Question 1

Why did Solomon take thirteen years to build his own house?

Accepted Answer

The passage says Solomon spent thirteen years building his own house, almost twice as long as the time spent on the temple. This shows he finished God’s house first, then turned to his own projects. It does not say he cared less about his home, but it does hint that he gave greater urgency to the temple. His own building work could be slower and more spread out. This order reminds us that he put God’s worship before his personal comfort and that our main concern should be the things that honour God.

Question 2

What is the house of the forest of Lebanon in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The house of the forest of Lebanon was a large building in Solomon’s palace complex. It got its name because it was built with cedar from Lebanon and seems to have stood among trees like a forest. It was one hundred cubits long, fifty wide, and thirty high, with four rows of cedar pillars and several rows of windows that faced each other, letting in plenty of light. It likely served as a royal hall and storehouse, a place where Solomon could receive people and keep important goods and weapons.

Question 3

What is the porch of judgment that Solomon made?

Accepted Answer

The porch of judgment was a special hall in Solomon’s complex where his throne stood and where he judged cases. The text calls it a porch for the throne, where he might judge. It was covered with cedar from one side of the floor to the other, showing care and beauty in its design. This space was not just for show. It was where the king listened to disputes and gave decisions. It pictures a ruler who sits in a set place to hear causes and carry out justice for the people.

Question 4

Why did Solomon build a separate house for Pharaoh’s daughter?

Accepted Answer

The passage says Solomon built a house for Pharaoh’s daughter, whom he had taken as wife, and that it was like the porch he built, meaning it was of similar fine work and cedar. As queen, she had her own house or court within the larger complex, close to Solomon’s dwelling but distinct. This fit royal custom, where a king’s wife, especially a foreign princess, would have her own quarters and attendants. The text simply records this as part of Solomon’s many buildings during his reign.

Question 5

What is the meaning of “light was against light in three ranks”?

Accepted Answer

The phrase “light was against light in three ranks” describes how the windows were arranged in the house of the forest of Lebanon. It likely means there were three rows of windows on one side matching three rows on the opposite side, so the openings lined up and faced each other. This design allowed light to pass through the hall from both directions, making it bright and pleasant. The repeated wording stresses how carefully the openings, doors, and posts were set out to match, giving order and beauty to the building.

Question 6

What do the costly stones and cedar beams tell us about Solomon’s rule?

Accepted Answer

The passage notes that all these buildings used costly stones, carefully cut and sawed, from the foundation up to the coping, with cedar beams above. Some stones were ten or eight cubits long, showing great size and effort. This tells us Solomon’s rule was marked by wealth, order, and careful planning. He did not build in a rough or careless way, but used the best materials and skilled work. It reflects a time of peace and prosperity, when the king could focus on lasting structures that matched the greatness of his kingdom.

Question 7

How does Solomon’s palace relate to the temple nearby?

Accepted Answer

The text links Solomon’s palace courts with the pattern of the temple. It says the great court around his house had three rows of hewn stones and a row of cedar beams, like the inner court of the house of the Lord and the porch of the house. This suggests Solomon liked the layout and style of God’s courts and used a similar design for his own. His home and the place of worship stood close together and shared features, showing that his royal life and the worship of God were meant to stand side by side in the same city.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about priorities in building and life?

Accepted Answer

Here we see that Solomon finished the temple before he completed his own house, and even when he built for himself, he kept the temple pattern in mind. This suggests a heart that puts God’s honour ahead of personal luxury. The passage does not preach directly, but its order speaks quietly. First came the place for God’s name, then the palace, halls, and private homes. For us, it hints that our main concern should be God’s worship and ways, and that our own plans find their right place when they follow after that.

1 Kings 7:1

But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.

Solomon’s Palace Complex

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1 Kings 7:1

But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.

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Solomon’s Palace Complex

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