What Happend to Solomon After He Was Free Again

(1-ane) Introduction

Many kings ascended the throne of Israel from the time of Saul to the dissolution of both the Northern Kingdom and the Southern Kingdom. None of these kings, however, obtained the power and prestige that Solomon did. Nearly a thousand years before Solomon, Abraham had been promised that his seed would receive the land of Canaan for their inheritance, including territory every bit far north as the Euphrates River (see Genesis 12:seven; 13:15; 15:eighteen). But not until Solomon's time was this hope fully realized. Solomon extended the domain of Israel from the Ruby Sea on the s to the Euphrates River on the due north. The golden age of State of israel, started under Rex David, connected under Solomon. During the xl years that Solomon ruled as king of Israel, there was peace and unity throughout his vast domain.

At the beginning of his reign, Solomon loved the God of State of israel and covenanted with God that he would walk in obedience throughout his administration as king of Israel. Solomon was promised wisdom, riches, honor, and long life if he would go along in righteousness before the Lord. The hope was fulfilled. During his life, Solomon became famous for his wisdom. Great men and women from many nations came to hear him and exam his understanding and knowledge. Solomon besides caused smashing wealth, and there were said to be no kings in all the earth who could compare to him. Under Solomon's reign Israel reached her greatest betoken equally a nation—honor, wealth, power, and respect were hers because of the administration of her greatest male monarch.

Nevertheless, at the end of Solomon's reign, State of israel became temporally and spiritually bankrupt. Deterioration and strife were everywhere. Within a year of Solomon's death, the state was divided into 2 kingdoms, and the course of Israel'southward history was permanently contradistinct. What actions or events led the nation from such heights to such depths? You will notice the answers in the first book of Kings. As you read, try to identify the events that brought about the decline of Israel.

Notes and Commentary on 1 Kings i–11

(i-2) 1 Kings 1. How Could Adonijah and Solomon Both Accept Merits to the Throne of Israel?

According to the community of succession, Adonijah could well have been the heir to the throne of David. Adonijah was the fourth son of David (see two Samuel three:4). Two of his older brothers, Amnon and Absalom, were already dead, and a tertiary, Chileab, is not mentioned in the text except for the account of his birth.

The family unit of David. Chart redrawn from Douglas, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, one:367

David's quondam age and feeble condition (see 1 Kings 1:ane–4) plainly convinced Adonijah that information technology was time to testify the people that he was the successor to the throne. His actions were thus designed to convince the people of his right and to create a base of operations of popular support that would consolidate his position. He ready a purple processional (see v. 5); sought the support of important people, including Joab, the commander of the armed services, Abiathar, the high priest, the other princes of the court, and David'southward personal staff (see vv. 7, ix); and prepared a cracking feast (see 5. 9). He deliberately excluded those loyal to Solomon as the successor, including Zadok, some other important priest; Benaiah, one of the military commanders (perhaps second in command to Joab); the "mighty men" (5. eight), who were probably David's personal trunk guards; and the prophet Nathan.

Adonijah's plan was thwarted, however, when Nathan heard what Adonijah was doing and reported it to Bath-sheba, Solomon's female parent. His alarm to her that her life as well as Solomon'due south life was in danger (see v. 12) illustrates one of the problems with a monarchical system of authorities. Because of the contest that typically existed in the royal family itself, the new king often assassinated all his brothers and other possible heirs who might pose any threat to his rule.

Moving swiftly, Bathroom-sheba and Nathan joined together (run across v. eleven) to bring Adonijah'due south manipulations to the attending of Rex David. When David learned that Adonijah sought to have the throne, he quickly appointed Solomon every bit co-regent. They ruled together until David died.

Although but twenty years of age, Solomon, like David and Saul before him, was anointed to his kingship by a rightful priest and past the prophet (run across vv. 34, 39). To clearly evidence the people that Solomon was David's choice and the Lord'southward, David commanded that the inauguration of his co-regent take identify immediately. He commanded that Solomon be placed on his (David's) mule to ride in procession to Gihon in the traditional way that a king made his triumphal entry into a city (see J. R. Dummelow, ed., A Commentary on the Holy Bible, p. 693; compare with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem recorded in Matthew 21:one–11). The people responded joyously and accustomed Solomon equally their new male monarch (see 1 Kings 1:39–40).

Thus, in one quick and decisive move, David cut off Adonijah's attempts to usurp the throne, and Solomon was established as king. One can easily imagine why those at Adonijah's banquet were struck with fear and hastened to desert Adonijah'south presence. They were defenseless in the midst of what bordered on treason against the new king, and they were anxious to disassociate themselves from Adonijah.

Now it was Adonijah'due south life that was in danger. Not only was he a potential rival to the throne, but he had been plainly making an open up effort to preempt Solomon's claim. And so, as presently every bit he learned of the enthroning of Solomon, Adonijah fled not to his home, only immediately to the heights of Mount Moriah just higher up the metropolis of David. Here an altar of sacrifice had been gear up by David. The horns of the altar of sacrifice were considered a sanctuary where a person could cling until his example was investigated and tried (see Exodus 21:thirteen–fourteen). There Adonijah waited, hoping for some indication of Solomon'southward charity toward him, which was granted (encounter one Kings 1:50–55; encounter also Onetime Testament Pupil Transmission: Genesis–ii Samuel [religion 301, 2003], pp. 167, 268 for a detailed explanation of why the horns of the chantry were seen equally a place of refuge).

(1-3) i Kings 1:38. Who Were the Cherethites and the Pelethites?

The Cherethites were "a people who were settled alongside the Philistines in southern Palestine [see 1 Samuel thirty:14; Ezekiel 25:16; Zephaniah 2:5]. In the reign of David they formed, with the Pelethites, his individual babysitter under the command of Benaiah the son of Jehoida [see 2 Samuel 8:18; 20:23; 1 Chronicles 18:17]. They remained loyal to him through the rebellions of Absalom [see 2 Samuel 15:18] and Sheba [see ii Samuel xx:vii], and were present when Solomon was anointed for kingship [come across 1 Kings 1:38, 44]." (J. D. Douglas, ed., The New Bible Lexicon, s.v. "Cherethites.")

(one-4) i Kings two:1–9. David's Final Instructions to His Son Solomon

David charged his son to proceed all the commandments of God, to written report the law, and to exercise righteous judgment upon the people. Solomon was also instructed concerning some of David's enemies also every bit some of his friends.

First Kings does not tape the large assemblage of government administrators and military machine commanders that David called together when he sensed that his expiry was virtually; however, the historic gathering is recorded in 1 Chronicles 28:ane–29:24. At this briefing David performed four great services: (one) he gained the back up of the people for the completion of the temple; (2) he presented a vast treasure for the temple; (3) he publicly turned over to Solomon the plans for the temple and disclosed that they had been given to him by divine revelation; and (4) he succeeded in having Solomon crowned and anointed a second time when the people of every tribe were officially represented and could declare their loyalty.

(1-five) one Kings 2:ii–3. "Be Thou Strong … Shew Thyself a Man"

This plea for manhood and force is a familiar Sometime Attestation theme. Information technology was Moses' concluding counsel to Joshua (see Deuteronomy 31:half-dozen–7, 23). The Lord gave Joshua the same encouragement (see Joshua 1:5–nine). This advice was given to Solomon repeatedly. The backbone to obey the law was just equally much a office of the plea as to take physical courage.

(1-vi) i Kings two:5–vi. Why Didn't David Punish Joab Sooner?

Joab, out of jealousy and fear of losing his position as commander of the armies of Israel, had murdered Abner (encounter 2 Samuel 3:27) and Amasa (encounter 2 Samuel 20:10).

Commentators have noted that "David ought to have punished these 2 crimes; but when Abner was murdered, he felt himself too weak to visit a man similar Joab with the penalization he deserved, equally he had only just been anointed king, and consequently he did zilch more than than invoke divine retribution upon his head [come across 2 Samuel 3:29]. And when Amasa was slain, the rebellions of Absalom and Sheba had crippled the ability of David too much, for him to visit the deed with the penalization that was due. But as male monarch of the nation of God, it was not right for him to allow such crimes to pass unpunished: he therefore transferred the punishment, for which he had wanted the requisite power, to his son and successor. … 'Exercise according to thy wisdom ("mark the proper opportunity of punishing him"—Seb. Schmidt), and let not his gray hair go down into hell (the region of the dead) in peace (i.east. unpunished)' [1 Kings 1:six]. The punishment of then powerful a man every bit Joab the commander-in-principal was, required dandy wisdom, to avoid occasioning a rebellion in the army, which was devoted to him." (C. F. Keil and F. Delitzsch, Commentary on the Sometime Attestation, 3:1:29.)

(1-7) 1 Kings 2:vii–eight. Who Were Barzillai and Shimei?

Barzillai and Shimei both lived at Mahanaim. Shimei, instead of showing kindness to David when he fled from Absalom, threw rocks at him and cursed him (meet 2 Samuel sixteen:5–eleven). Barzillai, still, showed great kindness to David and those who had fled with him by providing them with food and clothing. David asked Solomon to provide for the family of Barzillai every bit a payment for his kindness (see 2 Samuel 17:27–29; 19:31–38).

(ane-8) 1 Kings 2:17–22. Why Was Solomon Upset by Adonijah's Request?

"Amongst Eastern nations the wives and concubines of a deceased or dethroned king were taken by his successor [run into 2 Samuel 12:8; 16:21–22]; and so Adonijah's asking for Abishag was regarded as tantamount to a claim on the throne" (Dummelow, Commentary, p. 212).

Solomon knew and understood this law, as i Kings 2:22 makes clear. At start it may seem puzzling that Bath-sheba would take Adonijah'south request to Solomon since she almost certainly knew and understood this law. Peradventure she, knowing how Solomon would react, recognized an opportunity to rid Solomon of the threat that Adonijah continued to exist to the throne of Israel. Solomon did react quickly, for this was the second time Adonijah had attempted to accept the throne by subtlety.

(ane-9) 1 Kings ii:23. Adonijah Had Spoken "against His Own Life"

Solomon meant that Adonijah's request was either treason or a plan to commit treason and was therefore worthy of death. (Note 1 Kings ii:fifteen, which records that Adonijah knew that the Lord had given the throne to Solomon.)

(1-x) 1 Kings two:26–36. Were Abiathar and Joab Yet Conspiring confronting Solomon?

Abiathar and Joab were still conspiring to put Adonijah on the throne (encounter 1 Kings ii:22). Solomon banished Abiathar from Jerusalem and took from him the office of high priest in Israel. Abiathar was a bang-up-grandson of Eli, who was both priest and estimate in Israel, and the last of his descendants to hold a priestly part. This penalisation and brake of Abiathar fulfilled the prophecy announced to Eli by the Lord (see i Samuel two:31–36).

Abiathar probably escaped with the punishment of exile only considering Solomon was reluctant to execute a high priest. Joab, notwithstanding, was a much more than unsafe enemy because he had commanded the ground forces. There was no question concerning Joab's guilt. Because of the murders he had committed, he was indeed worthy of death (run across Exodus 21:12–14). Thus, he had no right to claim the sanctuary of the altar, and Solomon was not obligated to honor his merits to sanctuary.

(1-11) 1 Kings two:35. Benaiah

Benaiah succeeded Joab as captain of the host, the elevation military position in the kingdom under the king.

(1-12) one Kings 2:36–44. The Penalization of Shimei

Continuing to follow the concluding counsel of his male parent (run into Notes and Commentary on 1 Kings 2:7–eight), Solomon at present undertook to punish Shimei. At first this punishment may seem vindictive on David's part and cruel for Solomon to follow through with it, since all Shimei had done was to curse David and throw rocks at him (come across 2 Samuel 16:5–11). At that time, however, David's kingdom was rent by civil war. Shimei's action was therefore equivalent to treason against the government.

There may have been an additional reason for David'due south counsel to Solomon. Shimei was from Bahurim, which was a brusque distance due east of Jerusalem. The Ammonites and Moabites who lived across the River Jordan were traditional enemies of Israel. To have a known enemy of the crown in a urban center where the Ammonites and Moabites could hands go to conspire with him would have provided hereafter opportunity for treason. This situation may explicate David's counsel.

Solomon'south treatment of Shimei was just and tolerant. He could have had Shimei executed by royal order. Instead, Solomon brought him to Jerusalem and fabricated him swear on oath that he would non cross the Brook Kidron, the eastern boundary of Jerusalem. This restriction lends further support to the idea that Solomon did not want Shimei collaborating with the eastern enemies of State of israel.

Three years after, because Shimei violated his oath, Solomon had him executed. Keil and Delitzsch noted that "this punishment was as well just. As Solomon had put Shimei's life in his own hand by imposing upon him solitude in Jerusalem, and Shimei had promised on oath to obey the rex'southward control, the breach of his oath was a law-breaking for which he had no excuse. There is no force at all in the excuses which some commentators adduce in his favour, founded upon the money which his slaves had cost him, and the wish to recover possession of them, which was a right one in itself. If Shimei had wished to remain faithful to his oath, he might take informed the rex of the flight of his slaves, take entreated the king that they might be brought dorsum, and have awaited the king'due south decision; but he had no correct thus lightly to interruption the hope given on adjuration. By the breach of his adjuration he had forfeited his life. And this is the outset matter with which Solomon charges him, without his being able to offer any alibi; and information technology is not till after that he adduces as a 2d fact in confirmation of the justice of his procedure, the wickedness that he practised towards his father." (Commentary, iii:1:27.)

(1-13) 1 Kings ii:46. Why Was Benaiah the Executioner?

The army was also the police power. Therefore, past virtue of his office as captain of the host, executions were Benaiah's responsibility. If he were sent, the task was sure to exist done.

As long equally State of israel remained free and nether the Lord'south direct influence, they did non have prisons. Criminals were punished by decease for specified crimes. Otherwise, they were required to brand restitution to the person harmed. Sometimes they were placed nether house arrest on their ain laurels, equally was Shimei, or they were banished.

(1-14) one Kings 3:one. Why Did Solomon Accept a Daughter of the Pharaoh to Wife?

Early in his reign Solomon elected to marry the daughter of the Egyptian pharaoh. Since State of israel had imposed its sovereignty throughout the region, Solomon apparently considered information technology of import to neutralize any hostility on the office of Egypt, for Egypt had been accepted to using Canaan as a base for military operations. Marriages between royal families were often politically motivated; such a marriage was a way of signing a treaty betwixt two countries. Nevertheless, the marriage of Solomon to the daughter of the pharaoh showed a lack of faith in the Lord, who had promised to defend Israel and fight her battles (see Deuteronomy 20:4; Joshua 23:10). Later on, this spousal relationship and other marriages to strange wives proved to be a major factor in the downfall of Israel, for Solomon began worshiping the false gods of these other nations and was condemned past the Lord (meet ane Kings xi:1–nine).

(1-15) i Kings 3:4. Why Did Solomon Go to Gibeon to Offering Sacrifice?

The tabernacle built by Moses was at this time located in Gibeon along with the not bad chantry upon which sacrifices had been offered since the days of Moses. That is why Solomon went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices (encounter one Chronicles 21:29; ii Chronicles ane:2–3).

(one-16) 1 Kings 3:5–28. What Was Of import well-nigh Solomon's First Heavenly Vision?

Solomon approached the Lord as a humble, obedient retainer, and he was rewarded for his meekness with a wise and understanding heart. Perhaps no other person was ever given a greater gift of wisdom. Solomon was charged to go along the Lord's commandments and statutes so that the Lord might lengthen his days as rex.

(one-17) 1 Kings 3:xiv. Why Did the Lord Praise David's Righteousness When He Had Violated the Police of Chastity and Had Caused Uriah'south Murder?

There are numerous places in the historical books where David is held upward every bit an example of one who was pleasing in God'southward sight. The Prophet Joseph Smith corrected each of those references to bear witness that David was being used past the Lord as an case of what David'southward successors should not do. For example, in the Joseph Smith Translation one Kings iii:14 reads: "And if thou wilt walk in my means to keep my statutes, and my commandments, then I volition lengthen thy days, and grand shalt not walk in unrighteousness, as did thy father David."

In the King James Version, ane Kings eleven:4records that Solomon'south eye "was non perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father." The Prophet corrected the passage to read that Solomon's eye "was non perfect with the Lord his God, and it became as the middle of David his father" (JST, 1 Kings eleven:iv; see also 1 Kings 11:6, 33–34, 38–39; 14:8; 15:3, 5, 11; compare JST).

Solomon'south prayer for an "understanding heart" (1 Kings 3:ix) was surely granted, as the incident of the two harlots demonstrates. The brilliance of Solomon'south strategy is seen when ane reflects that the woman who was willing to give up the baby rather than see it killed would be the all-time mother to the child, whether she was the natural mother or not.

(1-18) i Kings 4:1–25. How Did Solomon Organize the Government to Requite Himself Greater Control over the Kingdom?

"Upon his accretion to the throne, Solomon made the first of several authoritative changes: he created three new offices in his cabinet. David had governed his new empire almost single-handedly, needing only a commanding general, a main scribe and a few secretaries. To this basic staff Solomon added Ahishar, who 'was in charge of the palace.' He would serve equally prime minister, second only to Solomon in power. Adoniram was named the chief of forced labor—for Solomon had a tremendous edifice program in mind and no mode to begin it without a steady supply of workers. Adoniram would supervise both foreign slave laborers (the descendants of those people who had survived the Israelite Conquest) and a newly organized, conscripted labor forcefulness of Israelites, who served one out of every three months. In add-on, 'Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers [provincial governors]' of the 12 districts of Israel.

"Upwardly to now the government of Israel, even under Saul and David, had never been controlled by an 'administration' as we know it, but rather by a patriarchal or charismatic leader who ruled largely past personal magnetism and inspiration from the Lord. Such leadership had been necessary to unite the 12 independent and often quarrelsome tribes during the military conquest of Canaan. But now Israel was at peace and her territory was greatly enlarged. The nation sorely needed a more than efficient method of government. So Solomon divided State of israel into 12 administrative districts, all comparatively equal in population and resources. To accommodate the new territory, the arbitrary divisions ignored the old tribal boundaries, and for all practical purposes the tribal distinctions were abandoned except for temple duties and genealogies.

"Solomon assigned one officeholder to head each district; all of them were responsible to Azariah. The 12 officers were in charge of raising provisions for the king'due south household—each commune supplied food for one month of every year. The officers in plow imposed the brunt of providing food on the farmers and shepherds, and quite a burden it was. The provision needed for i twenty-four hours by Solomon's courtroom 'was thirty cors [188 bushels] of fine flour, and threescore cors [nearly 370 bushels] of meal, ten fat oxen, and twenty pasture-fed cattle, a hundred sheep, besides harts, gazelles [fallow deer], roebucks, and fatted fowl … And those offices … permit nix be lacking. Barley as well and harbinger for the horses and swift steeds they brought to the place where information technology was required, each according to his charge.' And this was simply office of the taxation." (Slap-up People of the Bible and How They Lived, pp. 186–88.)

Such taxation fulfilled the words of the prophet Samuel, who many years before had warned Israel what would happen if they chose to have a rex rule over them (see 1 Samuel 8:11–20).

(i-19) 1 Kings iv:21. The Extent of Solomon's Kingdom

"The significant of this verse appears to be, that Solomon reigned over all the provinces from the river Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, fifty-fifty to the frontiers of Arab republic of egypt. The Euphrates was on the due east of Solomon's dominions; the Philistines were w on the Mediterranean sea; and Egypt was on the due south . Solomon had, therefore, equally tributaries, the kingdoms of Syria, Damascus, Moab, and Ammon, which lay between the Euphrates and the Mediterranean." (Adam Clarke, The Holy Bible … with a Commentary and Critical Notes, 2:398.)

(1-20) 1 Kings 4:30. Who Were the "Children of the Due east Country"?

"The term is applied [in Jeremiah 49:28] to the Arab tribes domicile at Kedar, and probably describes mostly the inhabitants of the Syrian desert" (Dummelow, Commentary, p. 213).

(one-21) 1 Kings 4:32. Proverbs and Song of Solomon

The book of Proverbs contains some of the proverbs of Solomon, though not all that he wrote, and almost certainly not all writings in the present volume of Proverbs were written by Solomon.

The Song of Solomon, which the Prophet Joseph Smith said is non an inspired writing (encounter Song of Solomon 1:1a), is simply one of many songs written by Solomon. Also, two of the psalms are attributed to Solomon (see Psalms 72, 127).

(1-22) 1 Kings 5. How Did Solomon Utilize Hiram's Services in Building the Temple?

The prophet Nathan instructed David that one of his children would build a temple unto God (see 2 Samuel 7:12). Then, David spent much fourth dimension and energy in gathering materials for the temple. When Solomon came to the throne, one of the first things he did was directly his attending to building the temple. In gild to make the building equally beautiful as possible, Solomon employed the services of King Hiram of Tyre: "Solomon had depended on the skill of Hiram'southward Phoenician architects and laborers, as well as precious Lebanese republic cedar, to construct the most impressive buildings in Jerusalem—the temple and the royal buildings for regime. From about the start of Solomon'southward reign,' … Hiram supplied Solomon with all the timber of cedar and cypress that he desired, while Solomon gave Hiram twenty m cors [125,000 bushels] of wheat as food for his household, and xx yard cors [over a meg gallons] of beaten oil. Solomon gave this to Hiram yr by year,' on an installment plan." (Keen People of the Bible, p. 190.)

(ane-23) i Kings 5:xiii. Conscription of Israel

Compare with one Samuel eight:eleven–eighteen.

(1-24) 1 Kings half-dozen. How Did Solomon Learn How the Temple Should Be Built?

Although David received some revelation most the building of the temple (come across 1 Kings six:30–33), apparently Solomon received even more. President Brigham Immature said: "The pattern of this temple, the length and breadth, and height of the inner and outer courts, with all the fixtures thereunto appertaining, were given to Solomon by revelation, through the proper source. And why was this revelation-pattern necessary? Because Solomon had never congenital a temple, and did not know what was necessary in the arrangement of the dissimilar apartments, any better than Moses did what was needed in the tabernacle." (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 414.)

The temple of Solomon was later destroyed, and the kingdom of Judah was scattered. Zerubbabel's temple, which Herod renovated, was later built on the aforementioned spot. This later temple was the one continuing in the Savior'south day. (Come across Notes and Commentary on Ezra 6:thirteen–fifteen.)

(1-25) 1 Kings 6. The Significance of the Building of Solomon's Temple

"Shortly after Solomon's accession to the throne he set virtually the labor, which, as heritage and honor, had come to him with his crown. He laid the foundation in the 4th year of his reign, and the edifice was completed within 7 years and a half. With the great wealth accumulated by his kingly father and specifically reserved for the building of the Temple, Solomon was able to put the [surrounding lands] under tribute, and to enlist the co-operation of nations in his smashing undertaking. The temple workmen numbered scores of thousands, and every section was in charge of master craftsmen. To serve on the cracking structure in whatever capacity was an honor; and labor caused a dignity never earlier recognized. … The erection of the Temple of Solomon was an epoch-making issue, not solitary in the history of Israel, but in that of the world." (James E. Talmage, The House of the Lord, pp. 5–6.)

(1-26) 1 Kings vi. How Did Solomon's Temple Differ from the Tabernacle of the Wilderness?

"A comparison of the program of Solomon'due south Temple with that of the earlier Tabernacle shows that in all essentials of system and proportion the two were then nearly alike as to be practically identical. True, the Tabernacle had only ane enclosure, while the Temple was surrounded by courts, but the inner structure itself, the Temple proper, closely followed the before design. The dimensions of the Holy of Holies, the Holy Place, and the Porch, were in the Temple exactly double those of the respective parts in the Tabernacle." (Talmage, House of the Lord, p. 6.)

The temple was long and narrow. According to the dimensions cited in the Bible, the temple was about one hundred feet long and thirty feet wide. It stood on a platform most nine feet high. The temple itself was most 40-five feet loftier. The Salt Lake Temple is 186½ feet long, 118½ feet wide, and 210 anxiety high.

(i-27) 1 Kings 6:5–8. Chambers of the Temple

see Former Testament Student Transmission: Genesis–2 Samuel, pp. 154–56.

(1-28) 1 Kings 6:23. What Are Cherubim?

meet Erstwhile Testament Student Transmission: Genesis–2 Samuel, p. 148.

(1-29) 1 Kings 6:38. What Is the Calendar month "Bul"?

The calendar month of Bul corresponds approximately with the calendar month of November. "As this was the eighth month and the Temple was begun in the second, the time actually occupied in its construction was, in strictness, 7½ years" (Dummelow, Commentary, p. 215).

(1-30) 1 Kings 7:1–8. Solomon's Palace

It took an additional xiii years to build Solomon's palace (meet 1 Kings 9:10). Solomon's palace "consisted of several buildings connected together; namely, (one) the firm of the wood of Lebanon [see one Kings seven:two–5]; (2) the pillar-hall with the porch (ver. half dozen); (iii) the throne-room and judgment-hall (ver. 7); (iv) the king'due south dwelling house-house and the house of Pharaoh's girl (ver. 8). … The description of the several portions of this palace is so very brief, that it is impossible to form a singled-out idea of its character. The different divisions are given in vers. 1–8 in their natural order, commencing at the back and terminating with the front end (ver. 8)." (Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary, 3:ane:89.)

(1-31) 1 Kings 7:16. What Is a Chapiter?

A chapiter is an ornament or ornamentation at the top of a cavalcade or colonnade (see William Wilson, Sometime Testament Word Studies, south.five. "chapiter").

(one-32) 1 Kings seven:23–26. What Was the Molten Sea and How Was It Used?

Bible scholars have more often than not been confused concerning the utilise of the huge molten body of water of brass. Mod revelation assists the student today to understand its purpose. Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained:

"In Solomon's Temple a large molten sea of brass was placed on the backs of 12 brazen oxen, these oxen being symbolical of the 12 tribes of Israel. (one Kings 7:23–26, 44; two Kings xvi:17; 25:13; i Chron. eighteen:viii.) This brazen body of water was used for performing baptisms for the living. In that location were no baptisms for the dead until after the resurrection of Christ.

"It must exist remembered that all direct and plain references to baptism have been deleted from the Erstwhile Testament (1 Ne. 13) and that the discussion baptize is of Greek origin. Some equivalent word, such as wash, would have been used past the Hebrew peoples. In describing the molten sea the Old Testament record says, 'The body of water was for the priests to wash in.' (2 Chron. 4:2–6.) This is tantamount to saying that the priests performed baptisms in it.

"In this temple edifice dispensation the Brethren have been led by the spirit of inspiration to pattern the baptismal fonts placed in temples later the one in Solomon'southward Temple." (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 103–4.)

(1-33) 1 Kings eight. What Occurred at the Dedication of the Temple?

"When the Firm of the Lord was completed, elaborate preparations were made for its dedication. Commencement came the installation of the Ark of the Covenant and its appurtenances, the Tabernacle of the Congregation, and the holy vessels. With great solemnity and to the accessory of formalism cede, the Ark was brought by the priests and placed within the Holy of Holies beneath the wings of the cherubim. At this fourth dimension the Ark independent only the two tables of stone 'which Moses put there.' The staves by which the Ark was borne were so drawn out as to exist visible from within the Holy Place, and and so 'information technology came to laissez passer, when the priests were come up out of the holy place, that the deject filled the business firm of the Lord, So that the priests could not stand to government minister considering of the deject: for the celebrity of the Lord had filled the firm of the Lord.' [ane Kings 8:ten–xi.]

"Then Solomon addressed the assembled multitude, reciting the circumstances under which the building of the Temple had been conceived by his father David and executed past himself, and proclaiming the mercy and goodness of Israel'southward God. Standing before the altar of the Lord, in the court of the Temple, the king spread along his hands toward heaven, and offered the dedicatory prayer. The king and then blessed the people, saying 'Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: in that location hath not failed one discussion of all his good hope, which he promised by the mitt of Moses his servant. The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: allow him not leave the states, nor forsake united states.' [ane Kings viii:56–57.]

"The principal services with the attendant festivities lasted seven days, and 'on the eighth twenty-four hour period he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of middle for all the goodness that the Lord had done for David his retainer, and for Israel his people.' [i Kings eight:66.]" (Talmage, House of the Lord, pp. 34–35.)

(1-34) 1 Kings viii:10–11. The Glory of God

Before Solomon gave the dedicatory prayer, a cloud of glory filled the house of God, indicating the very presence of God. That this glory should accompany the dedication exercises is interesting for Latter-day Saints, since a similar glory attended the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on 27 March 1836. Many present reported seeing angels and hearing the "sound of a rushing mighty wind, which filled the Temple," and many in the community reported "seeing a brilliant light like a colonnade of burn resting upon the Temple" (History of the Church, 2:427). The special events attending the dedication of both temples are signs of the Lord's divine acceptance of the houses built in His proper noun to His award.

(1-35) 1 Kings 8:22–53. Solomon, a Faithful Homo

Solomon'due south dedicatory prayer gives a skilful insight into the state of Solomon's centre at the fourth dimension. His closeness to the Lord is very evident, particularly in i Kings 8:23, 28, fifty–52. When the prayer was over, Solomon addressed the people and urged them to be faithful to the Lord. As the record of 1 Kings unfolds, nevertheless, it becomes evident how far Solomon and his people later departed from the spiritual land they were in on the day of dedication.

(1-36) 1 Kings viii:35–36. Tempering the Weather through Prayer

These verses contain a remarkable promise to Israel. In several places the Lord indicated that He uses the weather to chastise His people to bring them to repentance. President Spencer W. Kimball said:

"The Lord uses the weather condition sometimes to discipline his people for the violation of his laws. He said to the children of Israel:

"'If ye walk in my statutes, and proceed my commandments, and do them;

"'Then I volition requite yous pelting in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.

"'And your threshing shall reach into the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time; and ye shall consume your breadstuff to the full, and dwell in your land safely.

"'And I will give you peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: … neither shall the sword go through your state.' (Lev. 26:3–6.)

"Perhaps the 24-hour interval has come when nosotros should accept stock of ourselves and run across if we are worthy to ask or if we have been breaking the commandments, making ourselves unworthy of receiving the blessings." (In Conference Study, Apr. 1977, pp. 4–five; or Ensign, May 1977, p. four.)

First Kings 8:35–36 indicates that if the people repent of their sins, looking to the house of the Lord in prayer and supplication, the atmospheric condition can exist tempered and made to operate in behalf of the righteous.

(1-37) 1 Kings eight:41–43. "A Stranger … Cometh out of a Far Country"

As role of his dedicatory prayer, Solomon referred to a stranger who—

1. Comes from a far land (encounter v. 41).

2. Comes in the proper noun of the Lord (see 5. 41).

3. Prays toward the house of the Lord (see v. 42).

4. Asks the Lord for certain blessings upon Israel which Solomon asks the Lord to heed (see v. 43).

(one-38) 1 Kings 9:7. Was the Temple Built by Solomon "Bandage Out"?

Elder James E. Talmage explained how the prophetic warning was ignored and came to fulfillment: "The glorious pre-eminence of this excellent structure was of cursory elapsing. Thirty-iv years after its dedication, and simply 5 years subsequent to the death of Solomon, its decline began; and this decline was soon to develop into general spoliation, and finally to go an actual desecration. Solomon the king, the man of wisdom, the master-builder, had been led astray past the wiles of idolatrous women, and his wayward means had fostered iniquity in Israel. The nation was no longer a unit of measurement; in that location factions and sects, parties and creeds, some worshipping on the hill-tops, others under green copse, each party claiming excellence for its own particular shrine. The Temple soon lost its sanctity. The gift became depreciated by the perfidy [betrayal] of the giver, and Jehovah withdrew His protecting presence from the place no longer holy." (House of the Lord, pp. six–7.)

(1-39) 1 Kings 9:15–23; 10:14–29. What Were the Furnishings of Solomon's Massive Building Projects and Economic Changes?

Though Solomon's remarkable building projects became globe famous, they created serious issues in his own kingdom. He taxed the people heavily and used forced labor to complete his massive projects. The people began to complain, and a deep resentment, especially in the northern tribes, began to fester.

"The life of the common human had been disrupted. In the past, a human's wealth had been calculated mostly by the land he owned, the number of flocks he had and the size of his family. Solomon'south sweeping economical changes altered that system. Land was no longer of supreme importance—in fact, it may have become somewhat of a burden. The more than land a human owned, the more than crops he could grow, and thus the more he would have to turn over to the king'due south officers when collection fourth dimension came effectually every 12 months. Likewise, flocks were surrendered to tax collectors and sons were forced to serve one month of every 3 in the king's labor force.

"Now wealth was calculated not by holding ownership but by the corporeality of coin a man controlled. Certainly more and more money in aureate and silverish came into Israel every year, simply very little of information technology e'er filtered downwardly to the boilerplate Israelite, who had to surrender and then much of his livelihood to the rex'south coffers. Instead, the money was used to pay growing international debts, salaries for the full-time government officials, commissions to merchants and artisans in the rex's use, temple and palace budget and other expenses.

"For the first time in Israel's history, there began to exist a distinct divergence between 'rich' and 'poor.' The king and his household were rich; the common people were poor. In between were the salaried civil servants and the merchants and artisans, many of whom had organized craft guilds by that fourth dimension. Such grade separations had not been known in the State of israel where a shepherd boy similar David could be anointed male monarch—only l years earlier." (Neat People of the Bible, pp. 192–93.)

(one-40) 1 Kings 9:26–28. Israel's Navy

Hiram's people, the Phoenicians, were masters of the sea, whereas the Israelites were not. First Kings nine:26–28 indicates that Hiram'southward servants taught Solomon's men the seafaring trade. Equally a result, Solomon was able to secure gold from Ophir (idea to exist a port in southern Arabia) to exist used to build the temple. (See also 1 Kings 10:23.)

(1-41) 1 Kings x:1. Where Was the Queen of Sheba From?

It is very likely that the adult female was a Sabean from Arabia near the southern end of the Ruby Sea (see Clarke, Commentary, 2:421). Three proofs are offered: (one) the surface area in which the Sabeans lived is known to accept abounded in riches and spices; (two) many ancient writers refer to the aureate and silver mines of Saba; and (three) the Sabeans had women rather than men for their rulers.

(one-42) ane Kings 10:19. What Were the Stays Fastened to the Throne?

The clarification hither indicates that the throne was similar to a round-topped, 2-armed chair. The stays, or hands, were armrests on which the king could lean.

(1-43) 1 Kings 10:23–29. Solomon's Wealth

These verses sum upwardly the tremendous wealth Solomon had amassed. Role of his wealth came through trading and international commerce, merely much of it came through the economical oppression of the people.

(i-44) 1 Kings 11. Effect of Solomon's Sins

This affiliate details the tragic fall of King Solomon. Although the Lord did non have Solomon's kingdom from him as punishment, Solomon's disobedience resulted in his kingdom existence divided at his death. Similar Saul and David who preceded him, Solomon began his reign in favor with God and man, just he soon allow the ability of the throne plow his middle away from God. Simply as Saul's and David's had, Solomon'south promise turned into tragedy (see Notes and Commentary on 1 Kings iii:v–28).

(one-45) i Kings eleven:1–10. What Tin can We Conclude Regarding Solomon's Many Marriages?

Solomon married "foreign women," that is, foreign women, or those non of the covenant. Solomon'south marriages were for political expediency (see Notes and Commentary on 1 Kings 3:1) and maybe for personal reasons also. Simply these women brought to Israel their idols and heathen worship, which corrupted non only Solomon merely the people also.

Co-ordinate to the Doctrine and Covenants, nevertheless, some of Solomon's wives were given to him of the Lord: "David also received many wives and concubines, and also Solomon and Moses my servants, as also many others of my servants, from the commencement of creation until this time; and in goose egg did they sin salvage in those things which they received not of me" (D&C 132:38).

President Joseph Fielding Smith further explained that the Lord "did non condemn Solomon and David for having wives which the Lord gave them.

"Now turn to [two Samuel] 12:7–8 and you lot will find that the Lord gave David wives. In your reading of the Quondam Testament y'all will also discover that Solomon was blessed and the Lord appeared to him and gave him visions and not bad blessings when he had plural wives, but later in his life, he took wives that the Lord did non give him." (Answers to Gospel Questions, 4:214.)

Jacob two:24–31clearly teaches that plural wives may be taken only when doing and so is authorized past the Lord. David's taking plural wives was authorized past the Lord, for David's wives "were given unto him of me [the Lord], by the manus of Nathan, my servant, and others of the prophets who had the keys of this power" (D&C 132:39). No plural marriages are authorized by the Lord today, and any attempt to justify them from aboriginal scripture will upshot in condemnation from the Lord.

(1-46) 1 Kings 11:26–27. What Was the "Millo"?

Millo is "a place-name derived from the verb … 'to exist full', 'to fill'. … It was probably office of the fortification of [Jerusalem when it was a] Jebusite metropolis, maybe a solid tower ('full') or a bastion 'filling' some weak point in the walls, for information technology was manifestly already in existence in the fourth dimension of David [ii Samuel 5:9; 1 Chronicles 11:8]. It was rebuilt by Solomon ([see 1 Kings 9:15, 24; 11:27]; the 'breach' here referred to was probably a different matter) as function of his programme of strengthening the kingdom, and was again strengthened some two and a half centuries after when Hezekiah was preparing for the Assyrian invasion [run into 2 Chronicles 32:five]. This verse is taken past some to indicate that Millo was another name for the whole metropolis of David, simply information technology is more than probable that it formed office of the defences of this, the south-eastern loma of later Jerusalem. Many theories have been put forward equally to what part of the city of David was strengthened by the Millo, but digging has not notwithstanding been sufficiently systematic to brand identification possible." (Douglas, New Bible Lexicon, southward.5. "Millo.")

(1-47) 1 Kings eleven:11, 29–38. How Was the Israelite Kingdom to Be Taken Away from the House of David and Solomon?

After Solomon had directly disobeyed the Lord by going after the gods of his heathen wives, the Lord told him that the kingdom would be taken from him and given to one of his servants (run across i Kings 11:11). The servant was Jeroboam, whom Solomon had given authority over Ephraim and Manasseh (run into five. 28). Jeroboam was told by the prophet Ahijah that he would rule over ten of the tribes of Israel. The tribe of Judah, nonetheless, was to continue under the reign of David'due south line and then that the hope that the Messiah would come through the lineage of David and from the tribe of Judah would be fulfilled (see Genesis 49:10). The kingdom of Judah would include one-half the small tribe of Benjamin, the Levites, and the strangers that were in Judah'due south territory. At starting time, just part of Levi was with Judah, but after Jeroboam turned to idolatry, many more than deserted to Judah. Eventually a good share of the tribe of Levi was in the south. (see 2 Chronicles 15:9.)

Because Ephraim and Manasseh, the 2 sons of Joseph, were 2 tribes, counting Levi there were thirteen tribes at this time instead of twelve.

(ane-48) 1 Kings xi:36. Promise Given to David

This verse reiterates the promise made by the Lord to David that his kingdom would never become extinct while the earth should stand. The promise is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, a descendant of David.

Run into Notes and Commentary on Isaiah xi:1 for a discussion of Christ's holding the keys of David.

(ane-49) 1 Kings 11:40. Who Is Shishak?

Encounter Notes and Commentary on 1 Kings 14:25.

Points to Ponder

(1-50) The Greatness and Tragedy of Solomon

Solomon'south career began in equally promising a manner as anyone'due south in the Old Attestation. Israel had finally reached the borders that were to exist hers, co-ordinate to the Lord's promise to Abraham, and the Lord had promised that peace would exist throughout Solomon's unabridged reign.

The Lord appeared to the young male monarch in a dream and asked, "What shall I give unto thee?" (run into 1 Kings three:5). Solomon, then humble and dedicated to the Lord, sought wisdom and was richly rewarded: "And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, fifty-fifty equally the sand that is on the sea shore. And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the eastward country, and all the wisdom of Egypt." (1 Kings 4:29–30.)

Elderberry Howard W. Hunter likewise challenged the states to obtain an understanding heart:

"If the Lord was pleased because of that which Solomon had asked of him, surely he would be pleased with each of us if we had the want to acquire an agreement heart. This must come from conscious attempt coupled with faith and house determination. An understanding heart results from the experiences nosotros have in life if we keep the commandments of God. …

"… The ills of the world would be cured by agreement. Wars would finish and criminal offence disappear. The scientific knowledge at present existence wasted in the world because of the distrust of men and nations could be diverted to bless mankind. Atomic energy will destroy unless used for peaceful purposes by understanding hearts.

"We need more understanding in our relationships with one another, in business and in industry, between management and labor, between government and the governed. We need understanding in that virtually important of all social units, the family unit; agreement betwixt children and parents and between husband and married woman. Matrimony would bring happiness, and divorce would be unknown if there were understanding hearts. Hatred tears down, just understanding builds upwards.

"Our prayer could well exist equally was Solomon's, 'Lord, give me an understanding eye.'" (In Briefing Study, Apr. 1962, pp. 75–76.)

What are the necessary steps given by Elderberry Hunter to obtain an agreement centre? What bug would be solved in the earth if anybody would strive to have an understanding heart?

Solomon allowed his beloved for material things and his great accomplishments every bit a architect to wean him from his early devotion to the Lord. True, he achieved great fame while the temple was being built, and his dedication of the house of the Lord was 1 of his most spiritual moments; but later, when the Queen of Sheba and other foreign visitors paid their respects, they said little about Solomon's righteousness or wisdom. Rather, they expressed anaesthesia and awe at his tremendous achievements in building. Solomon appears to have grown hungry for the plaudits of men. He decided to construct even grander structures. To do so, he enforced heavy taxation upon his people—so heavy that he eventually forced his people into poverty. Samuel's warnings about what would occur if Israel were governed by a rex were fulfilled in every item (run across 1 Samuel viii:11–18). Mismanagement of the nation'south wealth left united Israel tottering.

We all savor blessings from the Lord. If we are wise, we will have the blessings with a grateful eye and walk in righteousness before the Lord.

Is abundance in the Church a problem today? Why? Practice we sometimes forget the instructions given by the Savior in Matthew 6:33?

We, as modernistic State of israel, demand to avert pride, misuse of wealth, and lust for the globe's esteem—three temptations that aggress Solomon and led to his downfall. Are nosotros any different? Even if nosotros make some proficient decisions, could we also make some foolish ones that might destroy u.s.?

Your patriarchal blessing tin can be an important guide to you. Because Solomon forgot his blessing from the Lord, he lost it. To help you remember, you might desire to analyze your blessing by making a chart equally follows:

My Patriarchal Approval

Who Am I?	Promises	Admonitions
Statements near you, your potential, your destiny, your relationship with God	Those things the Lord promises on condition of your faithfulness	Counsel, warnings, and reminders to yous

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Source: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-student-manual-kings-malachi/chapter-1?lang=eng

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