NOVEMBER 10, 2025 – OWN HOUSE

READ: 1 Kin. 7:1-12: But Solomon took thirteen years to build his own house; so he finished all his house … Solomon also made a house like this hall for Pharaoh’s daughter, whom he had taken as wife. All these were of costly stones cut to size, trimmed with saws, inside and out, from the foundation to the eaves, and also on the outside to the great court …

It seems somewhat strange that Solomon took thirteen years to build his own house—his palace—while the house of the LORD was completed in seven years. But we must remember that many materials for the temple had already been prepared by David.

The palace is located close to the temple. Besides cedar wood, it uses costly stones. This is emphasized three times in verses 9–11.

The construction and furnishing of the palace are described in detail. What is the purpose of this description? What do we learn from it? There is no sign that Solomon disregarded the LORD and His house, but how did Solomon view himself?

Earlier we already read about his many horses (1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, 1 Chron. 1:14). Clearly, Solomon valued honor and prestige. Later, his harem would also be housed in the palace. Pharaoh’s daughter, one of his wives, even received a separate residence.

Of course, we should also remember that Solomon needed many rooms (45!) and halls for his official duties, including judgment, and for the service of his officials.

Even other God-fearing kings faced the temptation of wealth and splendor, such as King Hezekiah (2 Kin. 20:12ff; 2 Chron. 32:27,30).

We are warned as well (see Ps. 49:17-21; 1 Tim. 6:7-10).

How does this apply to ourselves?
We sing a Psalm of Solomon: Ps. 127:1