream” 1 Kings 3:5, we must regard it as springing from his will in some degree, and therefore as indicative of his moral character.... [ Continue Reading ]
THINE ENEMIES - e. g. Hadad the Edomite 1 Kings 11:14 and Rezon the son of Eliadah 1 Kings 11:23, whom Solomon might well have wished to remove.... [ Continue Reading ]
A WISE AND AN UNDERSTANDING HEART - Solomon’s wisdom seems to have been both moral and intellectual (see 1 Kings 4:29). But it was moral wisdom alone which he requested, and which was promised him. The terms translated “wise” and “understanding,” both denote practical wisdom. (See Genesis 41:33, Gen... [ Continue Reading ]
A striking illustration of that law of the divine government to which Christ referred (marginal reference).... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL LENGTHEN THY DAYS - The promise here was only conditional. As the condition was not observed 1 Kings 11:1, the right to the promise was forfeited, and it was not fulfilled. Solomon can scarcely have been more than fifty-nine or sixty at his death.... [ Continue Reading ]
Solomon determined to inaugurate his reign by a grand religious ceremonial at each of the two holy places which at this time divided between them the reverence of the Jews. Having completed the religious service at Gibeon, where was the tabernacle of the congregation, he proceeded to Jerusalem, and... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WISDOM OF GOD - i. e. “Divine wisdom,” “a wisdom given by God” 1 Kings 3:12. The ready tact and knowledge of human nature exhibited in this pattern judgment, and its special fitness to impress Orientals, have generally been admitted.... [ Continue Reading ]