[BACK TO 1:1–12:24] The narrative of the Solomonic era is an exquisite example of literary inversion, in this case consisting of nine sections (see diagram [bottom]).

[BACK TO 1:1–2:12] Solomon’s accession to the throne (see note on 1:1–12:24 ).

[BACK TO 1:1] very old. 2Sa 5:4 indicates that David died at about 70 years of age (cf. 1Ki 2:11 ).

[BACK TO 1:2] may keep warm. The Jewish historian Josephus (first century AD) and the Greek physician Galen (second century AD) both refer to the ancient medical practice of using a healthy person’s body to provide warmth for one who is ill.

[BACK TO 1:3] Shunammite. See note on SS 6:13 . Abishag came from Shunem ( 2Ki 4:8 ; Jos 19:18 ; 1Sa 28:4 ), located near the plain of Jezreel in the tribal territory of Issachar (see map ).

[BACK TO 1:4] had no sexual relations with her. Significant in connection with Adonijah’s request to be given Abishag as his wife after the death of David (see notes on 2:17 , 22 ).

[BACK TO 1:5] Adonijah. The fourth son of David (see 2Sa 3:4 ), who was at this time approximately 35 years of age. It is likely that he was the oldest surviving son of David (see note on 2Sa 13:28 ; see also 2Sa 18:14 ). put himself forward. A unilateral attempt to usurp the throne, bypassing King David’s right to designate his own successor (Adonijah must at least have known that his father favored Solomon; see v. 10 ). If successful, it would have thwarted God’s and David’s choice of Solomon (see vv. 13 , 17 , 30 ; 1Ch 22:9–10 ; see also note on 2Sa 12:25 ). fifty men to run ahead of him. Adonijah here follows the example of Absalom before him (see note on 2Sa 15:1 ).

[BACK TO 1:6] never rebuked him. David appears to have been consistently negligent in disciplining his sons (see notes on 2Sa 13:21 ; 14:33 ). very handsome. Attractive physical appearance was an important asset to an aspirant to the throne (see 1Sa 9:2 ; 16:12 ; 2Sa 14:25 ).

[BACK TO 1:7] Joab son of Zeruiah. See notes on 1Sa 26:6 ; 2Sa 2:13 ; 19:13 ; 20:10 , 23 . Joab’s alignment with Adonijah may have been motivated by a struggle for power with Benaiah (see v. 8 ; 2Sa 8:18 ; 20:23 ; 23:20–23 ). Joab held his position more by his standing with the army than by the favor and confidence of David (see 2:5–6 ). Abiathar the priest. See note on 2Sa 8:17 .

[BACK TO 1:8] Zadok the priest. See note on 2Sa 8:17 . Benaiah son of Jehoiada. See note on 2Sa 23:20 . Nathan the prophet. See 2Sa 12:1–25 . Shimei. Not the Shimei of 2:8 , 46 ; 2Sa 16:5–8 ; perhaps the same as Shimei son of Ela ( 4:18 ). Rei. Or possibly “his friends.” There is no other OT reference to Rei if taken as a proper name. David’s special guard. See 2Sa 23:8–39 .

[BACK TO 1:9] Adonijah then sacrificed. Here also (see note on v. 5 ) Adonijah followed the example of Absalom (see 2Sa 15:7–12 ). En Rogel. Means “the spring of Rogel”; located just south of Jerusalem in the Kidron Valley. Apparently the site of a spring had some kind of symbolic significance for the business at hand (see v. 33 and note).

[BACK TO 1:11] Bathsheba , Solomon’s mother. The queen mother held an important and influential position in the royal court (see 2:19 ; 15:13 ; 2Ki 10:13 ; 2Ch 15:16 ). has become king. Although the preceding narrative does not relate the actual proclamation of Adonijah’s kingship, it can be assumed (see v. 25 ; 2:15 ; cf. 2Sa 15:10 ).

[BACK TO 1:12] save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. It was common in the ancient Near East for a usurper to liquidate all potential claimants to the throne in an attempt to secure his own position (see 15:29 ; 2Ki 10:11 ; 11:1 ).

[BACK TO 1:13] did you not swear to me …? Although 2 Samuel does not record David’s oath concerning the succession of Solomon, it does suggest that Solomon was the son through whom the Lord’s promise to David for an eternal dynasty would be carried forward (see note on v. 5 ).

[BACK TO 1:15] Shunammite. See note on v. 3 .

[BACK TO 1:17] you yourself swore to me … by the L ORD your God. An oath taken in the Lord’s name was inviolable (see Ex 20:7 ; Lev 19:12 ; Jos 9:15 , 18 , 20 ; Jdg 11:30 , 35 ; Ecc 5:4–7 ).

[BACK TO 1:21] laid to rest with his ancestors. A conventional expression for death (see Ge 47:30 ; Dt 31:16 ).

[BACK TO 1:24] Nathan approached David diplomatically by raising a question that revealed the dilemma. Either David had secretly encouraged Adonijah to claim the throne and thereby had broken his oath to Bathsheba and Solomon (see v. 27 ), or he had been betrayed by Adonijah.

[BACK TO 1:25] Long live King Adonijah! An expression of recognition and acclamation of the new king (see 1Sa 10:24 ; 2Sa 16:16 ; 2Ki 11:12 ).

[BACK TO 1:31] May my lord King David live forever! An expression of Bathsheba’s thanks in the stereotyped hyperbolic language of the court (see Ne 2:3 ; Da 2:4 ; 3:9 ; 5:10 ; 6:21 ).

[BACK TO 1:33] your lord’s servants. Presumably including the Kerethites and Pelethites (see v. 38 ). my own mule. Although crossbreeding was forbidden in the Mosaic law ( Lev 19:19 ), mules (perhaps imported; see Eze 27:14 ) were used in the time of David, at least as mounts for royalty (see 2Sa 13:29 and note; 18:9 ). To ride on David’s own mule was a public proclamation that Solomon’s succession to the throne was sanctioned by David (see Ge 41:43 and first NIV text note; Est 6:7–8 ). Gihon. The site of a spring on the eastern slope of Mount Zion (see notes on v. 9 ; 2Sa 5:8 ).

[BACK TO 1:34] anoint him. See notes on 1Sa 2:10 ; 9:16 . Blow the trumpet. See 2Ki 9:13 ; 2Sa 15:10 ; 20:1 . Long live King Solomon! See note on v. 25 .

[BACK TO 1:35] Israel and Judah. The distinction between Israel and Judah was rooted in the separate arrangements by which David became king over these two tribal units (see 2Sa 2:4 ; 5:3 ).

[BACK TO 1:36] Amen! May the L ORD … so declare it. See Jer 28:6 .

[BACK TO 1:37] even greater. Not a deprecation of David’s accomplishments, but an expression of total loyalty to David and Solomon. Benaiah shared David’s own desire for his chosen successor (see vv. 47–48 ).

[BACK TO 1:38] the Kerethites and the Pelethites. See note on 2Sa 8:18 .

[BACK TO 1:39] Zadok … anointed Solomon. Kings chosen by God to rule over his people who were not in a line of dynastic succession were anointed by prophets (Saul, 1Sa 9:16 ; David, 1Sa 16:12 ; Jehu, 2Ki 9 ). Kings who assumed office in the line of dynastic succession were anointed by priests (Solomon, here; Joash, 2Ki 11:12 ). The distinction seems to be that the priest worked within the established order while the prophets introduced new divine initiatives. horn of oil. Perhaps containing the anointing oil described in Ex 30:22–33 . sacred tent. The tent David had erected in Jerusalem to house the ark (see 2Sa 6:17 ) rather than the tabernacle at Gibeon (see 3:4 and note; 2Ch 1:3 ).

[BACK TO 1:41] heard it. Although Gihon may not have been visible from En Rogel, the distance was not great and the sound would carry down the Kidron Valley.

[BACK TO 1:42] Jonathan son of Abiathar. See 2Sa 17:17–21 .

[BACK TO 1:47] more famous. See note on v. 37 .

[BACK TO 1:48] successor. In Solomon’s accession to the throne David sees a fulfillment of the promise in 2Sa 7:12 , 16 .

[BACK TO 1:49] dispersed. No one wanted to be identified with Adonijah’s abortive coup now that it appeared certain to fail.

[BACK TO 1:50] took hold of the horns of the altar. The horns of the altar were vertical projections at each corner. The idea of seeking asylum at the altar was rooted in the Pentateuch (see Ex 21:13–14 ). The priest smeared the blood of the sacrifice on the horns of the altar (see Ex 29:12 ; Lev 4:7 , 18 , 25 , 30 , 34 ) during the sacrificial ritual. Adonijah thus seeks to place his own destiny under the protection of God.

[BACK TO 1:52] worthy. One who recognizes and submits to Solomon’s office and authority. if evil is found in him. If he shows evidence of continuing opposition to Solomon’s accession to the throne.

[BACK TO 2:1] he gave a charge. Moses ( Dt 31:1–8 ), Joshua ( Jos 23:1–16 ) and Samuel ( 1Sa 12:1–25 ), as representatives of the Lord’s rule, had all given final instructions and admonitions shortly before their deaths.

[BACK TO 2:2] the way of all the earth. To the grave (see Jos 23:14 ). be strong. See Dt 31:7 , 23 ; Jos 1:6–7 , 9 , 18 .

[BACK TO 2:3] observe what the L ORD your God requires. See Ge 26:5 ; Lev 18:30 ; Dt 11:1 . Walk in obedience to him. A characteristic expression of Deuteronomy for obedience to covenant obligations ( Dt 5:33 ; 8:6 ; 10:12 ; 11:22 ; 19:9 ; 26:17 ; 28:9 ; 30:16 ). his decrees and commands , his laws and regulations. Four generally synonymous terms for covenant obligations (see 6:12 ; 8:58 ; 2Ki 17:37 ; Dt 8:11 ; 11:1 ; 26:17 ; 28:15 , 45 ; 30:10 , 16 ). that you may prosper. See Dt 29:9 .

[BACK TO 2:4] that the L ORD may keep his promise to me. David here alludes to the covenanted promise of an everlasting dynasty given to him by God through Nathan the prophet (see notes on 2Sa 7:11–16 ). Although the covenant promise to David was unconditional, individual participation in its blessing on the part of David’s royal descendants was conditioned on obedience to the obligations of the Sinaitic covenant (see 2Ch 7:17–22 ). with all their heart and soul. See Dt 4:29 ; 6:5 ; 10:12 ; 30:6 . you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel. Both Solomon and his descendants fell short of their covenant obligations. This led to the division of the kingdom and eventually to the exile of both the northern and southern kingdoms. It was only in the coming of Christ that the fallen tent of David would be restored (see notes on Am 9:11–15 ; Ac 15:16 ) and the promise of David’s eternal dynasty ultimately fulfilled. When the nation and its king turned away from the requirements of the Sinaitic covenant, they experienced the covenant curses rather than its blessings; but in all this God remained faithful to his covenant promises to Abraham and to David (see Lev 26:42–45 ; Isa 9:6–7 ; 11:1–16 ; 16:5 ; 55:3 ; Jer 23:5–6 ; 30:9 ; 33:17 , 20–22 , 25–26 ; Eze 34:23–24 ; 37:24–28 ).

[BACK TO 2:5] Joab son of Zeruiah. See note on 1:7 . Abner son of Ner. See notes on 2Sa 3:25–32 . Amasa son of Jether. See 2Sa 20:10 . shedding their blood in peacetime. Joab’s actions were unlawful assassinations (see Dt 19:1–13 ; 21:1–9 ) and only served his own self-interest. In addition, he murdered David’s son Absalom (see 2Sa 18:14–15 ) and participated in Adonijah’s conspiracy to usurp the throne (see 1:7 , 19 ).

[BACK TO 2:7] sons of Barzillai. See note on 2Sa 17:27 . eat at your table. A position of honor that brought with it other benefits (see 18:19 ; 2Ki 25:29 ; 2Sa 9:7 ; 19:28 ; Ne 5:17 ).

[BACK TO 2:8] See 2Sa 16:5–13 . Shimei son of Gera , the Benjamite. Gera was probably the ancestor of Shimei’s particular line of descent rather than his immediate father (see Ge 46:21 ; Jdg 3:15 ). See NIV text notes on Ge 10:2 ; Da 5:22 .

[BACK TO 2:9] do not consider him innocent. The Mosaic law prohibited cursing a ruler ( 21:10 ; Ex 22:28 ).

[BACK TO 2:10] rested with his ancestors. See note on 1:21 . City of David. See 2Sa 5:7 and note. Peter implies that David’s tomb was still known in his day ( Ac 2:29 ).

[BACK TO 2:11] forty years. See 2Sa 5:4–5 . David ruled c. 1010–970 BC (see Introduction to 1Samuel: Chronology ).

[BACK TO 2:13–46] Solomon’s throne established (see note on 1:1–12:24 ).

[BACK TO 2:13] Adonijah , the son of Haggith. See note on 1:5 . Do you come peacefully? The question (see 1Sa 16:4 ; 2Ki 9:22 ) reveals Bathsheba’s apprehension concerning Adonijah’s intention (see 1:5 ).

[BACK TO 2:15] the kingdom was mine. See 1:11 . All Israel looked to me as their king. A gross exaggeration (see 1:7–8 ). it has come to him from the L ORD. Adonijah professes to view Solomon’s kingship as God’s will and to have no further intentions of seeking the position for himself.

[BACK TO 2:17] give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife. Adonijah’s request has the appearance of being innocent (but see note on v. 22 ) since Abishag had remained a virgin throughout the period of her care for David (see 1:1–4 ; Dt 22:30 ).

[BACK TO 2:19] right hand. The position of honor (see Ps 110:1 ; Mt 20:21 ).

[BACK TO 2:20] one small request. Bathsheba does not seem to have attached any great significance to Adonijah’s request.

[BACK TO 2:22] You might as well request the kingdom for him. Solomon immediately understood Adonijah’s request as another attempt to gain the throne. Possession of the royal harem was widely regarded as signifying the right of succession to the throne (see notes on 2Sa 3:7 ; 12:8 ; 16:21 ). Although Abishag was a virgin, she would be regarded by the people as belonging to David’s harem; so marriage to Abishag would greatly strengthen Adonijah’s claim to the throne. for Abiathar the priest and Joab son of Zeruiah. See note on 1:7 . Solomon assumes that Abiathar and Joab continue to be involved in Adonijah’s treacherous schemes.

[BACK TO 2:23] May God deal with me , be it ever so severely. A curse formula (see note on 1Sa 3:17 ).

[BACK TO 2:24] has founded a dynasty for me. Solomon’s son and successor, Rehoboam, was born shortly before Solomon became king (cf. 11:42 ; 14:21 ). as he promised. See 1Ch 22:9–10 .

[BACK TO 2:25] Benaiah son of Jehoiada. See notes on 1:7 ; 2Sa 23:20 .

[BACK TO 2:26] you carried the ark. See 2Sa 15:24–25 , 29 ; 1Ch 15:11–12 . shared all my father’s hardships. See 1Sa 22:20–23 ; 23:6–9 ; 30:7 ; 2Sa 17:15 ; 19:11 .

[BACK TO 2:27] fulfilling the word the L ORD had spoken at Shiloh about the house of Eli. See notes on 1Sa 2:30–35 .

[BACK TO 2:28] news. Of Adonijah’s death and Abiathar’s banishment. conspired with Adonijah. See 1:7 . tent of the L ORD. See note on 1:39 . took hold of the horns of the altar. See note on 1:50 .

[BACK TO 2:29] strike him down! The right of asylum was extended only to those who accidentally caused someone’s death (see Ex 21:14 ). Solomon was completely justified in denying this right to Joab, not only for his complicity in Adonijah’s conspiracy, but also for his murder of Abner and Amasa (see vv. 31–33 ). In this incident Solomon finds a suitable occasion for carrying out his father’s instruction (see vv. 5–6 ).

[BACK TO 2:32] he attacked two men and killed them. See 2Sa 3:27 ; 20:9–10 . Israel’s army. See 2Sa 2:8–9 . Judah’s army. See 2Sa 20:4 .

[BACK TO 2:34] at his home out in the country. The tomb of Joab’s father was located near Bethlehem (see 2Sa 2:32 ).

[BACK TO 2:35] Benaiah son of Jehoiada. See note on 2Sa 23:20 . Zadok the priest. See notes on 1Sa 2:35 ; 2Sa 8:17 .

[BACK TO 2:36] do not go anywhere else. Confinement to Jerusalem would greatly reduce the possibility of Shimei’s (see v. 8 ) conspiring with any remaining followers of Saul against Solomon’s rule.

[BACK TO 2:37] Kidron Valley. See map .

[BACK TO 2:39] Achish son of Maakah , king of Gath. Gath was a major Philistine city (see Jos 13:3 ; 1Sa 6:16–17 ). It is likely that Gath was ruled successively by Maok, Achish the elder ( 1Sa 27:2 ), Maakah and Achish the younger (here); cf. 1Sa 21:10 and note.

[BACK TO 2:43] See v. 36 and note.

[BACK TO 2:46] struck Shimei down and he died. The third execution carried out by Benaiah (see vv. 25 , 34 ). It brought to completion the tasks assigned to Solomon by David just before his death (vv. 6 , 9 ).

[BACK TO 3:1–28] Solomon’s wisdom (see note on 1:1–12:24 ).

[BACK TO 3:1] made an alliance with Pharaoh. It appears likely that Solomon established his marriage alliance with Siamun, one of the last kings of the Twenty-First Egyptian Dynasty. (Siamun was pharaoh of Egypt 978–959 BC.) Such an alliance attests Egyptian recognition of the growing importance and strength of the Israelite state (see 7:8 ; 9:16 , 24 ). 1Ki 9:16 indicates that the pharaoh gave his daughter the Canaanite town of Gezer as a dowry at the time of her marriage to Solomon. Gezer was located near the crossing of two important trade routes. One, to the west of Gezer, went from Egypt to the north and was very important for Egypt’s commercial interests. The other, to the north of Gezer, went from Jerusalem to the Mediterranean Sea and the port of Joppa and was important to Solomon as a supply line for his building projects. The marriage alliance enabled both Solomon and the pharaoh to accomplish important economic and political objectives. No precise date is given for the conclusion of the marriage alliance, though it appears to have occurred in the third or fourth year of Solomon’s reign (see 2:39 ). Solomon began construction of the temple in his fourth year ( 6:1 ), and control of the Gezer area was important to him for the beginning of this project (see map ; see also map , at the end of this study Bible). married his daughter. Solomon had already married Rehoboam’s mother, Naamah (see 14:21 , 31 ), and may have had other wives also (cf. 11:1–3 ). City of David. The Egyptian princess was given a temporary residence in the old fortress (see 2Sa 5:7 and note) until a separate palace of her own could be constructed some 20 years later ( 7:8 ; 9:10 ; 2Ch 8:11 ).

[BACK TO 3:2] high places. Upon entering Canaan, the Israelites often followed the Canaanite custom of locating their altars on high hills, probably on the old Baal sites. The question of the legitimacy of Israelite worship at these high places has long been a matter of debate. It is clear that the Israelites were forbidden to take over pagan altars and high places and use them for the worship of the Lord ( Nu 33:52 ; Dt 7:5 ; 12:3 ). It is also clear that altars were to be built only at divinely sanctioned sites (see Ex 20:24 ; Dt 12:5 , 8 , 13–14 ). It is not so clear whether multiplicity of altars was totally forbidden, provided the above conditions were met (see 19:10 , 14 ; Lev 26:30–31 ; Dt 12 ; 1Sa 9:12 ). It seems, however, that these conditions were not followed even in the time of Solomon, when pagan high places were being used for the worship of the Lord. This would eventually lead to religious apostasy and syncretism and was strongly condemned ( 2Ki 17:7–18 ; 21:2–9 ; 23:4–25 ). because a temple had not yet been built. Worship at a variety of places was apparently considered normal prior to the building of the temple (see Jdg 6:24 ; 13:19 ; 1Sa 7:17 ; 9:12–13 ). Name of the L ORD. See notes on Dt 12:5 ; Ps 5:11 .

[BACK TO 3:3] except. Solomon’s one major fault early in his reign was inconsistency in meeting the Mosaic requirements concerning places of legitimate worship.

[BACK TO 3:4] Gibeon. The Gibeonites tricked Joshua and Israel into a peace treaty at the time of the conquest of Canaan (see Jos 9:3–27 ). The city was subsequently given to the tribe of Benjamin and was set apart for the Levites ( Jos 18:25 ; 21:17 ). David avenged Saul’s violation of the Gibeonite treaty by the execution of seven of Saul’s descendants (see 2Sa 21:1–9 ). most important high place. The reason for Gibeon’s importance was the presence there of the tabernacle and the altar of burnt offering (see 1Ch 21:29 ; 2Ch 1:2–6 ). These must have been salvaged after the destruction of Shiloh by the Philistines (see note on 1Sa 7:1 ).

[BACK TO 3:5] dream. Revelation through dreams is found elsewhere in the OT (see Ge 28:12 ; 31:11 ; 46:2 ; Nu 12:6 ; Jdg 7:13 ; Da 2:4 ; 7:1 ), as well as in the NT (see, e.g., Mt 1:20 ; 2:12 , 22 ).

[BACK TO 3:6] kindness. The Hebrew for this word often refers to God’s covenant favors (see notes on 2Sa 7:15 ; Ps 6:4 ). Solomon is praising the Lord for faithfulness to his promises to David ( 2Sa 7:8–16 ). because. See note on 2Sa 22:21 .

[BACK TO 3:7] I am only a little child. The birth of Solomon is generally placed in approximately the middle of David’s 40-year reign, meaning that Solomon was about 20 years old at the beginning of his own reign (see 2:11–12 ) and lacked experience in assuming the responsibilities of his office (cf. Jer 1:6 ).

[BACK TO 3:8] great people , too numerous to count. From the small beginnings of a single family living in Egypt (see Ge 46:26–27 ; Dt 7:7 ), the Israelites had increased to an extent approaching that anticipated in the promise given to Abraham ( Ge 13:16 ; 22:17–18 ) and Jacob ( Ge 32:12 ). See 4:20 and note.

[BACK TO 3:9] a discerning heart. The phrase indicates the ability to listen patiently to all sides of an issue in order to come to true and wise decisions—a characteristic traditionally associated with a good king in the ancient Near East (cf. Isa 11:2–5 ).

[BACK TO 3:11] long life … wealth … death of your enemies. Typical desires of ancient Near Eastern monarchs.

[BACK TO 3:12] never … anyone like you. See 4:29–34 ; 10:1–13 .

[BACK TO 3:13] I will give you what you have not asked for. Cf. Jesus’ promise in Lk 12:31 .

[BACK TO 3:14] if you walk in obedience to me … I will give you a long life. Echoes Dt 6:2 ; 17:20 ; 22:7 . Unfortunately Solomon did not remain obedient to the covenant as his father David had ( 11:6 ), and he did not live to be much more than 60 years of age (see note on v. 7 ; cf. 11:42 ).

[BACK TO 3:15] ark of the Lord’s covenant. See notes on 6:19 ; 2Sa 6:2 . fellowship offerings. See note on 1Sa 11:15 .

[BACK TO 3:16] two prostitutes came to the king. It was possible for Israelites (and others within the realm) to bypass lower judicial officials ( Dt 16:18 ) and appeal directly before the king (see 2Ki 8:3 ; 2Sa 15:2 ).

[BACK TO 3:17] live in the same house. Brothels were common in ancient Near Eastern cities.

[BACK TO 3:25] Cut the living child in two. This royal command, whereby Solomon in his wisdom resolved a judicial enigma and restored a violated relationship, served the author as a narrative foil to expose more effectively the folly Solomon later displayed, which led to God’s judicial cutting of the kingdom in two, giving one part to Solomon’s son and one part to Jeroboam (see 11:9–13 ). In the prophetic literature, these two kingdoms are often compared to prostitutes (see v. 16 ; see also Jer 3:6–12 ; Eze 16:15–46 ; 23:3–5 ; Hos 1:2 and notes).

[BACK TO 3:28] they saw that he had wisdom from God. This episode strikingly demonstrated that the Lord had answered Solomon’s prayer for a discerning heart (vv. 9 , 12 ).

[BACK TO 4:1–34] Solomon’s reign characterized (see note on 1:1–12:24 ).

[BACK TO 4:1] ruled over all Israel. Solomon ruled over an undivided kingdom, as his father had before him (see 2Sa 8:15 ).

[BACK TO 4:2] son. According to 2Sa 15:27 , 36 and 1Ch 6:8–9 , Azariah was the son of Ahimaaz and the grandson of Zadok (see note on 2:8 ). Apparently Zadok’s son Ahimaaz had died, so that Zadok was succeeded by his grandson Azariah. Zadok. See 2:27 , 35 .

[BACK TO 4:3] Shisha. See note on 2Sa 8:17 . secretaries. See note on 2Sa 8:17 . Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud. The same person who served in David’s court (see 2Sa 8:16 ). recorder. See note on 2Sa 8:16 .

[BACK TO 4:4] Benaiah. Replaced Joab as commander of the army (see 2:35 ; 2Sa 8:18 ). Zadok and Abiathar. Abiathar was banished at the beginning of Solomon’s reign ( 2:27 , 35 ), and Zadok was succeeded by his grandson Azariah (v. 2 ).

[BACK TO 4:5] Nathan. Either the prophet ( 1:11 ) or the son of David ( 2Sa 5:14 ). district governors. See vv. 7–19 . priest. See note on 2Sa 8:18 . adviser to the king. See note on 2Sa 15:37 .

[BACK TO 4:6] palace administrator. The first OT reference to an office mentioned frequently in 1, 2 Kings ( 1Ki 16:9 ; 18:3 ; 2Ki 18:18 , 37 ; 19:2 ). It is likely that this official was administrator of the palace and steward of the king’s properties. Adoniram. Served not only under Solomon, but also under David before him ( 2Sa 20:24 ) and Rehoboam after him ( 1Ki 12:18 ). forced labor. See notes on 9:15 ; 2Sa 20:24 .

[BACK TO 4:7] Solomon had twelve district governors. The 12 districts were not identical to tribal territories, possibly because the tribes varied greatly in agricultural productivity. But Solomon’s administrative decision violated traditional tribal boundaries and probably stirred up ancient tribal loyalties, eventually contributing to the disruption of the united kingdom.

[BACK TO 4:8] Ben-Hur. Hebrew Ben means “son of.”

[BACK TO 4:11] Ben-Abinadab. Most likely the “son of “ David’s brother Abinadab (see 1Sa 16:8 ; 17:13 ), making him Solomon’s first cousin (he was also his son-in-law).

[BACK TO 4:12] Baana son of Ahilud. Probably a brother of Jehoshaphat the recorder (v. 3 ).

[BACK TO 4:16] Baana son of Hushai. Perhaps the son of David’s trusted adviser (see notes on 2Sa 15:32 , 37 ).

[BACK TO 4:18] Shimei son of Ela. Perhaps the same Shimei mentioned in 1:8 .

[BACK TO 4:20] as numerous as the sand on the seashore. See 3:8 and note; see also v. 29 ; Ge 22:17 ; 2Sa 17:11 ; Isa 10:22 ; Jer 33:22 ; Hos 1:10 ; cf. Ge 41:49 ; Jos 11:4 ; Jdg 7:12 ; Ps 78:27 . they ate , they drank and they were happy. Judah and Israel prospered (see 5:4 ).

[BACK TO 4:21] from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines , as far as the border of Egypt. The borders of Solomon’s empire extended to the limits originally promised to Abraham (see note on 2Sa 8:3 ). However, rebellion was brewing in Edom ( 11:14–21 ) and Damascus ( 11:23–25 ). brought tribute. From the outset of his reign, Solomon enjoyed the submission of the peoples David had conquered (cf. note on Ps 2:1–3 ).

[BACK TO 4:22] Solomon’s daily provisions. For all his household, his palace servants and his court officials and their families.

[BACK TO 4:24] Tiphsah. A city on the west bank of the Euphrates River. Gaza. The southernmost city of the Philistines near the Mediterranean coast.

[BACK TO 4:25] from Dan to Beersheba. See note on 1Sa 3:20 .

[BACK TO 4:26] four thousand. See NIV text note. 1Ki 10:26 and 2Ch 1:14 indicate that Solomon had 1,400 chariots, meaning that he maintained stalls for two horses for each chariot, with places for about 1,200 reserve horses. By way of comparison, an Assyrian account of the battle of Qarqar in 853 BC (about a century after Solomon) speaks of 1,200 chariots from Damascus, 700 chariots from Hamath and 2,000 chariots from Israel (the northern kingdom). chariot horses. See 2Sa 15:1 and note.

[BACK TO 4:27] district governors. See v. 7 and note.

[BACK TO 4:29] as measureless as the sand on the seashore. See note on v. 20 .

[BACK TO 4:30] people of the East. The phrase is general and appears to refer to the peoples of Mesopotamia (see Ge 29:1 ) and Arabia (see Jer 49:28 ; Eze 25:4 , 10 )—those associated with Israel’s northeastern and eastern horizons, just as Egypt was the main region on her southwestern horizon. Many examples of Mesopotamian wisdom literature have been recovered (see essay , last paragraph). wisdom of Egypt. See Ge 41:8 ; Ex 7:11 ; Ac 7:22 . Examples of Egyptian wisdom literature are to be found in the proverbs of Ptahhotep (c. 2450 BC) and Amenemope (see Introduction to Proverbs: Date ; see also chart ).

[BACK TO 4:31] He was wiser than anyone else. Until Jesus came (see Lk 11:31 ). Ethan the Ezrahite. See Ps 89 title. Heman , Kalkol and Darda. See note on 1Ch 2:6 . his fame spread. See, e.g., 10:1 .

[BACK TO 4:32] three thousand proverbs. Only some of these are preserved in the book of Proverbs.

[BACK TO 4:33] cedar of Lebanon. See notes on 5:6 ; Jdg 9:15 ; Isa 9:10 . hyssop. See note on Ex 12:22 . animals and birds , reptiles and fish. Examples of Solomon’s knowledge of these creatures are found in Pr 6:6–8 ; 26:2–3 , 11 ; 27:8 ; 28:1 , 15 .

[BACK TO 4:34] all nations … all the kings of the world. A general statement referring to the Near Eastern world (cf. Ge 41:57 ).

[BACK TO 5:1–9:9] Solomon’s building projects (see note on 1:1–12:24 ).

[BACK TO 5:1] Hiram king of Tyre. Hiram ruled over Tyre c. 978–944 BC. He may have also served as coregent with his father, Abibaal, as early as 993. Before Solomon was born, Hiram provided timber and workmen for the building of David’s palace (see 2Sa 5:11 ).

[BACK TO 5:3] he could not build a temple. Although David was denied the privilege of building the temple, he did make plans and supply provisions for its construction (see 1Ch 22:2–5 ; 28:2 ; cf. also Ps 30 title and note).

[BACK TO 5:4] rest. Described here as “no adversary or disaster.” God’s promises to his people (see Ex 33:14 ; Dt 25:19 ; Jos 1:13 , 15 ) and to David ( 2Sa 7:11 ) have now been fulfilled (see 8:56 and note), so that the Israelites are free to concentrate their strength and resources on building their Great King’s royal house (see note on 2Sa 7:11 ).

[BACK TO 5:5] Name of the L ORD. See 3:2 and note. as the L ORD told my father David. See 2Sa 7:12–13 ; 1Ch 22:8–10 .

[BACK TO 5:6] So give orders. A more detailed account of Solomon’s request is found in 2Ch 2:3–10 . cedars of Lebanon. Widely used in the ancient Near East in the construction of temples and palaces.

[BACK TO 5:7] Praise be to the L ORD. In polytheistic cultures it was common practice for the people of one nation to recognize the deities of another nation (see 10:9 ; 11:5 ) and even to ascribe certain powers to them (see 2Ki 18:25 ; see also 2Ch 2:12 ).

[BACK TO 5:9] place you specify. Joppa ( 2Ch 2:16 ; see note on 1Ki 3:1 ). providing food for my royal household. Provision of food for Hiram’s court personnel appears to have covered only the cost of the wood itself. In addition, Solomon would have to provide for the wages of the Phoenician laborers (v. 6 ). Comparison of v. 11 with 2Ch 2:10 indicates that besides wheat and olive oil for Hiram’s court, Solomon also sent barley and wine for labor costs. Hiram may have sold some of these provisions in order to pay the laborers. See also note on 9:11 .

[BACK TO 5:11] twenty thousand cors of wheat. See NIV text note. By way of comparison, Solomon’s court received 10,950 cors of flour and 21,900 cors of meal on an annual basis (see 4:22 ; see also 2Ch 2:10 ).

[BACK TO 5:13] conscripted laborers. See notes on 9:15 ; 2Sa 20:24 . Resentment among the people toward this sort of forced labor eventually led to a civil uprising and the division of Solomon’s kingdom immediately after his death ( 12:1–18 ).

[BACK TO 5:15] seventy thousand carriers and eighty thousand stonecutters. Conscripted from the non-Israelite population that David had subdued and incorporated into his kingdom (see 2Ch 2:17–18 ). hills. The limestone hills of the surrounding area where the stone was quarried.

[BACK TO 5:16] thirty-three hundred foremen. 1Ki 9:23 refers to 550 “chief officials … supervising.” If these are two different categories of supervisory personnel, the total is 3,850 men. 2Ch 2:2 refers to 3,600 foremen, and 2Ch 8:10 speaks of 250 supervisors, which again yields a total of 3,850 men in a supervisory capacity.

[BACK TO 5:17] large blocks of high-grade stone. For the size of these stones, see 7:10 . Transportation of such stones to Jerusalem would require enormous manpower.

[BACK TO 5:18] Byblos. See Eze 27:9 and note.

[BACK TO 6:1–38] See model above.

[BACK TO 6:1] four hundred and eightieth year … fourth year. Synchronizations between certain events in the reigns of later Israelite kings and Assyrian chronological records fix the fourth year of Solomon’s reign at c. 966 BC (see Introduction: Chronology ). If Israel’s exodus is placed 480 years prior to 966, it would have occurred c. 1446 (the chronology followed in this study Bible) during the rule of the Eighteenth-Dynasty Egyptian pharaoh Thutmose III. On the basis of Ex 1:11 and certain other historical considerations, however, some have concluded that the exodus could not have occurred prior to the rule of the Nineteenth-Dynasty pharaoh Rameses II—thus not until c. 1279 (see note on Ge 47:11 ). This would mean that the 480 years of this verse would be understood as either a schematic (perhaps representative of 12 generations multiplied by the conventional, but not always actual, 40-year length of a generation) or aggregate figure (the combined total of a number of subsidiary time periods, which in reality were partly concurrent, examples of which are to be found in Egyptian and Mesopotamian records). See Introduction to Exodus: Chronology .

[BACK TO 6:2] temple that King Solomon built. The temple was patterned after the tabernacle (and, in general, other temples of the time; see model above and accompanying text , and was divided into three major areas: the Most Holy Place, the Holy Place and the outer courtyard. The Most Holy Place in the temple was cube-shaped, as it also was in the tabernacle. The dimensions of the temple in most instances seem to be double those of the tabernacle (see Ex 26:15–30 ; 36:20–34 ).

[BACK TO 6:6] offset ledges. To avoid making holes in the temple wall, it was built with a series of ledges on which the beams for the three floors of side chambers rested. This accounts for the different widths of the rooms on each floor.

[BACK TO 6:8] entrance to the lowest floor. Of the side chambers.

[BACK TO 6:11] The word of the L ORD came to Solomon. As the temple neared completion the Lord spoke to Solomon, perhaps through an unnamed prophet (but see 3:5 , 11–14 ; 9:2–9 ).

[BACK TO 6:12] if you follow my decrees … I will fulfill through you the promise. In words similar to those spoken by David (see 2:1–4 and notes), the Lord assures Solomon of a continuing dynasty (see 2Sa 7:12–16 ), but Solomon must remain faithful to the Sinaitic covenant if he is to experience personally the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant promise (see chart ).

[BACK TO 6:13] I will live among the Israelites. In the temple being built (see 9:3 ). To avoid any apprehension among the Israelites concerning his presence with them (cf. Ps 78:60 ; Jer 26:6 , 9 ; see note on 1Sa 7:1 ), the Lord gives assurance that he will dwell in their midst (see 8:10–13 ; Ex 25:8 ; Lev 26:11 ).

[BACK TO 6:16] Most Holy Place. The same terminology was used for the inner sanctuary housing the ark in the tabernacle (see Ex 26:33–34 ; Lev 16:2 , 16–17 , 20 , 23 ).

[BACK TO 6:19] ark of the covenant of the L ORD. The Ten Commandments are called the “words of the covenant” in Ex 34:28 . The stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were inscribed are called the “tablets of the covenant” in Dt 9:9 . The ark in which the tablets were kept (see Ex 25:16 , 21 ; 40:20 ; Dt 10:1–5 ) is thus sometimes called the “ark of the covenant of the L ORD ” (see Dt 10:8 ; 31:9 , 25 ; Jos 3:11 ). Elsewhere the ark is variously designated as the “ark of the L ORD ” ( Jos 3:13 ; 4:11 ), the “ark of the covenant law” ( Ex 30:6 ; 31:7 ) and the “ark of God” ( 1Sa 3:3 ; 4:11 , 17 , 21 ; 5:1–2 ).

[BACK TO 6:20] pure gold. The extensive use of gleaming gold probably symbolized the glory of God and his heavenly temple (cf. Rev 21:10–11 , 18 , 21 ).

[BACK TO 6:21] gold chains. The curtain covering the entrance to the Most Holy Place was probably hung on these chains (see 2Ch 3:14 ; Mt 27:51 ; Heb 6:19 ).

[BACK TO 6:22] altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary. The incense altar (see 7:48 ; Ex 30:1 , 6 ; 37:25–28 ; Heb 9:3–4 and note on 9:4 ).

[BACK TO 6:23] cherubim. See note on Ex 25:18 . They were to stand as sentries on either side of the ark ( 8:6–7 ; 2Ch 3:10–13 ). Two additional cherubim stood on the ark—one on each end of its atonement cover ( Ex 25:17–22 ). ten cubits high. The Most Holy Place, where the cherubim stood, was 20 cubits high (v. 16 ).

[BACK TO 6:29] he carved cherubim. Not a violation of the second commandment, which prohibited making anything to serve as a representation of God and worshiping it (see note on Ex 20:4 ). palm trees and open flowers. The depiction of cherubim and beautiful trees and flowers is reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, from which Adam and Eve had been driven as a result of sin ( Ge 3:24 ). In a symbolic sense, readmission to the paradise of God is now to be had only by means of atonement for sin at the sanctuary (see note on Ex 26:1 , “tabernacle”). Early Jewish synagogues were adorned with similar motifs.

[BACK TO 6:36] inner courtyard. Suggests that there was an outer courtyard (see 8:64 ). 2Ch 4:9 refers to the “courtyard of the priests” (inner) and the “large court” (outer). The inner courtyard is also called the “upper courtyard” ( Jer 36:10 ) because of its higher position on the temple mount.

[BACK TO 6:37] fourth year. Of Solomon’s reign (see v. 1 and note). Ziv. See chart .

[BACK TO 6:38] eleventh year. Of Solomon’s reign (959 BC). Bul. See chart .

[BACK TO 7:1] thirteen years. Solomon spent almost twice as long building his own house as he did the Lord’s house (see 6:38 ; see also Hag 1:2–4 ).

[BACK TO 7:2] Palace of the Forest of Lebanon. Four rows of cedar pillars in the palace created the impression of a great forest. a hundred cubits long , fifty wide and thirty high. See NIV text note. Compare these measurements with those of the temple in 6:2 .

[BACK TO 7:3] forty-five beams , fifteen to a row. Suggests that there were three floors in the building above the main hall on the ground level. The building included storage space for weaponry (see 10:16–17 ).

[BACK TO 7:6] colonnade. Apparently an entrance hall to the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon. Its length (50 cubits) corresponds to the width of the palace.

[BACK TO 7:7] throne hall. It is not clear whether the throne hall (the Hall of Justice), Solomon’s own living quarters (v. 8 ) and the palace for the pharaoh’s daughter (v. 8 ) were separate buildings or locations within the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.

[BACK TO 7:9] smoothed on their inner and outer faces. The pinkish white limestone of the Holy Land is easily cut when originally quarried, but gradually hardens with exposure.

[BACK TO 7:12] great courtyard. Constructed in the same way as the inner courtyard of the temple ( 6:36 ).

[BACK TO 7:13] King Solomon sent. Prior to the completion of the temple and the construction of Solomon’s palace (see 2Ch 2:7 , 13–14 ). Huram. See NIV text note. His full name is Huram-Abi ( 2Ch 2:13 ).

[BACK TO 7:14] widow from the tribe of Naphtali. 2Ch 2:14 indicates that Huram-Abi’s mother was from Dan. Apparently she was born in the city of Dan in northern Israel close to the tribe of Naphtali, from which her first husband came. After he died, she married a man from Tyre. all kinds of bronze work. Huram-Abi had a much wider range of skills as well (see 2Ch 2:7 , 14 ).

[BACK TO 7:15] two bronze pillars. One was placed on each side of the main entrance to the temple (v. 21 ). Surely decorative, they may also have embodied a symbolism not known to us. Some believe that the pillars were freestanding, like those found at certain excavations in the Near East. Others think that they supported a roof (forming a portico to the temple) and an architrave.

[BACK TO 7:16] five cubits. See 2Ki 25:17 and note.

[BACK TO 7:21] pillar to the south. The temple, like the tabernacle before it, faced east (see Eze 8:16 ).

[BACK TO 7:23] Sea of cast metal. This enormous reservoir of water corresponded to the bronze basin made for the tabernacle (see Ex 30:17–21 ; 38:8 ). Its water was used by the priests for ritual cleansing ( 2Ch 4:6 ). thirty cubits. Technically speaking, this should be 31.416 cubits because of the ten-cubit diameter of the circular top. Thirty may be a round number here.

[BACK TO 7:24] ten to a cubit. With ten gourds to a cubit it took 300 gourds to span the entire reservoir, or 600 gourds counting both rows.

[BACK TO 7:26] two thousand baths. See 2Ch 4:5 and note.

[BACK TO 7:27] ten movable stands. These movable bronze stands were designed to hold water basins (see v. 38 ) of much smaller dimensions than the bronze Sea. The water from the basins was used to wash certain prescribed parts of the animals that were slaughtered for burnt offerings (see Lev 1:9 , 13 ; 2Ch 4:6 ).

[BACK TO 7:36] He engraved cherubim , lions and palm trees. See note on 6:29 .

[BACK TO 7:40] pots. See NIV text note; perhaps used for cooking meat to be eaten in connection with the fellowship offerings (see Lev 7:11–17 ; 22:21–23 ). shovels. Used for removing ashes from the altar. sprinkling bowls. For use by the priests in various rites involving the sprinkling of blood or water (see Ex 27:3 ).

[BACK TO 7:41] two sets of network. See v. 17 .

[BACK TO 7:42] four hundred pomegranates. See vv. 18 , 20 .

[BACK TO 7:43] ten stands with their ten basins. See vv. 27–37 .

[BACK TO 7:44] the Sea and the twelve bulls. See vv. 23–26 .

[BACK TO 7:45] pots , shovels and sprinkling bowls. See v. 40 and note.

[BACK TO 7:46] Sukkoth. Located on the east side of the Jordan ( Ge 33:17 ; Jos 13:27 ; Jdg 8:4–5 ) just north of the Jabbok River. Excavations in this area have confirmed that Sukkoth was a center of metallurgy during the period of the monarchy. Zarethan. Located near Adam (see Jos 3:16 ) and Abel Meholah ( 4:12 ).

[BACK TO 7:48] golden altar. See 6:22 . golden table. The bread of the Presence was placed on this table (see Ex 25:23–30 ; 1Ch 9:32 ; 2Ch 13:11 ; 29:18 ). Ten such golden tables are mentioned in 1Ch 28:16 and 2Ch 4:8 , 19 , five placed on the north and five on the south side of the temple.

[BACK TO 7:49] lampstands of pure gold. Only one lampstand with seven arms had stood in the tabernacle, opposite the table for the bread of the Presence ( Ex 25:31–40 ; 26:35 ). The ten lampstands in the temple, five on the north side and five on the south, created a lane of light in the Holy Place. gold floral work. See Ex 25:33 . lamps. See Ex 25:37 . tongs. See 2Ch 4:21 ; Isa 6:6 .

[BACK TO 7:50] censers. See 2Ki 25:15 ; 2Ch 4:22 ; Jer 52:18–19 .

[BACK TO 7:51] things his father David had dedicated. Valuable objects of silver and gold, either taken as plunder in war or received as tribute from kings seeking David’s favor (see 2Sa 8:9–12 ; 1Ch 18:7–11 ; 2Ch 5:1 ). treasuries of the L ORD ’s temple. See 15:18 ; 2Ki 12:18 ; 1Ch 9:26 ; 26:20–26 ; 28:12 .

[BACK TO 8:1] bring up the ark of the L ORD ’s covenant. David had previously brought the ark from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem (see 2Sa 6 ). Zion , the City of David. See note on 2Sa 5:7 .

[BACK TO 8:2] festival. It is probable that Solomon waited 11 months (see 6:38 ) to dedicate the temple during the Festival of Tabernacles, which was observed in the seventh month of the year ( Lev 23:34 ; Dt 16:13–15 ). seventh month. Presumably in the 12th year of Solomon’s reign.

[BACK TO 8:4] tent of meeting. The tabernacle, which had been preserved at Gibeon (see notes on 3:4 ; 1Sa 7:1 ; see also 2Ch 5:4–5 ).

[BACK TO 8:6] put it beneath the wings of the cherubim. See 6:23–28 .

[BACK TO 8:8] their ends could be seen. The carrying poles were always to remain in the gold rings of the ark ( Ex 25:15 ). they are still there today. These words must be those of the original author of this description of the dedication of the temple rather than those of the final compiler of the books of Kings (see Introduction: Author, Sources and Date ; see also 2Ch 5:9 ).

[BACK TO 8:9] two stone tablets. See Ex 25:16 ; 40:20 . the L ORD made a covenant. See Ex 24 .

[BACK TO 8:10] the cloud filled the temple. Just as a visible manifestation of the presence of the Lord had descended on the tabernacle at Sinai, so now the Lord came to dwell in the temple (see Ex 40:33–35 ; Eze 10:3–5 , 18–19 ; 43:4–5 ).

[BACK TO 8:12] he would dwell in a dark cloud. See Ex 19:9 ; 24:15 , 18 ; 33:9–10 ; 34:5 ; Lev 16:2 ; Dt 4:11 ; 5:22 ; Ps 18:10–11 .

[BACK TO 8:15] what he promised. See 2Sa 7:5–16 .

[BACK TO 8:16] have not chosen a city. See Dt 12:5 and note. my Name. See 3:2 and note.

[BACK TO 8:21] covenant of the L ORD. The two tablets containing the Ten Commandments (see Ex 25:16 and note; Heb 9:4 ).

[BACK TO 8:22] spread out his hands. In prayer (see Ex 9:29 and note).

[BACK TO 8:23] no God like you. No other god has acted in history as has the God of Israel, performing great miracles and directing the course of events so that his long-range covenant promises are fulfilled (see Ex 15:11 ; Dt 4:39 ; 7:9 ; Ps 86:8–10 ). who keep your covenant of love. See Dt 7:9 , 12 and note. who continue … in your way. Cf. Ex 20:6 and note.

[BACK TO 8:24] your promise. See v. 15 ; 2Sa 7:5–16 .

[BACK TO 8:25] if only your descendants … walk before me faithfully. See 9:4–9 ; 2Ch 7:17–22 ; see also note on 1Ki 2:4 .

[BACK TO 8:27] How much less this temple I have built! With the construction of the temple and the appearance of a visible manifestation of the presence of God within its courts, the erroneous notion that God was irreversibly and exclusively bound to the temple in a way that guaranteed his assistance to Israel no matter how the people lived could very easily arise (see Jer 7:4–14 ; Mic 3:11 ). Solomon confessed that even though God had chosen to dwell among his people in a special and localized way, he far transcended being limited by anything in all creation.

[BACK TO 8:29] My Name. See note on 3:2 .

[BACK TO 8:30] pray toward this place. When Israelites were unable to pray in the temple itself, they were to direct their prayers toward the place where God had pledged to be present among his people (see Da 6:10 ). heaven , your dwelling place. See note on v. 27 .

[BACK TO 8:31] required to take an oath. In cases such as default in pledges ( Ex 22:10–12 ) or alleged adultery ( Nu 5:11–31 ), when there was insufficient evidence to establish the legitimacy of the charge, the supposed offender was required to take an oath of innocence at the sanctuary. Such an oath, with its attendant blessings and curses, was considered a divinely given means of determining innocence or guilt since the consequences of the oath became apparent in the life of the individual either by his experiencing the blessing or the curse or by direct divine revelation through the Urim and Thummim (see Ex 28:29–30 ; Lev 8:8 ; Nu 27:21 ).

[BACK TO 8:32] hear from heaven. It is clear that Solomon viewed the oath as an appeal to God to act and not as an automatic power that worked in a magical way.

[BACK TO 8:33] defeated by an enemy because they have sinned against you. Defeat by enemies was listed in Dt 28:25 as one of the curses that would come on Israel if she disobeyed the covenant. Solomon’s prayer reflects an awareness of the covenant obligations the Lord had placed on his people and a knowledge of the consequences that disobedience would entail.

[BACK TO 8:34] bring them back to the land. A reference to prisoners taken in battle.

[BACK TO 8:35] no rain. Drought was another of the covenant curses listed in Dt 28:22–24 .

[BACK TO 8:36] right way to live. In accordance with covenant obligations (see Dt 6:18 ; 12:25 ; 13:18 ; 1Sa 12:23 ).

[BACK TO 8:37] famine. See Dt 32:24 . plague. See Dt 28:21–22 ; 32:24 . locusts or grasshoppers. See Dt 28:38 , 42 . an enemy besieges them in any of their cities. See Dt 28:52 . disaster. See Dt 28:61 ; 31:29 ; 32:23–25 .

[BACK TO 8:38] aware of the afflictions of their own hearts. Conscious of their guilt before God, with an attitude of repentance and the desire for God’s forgiveness and grace (see 2Ch 6:29 ; Ps 38:17–18 ; Jer 17:9 ).

[BACK TO 8:39] deal with everyone according to all they do. Not to be viewed as a request for retribution for the wrong committed (forgiveness and retribution are mutually exclusive), but as a desire for whatever discipline God in his wisdom may use to correct his people and to instruct them in the way of the covenant (see v. 40 ; Pr 3:11 ; Heb 12:5–15 ).

[BACK TO 8:40] fear you. Honor and obediently serve you (see notes on Ge 20:11 ; Pr 1:7 ; see also Dt 5:29 ; 6:1–2 ; 8:6 ; 31:13 ; 2Ch 6:31 ; Ps 130:4 ).

[BACK TO 8:41] foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel. One who comes from a foreign land to pray to Israel’s God at the temple, as distinguished from a resident alien.

[BACK TO 8:42] they will hear. See 9:9 (foreign nations generally); 10:1 (queen of Sheba); Jos 2:9–11 (Rahab); 1Sa 4:6–8 (Philistines). your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm. God’s great power, demonstrated by his interventions in the history of his people (see Dt 4:34 ; 5:15 ; 7:19 ; 11:2 ; 26:8 ).

[BACK TO 8:44] go to war … wherever you send them. Military initiatives undertaken with divine sanction (see, e.g., Lev 26:7 ; Dt 20 ; 21:10 ; 1Sa 15:3 ; 23:2 , 4 ; 30:8 ; 2Sa 5:19 , 24 ). toward the city you have chosen. See note on v. 30 .

[BACK TO 8:46] no one who does not sin. A striking acknowledgment that sin is universal (see Ps 14:1 and note; see also Ge 6:5 ; 8:21 ; Ro 3:10–23 ). their enemies , who take them captive. On the basis of Lev 26:33–45 ; Dt 28:64–68 ; 30:1–5 Solomon knew that stubborn disobedience would lead to exile from the promised land.

[BACK TO 8:51] iron-smelting furnace. See Dt 4:20 and note.

[BACK TO 8:53] you singled them out … to be your own inheritance. Solomon began his prayer with an appeal to the Davidic covenant (vv. 23–30 ), and he closes with an appeal to the Sinaitic covenant (see Ex 19:5 ; Lev 20:24 , 26 ; Dt 7:6 ; 32:9 ).

[BACK TO 8:54] he had been kneeling. Cf. v. 22 ; see 2Ch 6:13 ; see also 2Sa 7:18 ; 1Ch 17:16 and note; Lk 22:41 ; Eph 3:14 .

[BACK TO 8:56] Praise be to the L ORD. Solomon understood this historic day to be a testimony to God’s covenant faithfulness. rest to his people. After the conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, the Lord gave the Israelites a period of rest from their enemies ( Jos 11:23 ; 21:44 ; 22:4 ), even though there remained much land to be possessed ( Jos 13:1 ; Jdg 1 ). It was only with David’s victories that the rest was made durable and complete (see 2Sa 7:1 ; see also note on 1Ki 5:4 ). as he promised. See Dt 12:9–10 . good promises. See Jos 21:44–45 and note on 21:45 .

[BACK TO 8:58] turn our hearts to him. Solomon asks for a divine work of grace within his people that will enable them to be faithful to the covenant (see Dt 30:6 ; Ps 51:10 ; Php 2:13 ).

[BACK TO 8:59] his servant. The king, who, as the Lord’s anointed, serves as the earthly representative of God’s rule over his people (see notes on Ps 2:2 , 7 ).

[BACK TO 8:60] so that all … may know. See note on Ps 46:10 .

[BACK TO 8:63] fellowship offerings. Involved a communion meal (see note on 1Sa 11:15 ). twenty-two thousand cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats. Although these numbers may seem large, there were vast numbers of people who participated in the dedication ceremony, which lasted 14 days (see vv. 1–2 ; see also v. 65 ).

[BACK TO 8:65] Lebo Hamath. See note on Eze 47:15 . Wadi of Egypt. Probably Wadi el-Arish (see note on Ge 15:18 ). People came to Jerusalem for the dedication of the temple from nearly the entire area of Solomon’s dominion (see note on 4:21 ). seven days and seven days more , fourteen days in all. It appears that the seven-day celebration for the dedication of the temple was followed by the seven-day Festival of Tabernacles (see note on v. 2 ), which was observed from the 15th to the 21st of the seventh month. According to Chronicles, this was followed by a final assembly on the next day, in accordance with Lev 23:33–36 ; then on the 23rd of the month the people were sent to their homes (see 2Ch 7:8–10 ).

[BACK TO 9:1] When Solomon had finished. At the earliest this would be in the 24th year (4 + 7 + 13 = 24) of Solomon’s reign—946 BC (see 6:1 , 37–38 ; 7:1 ; 9:10 ).

[BACK TO 9:2] he had appeared to him at Gibeon. See 3:4–15 .

[BACK TO 9:3] putting my Name there forever. See notes on 3:2 ; 8:16 . My eyes and my heart will always be there. See 8:29 .

[BACK TO 9:4–5] if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart … I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever. See 8:25 and note on 2:4 . The Lord reemphasizes to Solomon the importance of obedience to the covenant in order to experience its blessings rather than its curses. This was particularly necessary as Solomon’s kingdom grew in influence and wealth, with all the potential for covenant-breaking that prosperity brought (see Dt 8:12–14 , 17 ; 31:20 ; 32:15 ).

[BACK TO 9:6] serve other gods and worship them. See 11:4–8 .

[BACK TO 9:7] a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. See the covenant curse in Dt 28:37 .

[BACK TO 9:9] that is why the L ORD brought all this disaster on them. See Dt 29:22–28 ; Jer 22:8–30 .

[BACK TO 9:10–10:29] Solomon’s reign characterized (see note on 1:1–12:24 ).

[BACK TO 9:10–28] See map .

[BACK TO 9:11] Solomon gave twenty towns in Galilee to Hiram king of Tyre. Comparison of vv. 10–14 with 5:1–12 suggests that during Solomon’s 20 years of building activity he became more indebted to Hiram than anticipated in their original agreement (see note on 5:9 ), which had provided for payment for labor ( 5:6 ) and wood ( 5:10–11 ). From vv. 11 , 14 it is evident that in addition to wood and labor Solomon had also acquired great quantities of gold from Hiram. It appears that Solomon gave Hiram the 20 towns in the Phoenician-Galilee border area as a surety for repayment of the gold. 2Ch 8:1–2 indicates that at some later date when Solomon’s gold reserves were increased, perhaps after the return of the expedition to Ophir ( 1Ki 9:26–28 ; 10:11 ) or the visit of the queen of Sheba ( 10:1–13 ), he settled his debt with Hiram and recovered the 20 towns held as collateral.

[BACK TO 9:13] my brother. A term used in international diplomacy indicating a relationship of alliance between equals (see 20:32 and note; see also chart ).

[BACK TO 9:15] forced labor. Non-Israelite slave labor of a permanent nature (in contrast to the temporary conscription of Israelite workmen described in 5:13–16 ). terraces. Probably for Solomon’s expansion of Jerusalem on the ridge north from David’s city (see note on 2Sa 5:9 ). Hazor. Solomon’s building activity at Hazor, Megiddo and Gezer was intended to strengthen the fortifications of these ancient, strategically located towns (Solomonic gates, probably built by the same masons, have been found at all three sites). Hazor was the most important fortress in the northern Galilee area, controlling the trade route running from the Euphrates River to Egypt. Megiddo. Another fortress along the great north-south trade route; it commanded the pass through the Carmel range from the plain of Jezreel to the coastal plain of Sharon. Gezer. See note on 3:1 .

[BACK TO 9:16] Pharaoh. See note on 3:1 . killed its Canaanite inhabitants. Although Joshua had killed the king of Gezer at the time of the conquest ( Jos 10:33 ; 12:12 ), the tribe of Ephraim had been unable to drive out its inhabitants ( Jos 16:10 ; Jdg 1:29 ).

[BACK TO 9:17] Lower Beth Horon. Located about nine miles northwest of Jerusalem at a pass giving entrance to the Judahite highlands and Jerusalem from the coastal plain.

[BACK TO 9:18] Baalath. To be identified with either the Bealoth of Jos 15:24 located to the south of Hebron in the tribe of Judah or the Baalath southwest of Beth Horon in the tribe of Dan ( Jos 19:44 ). Tadmor. See NIV text note; see also 2Ch 8:4 ; Eze 47:19 .

[BACK TO 9:19] towns for his chariots and … horses. These towns are not mentioned by name but must have been strategically located throughout the land. Although Solomon was a man of peace (see NIV text note on 1Ch 22:9 ), he was fully prepared for war (cf. Dt 17:16–17 and note).

[BACK TO 9:20] Amorites … Jebusites. See Dt 7:1 ; 20:17 ; see also notes on Ge 10:15–18 ; 13:7 ; 15:16 ; 23:9 ; Jos 5:1 ; Jdg 3:3 ; 6:10 ; 2Sa 21:2 .

[BACK TO 9:22] Solomon did not make slaves of any of the Israelites. See note on v. 15 .

[BACK TO 9:23] 550 officials supervising. See note on 5:16 .

[BACK TO 9:25] Three times a year. On the occasion of the three important annual festivals: the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Tabernacles (see Ex 23:14–17 ; 2Ch 8:13 ).

[BACK TO 9:26] ships. Used in a large trading business that brought great wealth to Solomon’s court (see v. 28 ; 10:11 ). Ezion Geber. Located at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba (see 22:48 ; Nu 33:35 ; Dt 2:8 ; see also map ). Red Sea. The Hebrew for this term, normally read as Yam Suph (“sea of reeds”; see NIV text note), refers to the body of water through which the Israelites passed at the time of the exodus (see notes on Ex 13:18 ; 14:2 ). It can also be read, however, as Yam Soph (“sea of land’s end”), a more likely reading when referring to the “Red Sea,” and especially (as here) to its eastern arm (the Gulf of Aqaba).

[BACK TO 9:28] Ophir. A source for gold ( 2Ch 8:18 ; Job 28:16 ; Ps 45:9 ; Isa 13:12 ), almugwood and precious stones ( 10:11 ), and silver, ivory, apes and baboons ( 10:22 ). Such a place is attested on a Hebrew ostracon (see note on Jer 34:7 ) that dates perhaps to the eighth century BC. It contains this note: “Gold of Ophir for Beth Horon—30 shekels.” However, Ophir’s location is disputed. If it was located in Arabia, as seems most likely, it was probably a trading center for goods from farther east, as well as from east Africa. But the three-year voyages of Solomon’s merchant vessels ( 10:22 ) suggest a more distant location than the Arabian coast.

[BACK TO 10:1] Sheba. Archaeological evidence suggests that Sheba is to be identified with a mercantile kingdom (Saba) that flourished in southwest Arabia (see notes on Ge 10:28 ; Joel 3:8 ) c. 900–450 BC. It profited from the sea trade of India and east Africa by transporting luxury commodities north to Damascus and Gaza on caravan routes through the Arabian Desert. It is possible that Solomon’s fleet of ships threatened Sheba’s continued dominance of this trading business. fame of Solomon. See 4:31 . his relationship to the L ORD. The queen of Sheba recognized a connection between the wisdom of Solomon and the God he served. Jesus used her example to condemn the people of his own day who had not recognized that “something greater than Solomon” was in their midst ( Mt 12:42 ; Lk 11:31 ).

[BACK TO 10:9] Praise be to the L ORD your God. The queen of Sheba’s confession is beautifully worded and reflects a profound understanding of Israel’s covenant relationship with the Lord. However, it does not necessarily imply anything more than her recognition of the Lord as Israel’s national God, in conformity with the ideas of polytheistic paganism (see note on 5:7 ; see also 2Ch 2:12 ; Da 3:28–29 ). There is no confession that Solomon’s God has become her God to the exclusion of all others.

[BACK TO 10:10] 120 talents of gold. See notes on 9:11 , 28 .

[BACK TO 10:11] Hiram’s ships. See 9:26–28 . Hiram had supplied the wood, the sailors and the expertise in construction that Israel lacked. almugwood. Perhaps juniper; see NIV text note and 2Ch 9:10–11 . It was apparently available from Lebanon as well as Ophir ( 2Ch 2:8 ).

[BACK TO 10:13] all she desired and asked for. The exchange of gifts between Solomon and the queen may have signified the effecting of a trade agreement (see note on v. 1 ). There is no basis for the idea sometimes suggested that she desired offspring fathered by Solomon and left Jerusalem carrying his child.

[BACK TO 10:15] revenues from … Arabian kings. Tribute for passage of their caravans through Israelite territory. governors of the territories. Perhaps those of 4:7–19 .

[BACK TO 10:16] large shields. Rectangular shields that afforded maximum protection (in distinction from the smaller round shields). These gold shields were probably not intended for battle but for ceremonial use, symbolizing Israel’s wealth and glory. They were probably made of wood overlaid with gold. Shishak of Egypt carried them off as plunder in the fifth regnal year of Solomon’s son Rehoboam (see 14:25–26 ). Ancient Greek sources also refer to gold shields.

[BACK TO 10:17] Palace of the Forest of Lebanon. See 7:2 and note.

[BACK TO 10:22] fleet of trading ships. See NIV text note; 2Ch 9:21 . The same fleet is referred to in v. 11 ; 9:26–28 . “Ships of Tarshish” are not necessarily ships that sail to Tarshish (see note on Jnh 1:3 ) but can designate large trading vessels.

[BACK TO 10:26] chariots and horses. See note on 4:26 . Accumulation of horses by the king was forbidden in the Mosaic law ( Dt 17:16 ).

[BACK TO 10:27] sycamore-fig trees. See note on Am 7:14 .

[BACK TO 10:29] imported … exported. Through his agents (v. 28 ) Solomon was the middleman in a lucrative trading business. Hittites. See note on Ge 10:15 . Arameans. See notes on Ge 10:22 ; Dt 26:5 ; 1Ch 18:5 .

[BACK TO 11:1–13] Solomon’s folly—counterpoint to his wisdom (see ch. 3 and note on 1:1–12:24 ).

[BACK TO 11:1] loved many foreign women. Many of Solomon’s marriages were no doubt for the purpose of sealing international relationships with various kingdoms, large and small—a common practice in the ancient Near East. But this violated not only Dt 17:17 with respect to the multiplicity of wives, but also the prohibition against taking wives from the pagan peoples among whom Israel settled (see Ex 34:16 ; Dt 7:1–3 ; Jos 23:12–13 ; Ezr 9:2 ; 10:2–3 ; Ne 13:23–27 ). Moabites. See note on Ge 19:36–38 . Ammonites. See note on Ge 19:36–38 ; see also 14:21 ; Dt 23:3 . Edomites. See notes on Ge 25:26 ; 36:1 ; Am 1:11 ; 9:12 ; see also Dt 23:7–8 . Sidonians. See 16:31 . Hittites. See note on Ge 10:15 .

[BACK TO 11:2] they will surely turn your hearts after their gods. As indeed they did (v. 4 ). An example in Israel’s earlier history is found in Nu 25:1–15 .

[BACK TO 11:3] seven hundred … three hundred. Cf. SS 6:8 , but see note there. concubines. See note on Ge 25:6 .

[BACK TO 11:4] his wives turned his heart after other gods. As the Lord had warned (v. 2 ). his heart was not fully devoted to the L ORD. See 8:61 . The atmosphere of paganism and idolatry introduced into Solomon’s court by his foreign wives gradually led Solomon into syncretistic religious practices.

[BACK TO 11:5] Ashtoreth. See v. 33 ; 14:15 ; 2Ki 23:13 ; see also notes on Jdg 2:13 ; 1Sa 7:3 . Molek. See 2Sa 12:30 and NIV text note there. Molek and Milkom are alternative names for the same pagan deity and are forms of a Semitic word for “king.” Worship of this god not only severely jeopardized the continued recognition of the absolute kingship of the Lord over his people but also involved (on rare occasions) the abomination of child sacrifice (see 2Ki 16:3 ; 17:17 ; 21:6 ; Lev 18:21 and note; 20:2–5 ; see also notes on Ge 15:16 ; Jdg 10:6 ). The names Ashtoreth and Molek have been given the vowel pattern of Hebrew bosheth (“shameful thing”). Bosheth is often substituted as a degrading name for Baal (see notes on Jdg 6:32 ; Jer 7:31 ).

[BACK TO 11:6] as David his father had done. Although David committed grievous sins, he was repentant, and he was never involved in idolatrous worship.

[BACK TO 11:7] high place. See note on 3:2 . Chemosh. See note on 2Ki 3:27 .

[BACK TO 11:9] appeared to him twice. See 3:4–5 ; 9:1–9 .

[BACK TO 11:11] not kept my covenant. Solomon had broken the most basic demands of the covenant (see Ex 20:2–5 ) and thereby severely undermined the entire covenant relationship between God and his people.

[BACK TO 11:12] for the sake of David your father. Because of David’s unwavering loyalty to the Lord and God’s covenant with him (see 2Sa 7:11–16 ).

[BACK TO 11:13] one tribe. Judah (see note on vv. 31–32 ; see also 12:20 ). for the sake of Jerusalem , which I have chosen. Now that Jerusalem contained the temple built by David’s son in accordance with 2Sa 7:13 , the destiny of Jerusalem and the Davidic dynasty were closely linked (see 2Ki 19:34 ; 21:7–8 ; Ps 132 ). The temple represented God’s royal palace, where his earthly throne was situated and where he had pledged to be present as Israel’s Great King ( 9:3 ).

[BACK TO 11:14–43] Solomon’s throne threatened (see note on 1:1–12:24 ).

[BACK TO 11:14] Hadad. The name of a Semitic storm god (see notes on Jdg 2:13 ; Zec 12:11 ) that was also taken by many Aramean (see 15:18 ; 20:1 and note) and Edomite kings (see Ge 36:35 , 39 ) as their royal name.

[BACK TO 11:15] David was fighting with Edom. See 2Sa 8:13–14 ; see also map .

[BACK TO 11:16] all the Israelites … all the men in Edom. All those, on both sides, who took part in the campaign.

[BACK TO 11:17] only a boy. Probably in his early teens.

[BACK TO 11:18] Midian. At this time Midianites inhabited a region on the eastern borders of Moab and Edom. Paran. A desert area southeast of Kadesh in the central area of the Sinai peninsula (see Nu 10:12 ; 12:16 ; 13:3 ). Pharaoh king of Egypt. See note on 3:1 . gave Hadad a house and land and … food. In a time of Israel’s growing strength it was in Egypt’s interest to befriend those who would harass Israel and keep her power in check.

[BACK TO 11:21] Let me go. It appears that Hadad returned to Edom during the early days of Solomon’s reign.

[BACK TO 11:22] What have you lacked here …? Because Egypt had by this time established relatively good relations with Israel (see note on 3:1 ), the pharaoh was reluctant to see Hadad return to Edom and provoke trouble with Solomon.

[BACK TO 11:23] Zobah. “In the vicinity of Hamath” ( 1Ch 18:3 ; see note on 2Sa 8:3 ; see also this map ; this map ).

[BACK TO 11:24] Rezon gathered a band of men … and became their leader. As David had done ( 1Sa 22:1–2 ), and Jephthah before him ( Jdg 11:3 ). they went to Damascus , where they settled and took control. Presumably this took place in the early part of Solomon’s reign (see 2Sa 8:6 for the situation in Damascus during the time of David). It is likely that Solomon’s expedition ( 2Ch 8:3 ) against Hamath Zobah (the kingdom formerly ruled by Hadadezer, 2Sa 8:3–6 ) was provoked by opposition led by Rezon. Even though Solomon was able to retain control of the territory north of Damascus to the Euphrates ( 4:21 , 24 ), he was not able to drive Rezon from Damascus itself.

[BACK TO 11:26] rebelled against the king. See note on v. 40 .

[BACK TO 11:27] terraces. See 9:15 and note.

[BACK TO 11:28] whole labor force of the tribes of Joseph. See 5:13–18 . Jeroboam’s supervision of the conscripted laborers from the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh made him aware of the smoldering discontent among the people over Solomon’s policies (see 12:4 and note).

[BACK TO 11:31–32] ten tribes … one tribe. The tradition of considering the ten northern tribes as a unit distinct from the southern tribes (Judah and Simeon—Levi received no territorial inheritance; see Jos 21 ) goes back to the period of the judges (see Jdg 5:13–18 ). The reason, no doubt, was the continuing presence of a non-Israelite corridor (Jerusalem, Gibeonite league, Gezer) that separated the two Israelite regions (see map ; see also map ). Political division along the same line during the early years of David’s reign and the different arrangements that brought the southern and northern segments under David’s rule (see 2Sa 2:4 ; 5:3 ) reinforced this sense of division. With the conquest of Jerusalem by David ( 2Sa 5:6–7 ) and the pharaoh’s gift of Gezer to Solomon’s wife ( 9:16–17 ), all Israel was for the first time territorially united. In the division here announced, the “one tribe” refers to the area dominated by Judah (but including Simeon; see Jos 19:1–9 ), and the “ten tribes” refers to the region that came under David’s rule at the later date. For how Benjamin relates to these tribal divisions, see note on 12:21 .

[BACK TO 11:33] forsaken me. See vv. 5–7 . have not walked in obedience to me. See vv. 1–2 ; 3:14 .

[BACK TO 11:34] I have made him ruler all the days of his life. See vv. 12–13 .

[BACK TO 11:35] from his son’s hands. From Rehoboam (see 12:1–24 ).

[BACK TO 11:36] a lamp before me in Jerusalem. Symbolizes the continuance of the Davidic dynasty in the city where God had chosen to cause his Name to dwell (see v. 13 and note). In a number of passages, the burning or snuffing out of one’s lamp signifies the flourishing or ceasing of one’s life ( Job 18:6 ; 21:17 ; Pr 13:9 ; 20:20 ; 24:20 ). Here (and in 15:4 ; 2Ki 8:19 ; 2Ch 21:7 ; Ps 132:17 ) the same figure is applied to David’s dynasty (see especially Ps 132:17 , where “set up a lamp for my anointed” is parallel to “make a horn grow for David”). In David’s royal sons his “lamp” continues to burn before the Lord in Jerusalem.

[BACK TO 11:37] Israel. The northern ten tribes.

[BACK TO 11:38] If you do whatever I command you … I will be with you. Jeroboam was placed under the same covenant obligations as David and Solomon before him (see 2:3–4 ; 3:14 ; 6:12–13 ).

[BACK TO 11:39] humble David’s descendants. The division of the kingdom considerably reduced the status and power of the house of David. not forever. Anticipates a restoration (announced also in the Messianic prophecies of Jer 30:9 ; Eze 34:23 ; 37:15–28 ; Hos 3:5 ; Am 9:11–12 ) in which the nation is reunited under the rule of the house of David.

[BACK TO 11:40] Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam. Jeroboam, perhaps indifferent to the timing announced by Ahijah (vv. 34–35 ), may have made an abortive attempt to wrest the kingdom from Solomon (see v. 26 ). Shishak the king. See 14:25–26 and note on 14:25 . This first Egyptian pharaoh to be mentioned by name in the OT was the Libyan founder of the Twenty-Second Dynasty, and he ruled from 945 to 924 BC. Solomon’s marriage ties were with the previous dynasty (see note on 3:1 ).

[BACK TO 11:41] annals of Solomon. A written source concerning Solomon’s life and administration, which was used by the writer of 1, 2 Kings (see Introduction: Author, Sources and Date ; see also 15:7 , 23 ).

[BACK TO 11:43] rested with his ancestors. See note on 1:21 .

[BACK TO 12:1–24] Rehoboam’s accession to the throne (see note on 1:1–12:24 ).

[BACK TO 12:1] Shechem. A city of great historical significance located in the hill country of northern Ephraim (see Ge 12:6 ; 33:18–20 ; Jos 8:30–35 and note on 8:30 ; see also Jos 20:7 ; 21:21 ; 24:1–33 ). all Israel. That is, representatives of the northern tribes (see v. 16 ). The fact that David became king over the northern tribes on the basis of a covenant (see 2Sa 5:3 ) suggests that their act of submission was to be renewed with each new king and that it was subject to negotiation.

[BACK TO 12:2] heard this. Heard about the death of Solomon ( 11:43 ). returned from Egypt. See 2Ch 10:2 .

[BACK TO 12:4] put a heavy yoke on us. See notes on Jer 27:2 ; Eze 34:27 . Smoldering discontent with Solomon’s heavy taxation and conscription of labor and military forces flared up into strong expression (see 4:7 , 22–23 , 27–28 ; 5:13–14 ; 9:22 ; see also notes on 9:15 ; 11:28 ). Conditions had progressively worsened since the early days of Solomon’s rule (see 4:20 ).

[BACK TO 12:6] elders who had served his father Solomon. Officials of Solomon’s government such as Adoniram ( 4:6 ) and the district governors ( 4:7–19 ).

[BACK TO 12:7] Authority in the kingdom of God is for service, not for personal aggrandizement.

[BACK TO 12:8] young men. Young in comparison to the officials who had served Solomon. Rehoboam was 41 years old when he became king ( 14:21 ). serving him. Apparently Rehoboam had quickly established new administrative positions for friends and associates of his own generation.

[BACK TO 12:10] My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. A proverb claiming that Rehoboam’s weakest measures will be far stronger than his father’s strongest measures.

[BACK TO 12:11] scorpions. Metal-spiked leather lashes. Not only will governmental burdens on the people be increased, but the punishment for not complying with the government’s directives will also be intensified.

[BACK TO 12:14] followed the advice of the young men. Rehoboam’s answer reflects a despotic spirit completely contrary to the covenantal character of Israelite kingship (see Dt 17:14–20 ; see also note on 1Sa 10:25 ).

[BACK TO 12:15] this turn of events was from the L ORD. See Ru 2:3 and note. By this statement the writer of Kings does not condone either the foolish act of Rehoboam or the revolutionary spirit of the northern tribes, but he reminds the reader that all these things occurred to bring about the divinely announced punishment on the house of David for Solomon’s idolatry and breach of the covenant ( 11:9–13 ). For the relationship between divine sovereignty over all things and human responsibility for evil acts, see note on 2Sa 24:1 . the word the L ORD had spoken to Jeroboam … through Ahijah. See 11:29–39 .

[BACK TO 12:16] all Israel. The northern tribes (see note on v. 1 ). David. The Davidic dynasty (see 2Sa 20:1 for an earlier expression of the same sentiment).

[BACK TO 12:17] Israelites who were living in the towns of Judah. People originally from the northern tribes who had settled in Judah. They were later to be joined by others from the north who desired to serve the Lord and worship at the temple (see 2Ch 11:16–17 ).

[BACK TO 12:18] Adoniram , who was in charge of forced labor. He had served in the same capacity under both David (see 2Sa 20:24 and note) and Solomon ( 1Ki 4:6 ; 5:14 ).

[BACK TO 12:19] house of David. An early non-Biblical reference to the “house of David” was found in 1993 on a fragment of a stele at Tell Dan (see photo ). The reading “house of David” is clear, but two other names had to be partially restored. If the restorations are correct, the king of Damascus (probably Hazael) is boasting of victories over “Joram son of Ahab, king of Israel” and “Ahaziah son of Jehoram, king of the house of David.” Since Joram ruled over Israel 852–841 BC and Ahaziah over Judah in 841, this would date the inscription to 841 or shortly after—less than a century and a half after David’s reign (1010–970). this day. See Introduction: Author, Sources and Date .

[BACK TO 12:20–24] The kingdom is divided (see map ; see also chart , and note on 12:25 - 2Ki 17:41 ).

[BACK TO 12:21] tribe of Benjamin. Although the bulk of Benjamin was aligned with the northern tribes (see note on 11:31–32 ), the area around Jerusalem remained under Rehoboam’s control (as did the Gibeonite cities and Gezer). The northern boundary of Judah must have reached almost to Bethel (12 miles north of Jerusalem)—which Abijah, Rehoboam’s son, even held for a short while (see 2Ch 13:19 ). a hundred and eighty thousand able young men. Probably includes all support personnel, together with those who would actually be committed to battle.

[BACK TO 12:22] Shemaiah. Wrote a history of Rehoboam’s reign ( 2Ch 12:15 ). Another of his prophecies is recorded in 2Ch 12:5–8 . man of God. A common way of referring to a prophet (see, e.g., 13:1 ; Dt 18:18 ; 33:1 ; 1Sa 2:27 ; 9:9–10 ).

[BACK TO 12:23] rest of the people. See note on v. 17 .

[BACK TO 12:24] went home again. Although full-scale civil war was averted, intermittent skirmishes and battles between Israel and Judah continued throughout the reigns of Rehoboam, Abijah and Asa, until political instability in Israel after the death of Baasha finally brought the conflict to a halt. Asa’s son Jehoshaphat entered into an alliance with Ahab and sealed the relationship by the marriage of his son Jehoram to Ahab’s daughter Athaliah (see 14:30 ; 15:6 , 16 ; 22:2 , 44 ; 2Ki 8:18 ).

[BACK TO 12:25] - 2Ki 17:41 The period of the two kingdoms (see note on 12:20–24 ). In this large central section of 1, 2 Kings major attention is given to the northern kingdom (of 839 verses only 157 are devoted to the Davidic kings of Judah)—to the acts of its kings and the prophetic activities related to them. It was in the north that the emerging kingdom of God was most at risk, the movement toward apostasy more powerful, and the Lord’s struggle for the hearts of his people more intense. In the face of apostatizing kings, with their puppet priests and prophets, the only faithful representatives of God’s rule were the prophets he raised up, especially Elijah and Elisha (see Introduction: Contents ). Through their ministries the Lord was uniquely present among his people, not through the unfaithful kings and their paid religious functionaries. In the southern kingdom he was uniquely present among his people primarily through his own presence and his priests at the temple in Jerusalem.

[BACK TO 12:25] Peniel. A town in Transjordan (see Ge 32:31 ; Jdg 8:9 , 17 ) of strategic importance for defense against the Arameans of Damascus (see 11:23–25 ) and the Ammonites.

[BACK TO 12:26] revert to the house of David. Jeroboam did not have confidence in the divine promise given to him through Ahijah (see 11:38 ) and thus took action that forfeited the theocratic basis for his kingship.

[BACK TO 12:28] two golden calves. Pagan gods of the Arameans and Canaanites were often represented as standing on calves or bulls as symbols of their strength and fertility (see note on Jdg 2:13 ). Here are your gods , Israel , who brought you up out of Egypt. Like Aaron ( Ex 32:4–5 ), Jeroboam attempted to combine the pagan calf symbol with the worship of the Lord, though he attempted no physical representation of the Lord—no “god” stood on the backs of his bulls.

[BACK TO 12:29] Bethel. Located about 12 miles north of Jerusalem close to the border of Ephraim but within the territory of Benjamin ( Jos 18:11–13 , 22 ). Bethel held a prominent place in the history of Israel’s worship of the Lord (see Ge 12:8 ; 28:11–19 ; 35:6–7 ; Jdg 20:26–28 ; 1Sa 7:16 ). Dan. Located in the far north of the land near Mount Hermon. A similarly paganized worship was practiced here during the period of the judges ( Jdg 18:30–31 ). A raised platform (“high place”) and shrine found by archaeologists at Dan may be the ones built by Jeroboam I and used by his successors (see vv. 30–31 ; Jdg 18:7 and note; see also photo ).

[BACK TO 12:30] this thing became a sin. Jeroboam’s royal policy promoted violation of the second commandment ( Ex 20:4–6 ). It inevitably led to Israel’s violation of the first commandment also ( Ex 20:3 ) and opened the door for the entrance of fully pagan practices into Israel’s religious rites (especially in the time of Ahab; see 16:29–34 ). Jeroboam foolishly abandoned religious principle for political expediency and in so doing forfeited the promise given him by the prophet Ahijah (see 11:38 ).

[BACK TO 12:31] Jeroboam built shrines on high places. See note on 3:2 . not Levites. Many of the priests and Levites of the northern kingdom migrated to Judah because Jeroboam bypassed them when appointing priests in the north (see 2Ch 11:13–16 ).

[BACK TO 12:32] festival held in Judah. Apparently the Festival of Tabernacles, observed in Judah on the 15th to the 21st of the seventh month (see 8:2 ; Lev 23:34 ). offered sacrifices on the altar. Jeroboam overstepped the limits of his prerogatives as king and assumed the role of a priest (see 2Ch 26:16–21 ).

[BACK TO 13:1] man of God. See note on 12:22 . from Judah to Bethel. God sent a prophet from the southern kingdom to Bethel in the northern kingdom. Possibly he did this to emphasize that the divinely appointed political division ( 11:11 , 29–39 ; 12:15 , 24 ) was not intended to establish rival religious systems in the two kingdoms. Two centuries later the prophet Amos from Tekoa in Judah also went to Bethel in the northern kingdom to pronounce God’s judgment on Jeroboam II ( Am 7:10–17 ).

[BACK TO 13:2] Josiah. A prophetic announcement of the rule of King Josiah, who came to the throne in Judah nearly 300 years after the division of the kingdom. will sacrifice the priests of the high places. Fulfilled in 2Ki 23:15–20 .

[BACK TO 13:3] sign. The immediate fulfillment of a short-term prediction would serve to authenticate the reliability of the longer-term prediction (see Dt 18:21–22 and note).

[BACK TO 13:5] its ashes poured out. Visibly demonstrating God’s power to fulfill the words of the prophet (see note on v. 3 ) and providing a clear sign to Jeroboam that his offering was unacceptable to the Lord (see Lev 6:10–11 ).

[BACK TO 13:6] your God. Should not be taken as implying that Jeroboam no longer considered the Lord as his own God (cf. 2:3 ; Ge 27:20 ) but as suggesting his recognition that the prophet had a privileged access to God. king’s hand was restored. The Lord’s gracious response to Jeroboam’s request is to be seen as an additional sign (see v. 3 ) given to confirm the word of the prophet and to move Jeroboam to repentance.

[BACK TO 13:7] Come home with me. Jeroboam attempted to renew his prestige in the eyes of the people by creating the impression that there was no fundamental break between himself and the prophetic order (see 1Sa 15:30 for a similar situation).

[BACK TO 13:9] You must not. The prophet’s refusal of Jeroboam’s invitation rested on a previously given divine command. It underscored God’s extreme displeasure with the apostate worship at Bethel.

[BACK TO 13:18] I too am a prophet , as you are. A half-truth. It is likely that the old prophet in Bethel had faithfully proclaimed the word of the Lord in former days, but those days had long since passed.

[BACK TO 13:19] the man of God returned with him. Neither the old prophet’s lie nor his own need justified disobedience to the direct and explicit command of the Lord. His public action in this matter undermined respect for the divine authority of all he had said at Bethel.

[BACK TO 13:20] the word of the L ORD came to the old prophet. The fundamental distinction between a true and a false prophecy here becomes apparent. The false prophecy arises from one’s own imagination ( Jer 23:16 ; Eze 13:2 , 7 ), while the true prophecy is from God ( Ex 4:16 ; Dt 18:18 ; Jer 1:9 ; 2Pe 1:21 ).

[BACK TO 13:22] your body will not be buried in the tomb of your ancestors. The man of God from Judah will die far from his own home and family burial plot.

[BACK TO 13:24] killed him. A stern warning to Jeroboam that God takes his word very seriously. the donkey and the lion standing beside it. The remarkable fact that the donkey did not run and the lion did not attack the donkey or disturb the man’s body (v. 28 ) clearly stamped the incident as a divine judgment. This additional miracle was reported in Bethel (v. 25 ) and provided yet another sign authenticating the message that the man of God from Judah had delivered at Jeroboam’s altar. But Jeroboam was still not moved to repentance (v. 33 ).

[BACK TO 13:30] laid the body in his own tomb. See v. 22 . The old prophet did the only thing left for him to do in order to make amends for his deliberate and fatal deception.

[BACK TO 13:31] grave where the man of God is buried. The old prophet chose in this way to identify himself with the message that the man of God from Judah had given at Bethel.

[BACK TO 13:32] Samaria. As the capital of the northern kingdom, Samaria is used to designate the entire territory of the northern ten tribes (see note on 16:24 ). However, Samaria was not established until about 50 years after this ( 16:23–24 ). The use of the name here reflects the perspective of the author of Kings (see note on Ge 14:14 for a similar instance of the use of a place-name—Dan—of later origin than the historical incident with which it is connected).

[BACK TO 13:33] appointed priests … from all sorts of people. See 12:31 and note.

[BACK TO 13:34] sin. The sin in 12:30 was the establishment of a paganized worship; here it is persistence in this worship with all its attendant evils.

[BACK TO 14:1] At that time. Probably indicating a time not far removed from the event narrated in ch. 13 . Abijah. Means “My (divine) Father is the L ORD, ” suggesting that Jeroboam, at least to some degree, desired to be regarded as a worshiper of the Lord.

[BACK TO 14:2] disguise yourself. Jeroboam’s attempt to mislead the prophet Ahijah into giving a favorable prophecy concerning the sick boy indicates (1) his consciousness of his own guilt, (2) his superstition that prophecy worked in a magical way and (3) his confused but real respect for the power of the Lord’s prophet. Shiloh. See note on 1Sa 1:3 . who told me I would be king over this people. See 11:29–39 .

[BACK TO 14:5] the L ORD had told Ahijah. See 1Sa 9:15–17 ; 2Ki 6:32 for other examples of divine revelation concerning an imminent visit.

[BACK TO 14:6] Come in , wife of Jeroboam. Ahijah’s recognition of the woman and his knowledge of the purpose of her visit served to authenticate his message as truly being the word of the Lord.

[BACK TO 14:7–8] raised you up … appointed you ruler … tore the kingdom away. Jeroboam is first reminded of the gracious acts of the Lord in his behalf (see 11:26 , 30–38 ).

[BACK TO 14:8] you have not been like my servant David. Jeroboam had not responded to God’s gracious acts and had ignored the requirements given when Ahijah told him he would become king (see 11:38 ).

[BACK TO 14:9] all who lived before you. Jeroboam’s wickedness surpassed that of Saul, David and Solomon in that he implemented a paganized system of worship for the entire populace of the northern kingdom. other gods. See notes on 12:28 , 30 .

[BACK TO 14:10] slave or free. Without exception (see 21:21 ; 2Ki 9:8 ; 14:26 ), but see NIV text note.

[BACK TO 14:11] birds will feed on those who die in the country. See note on 16:4 . The covenant curse of Dt 28:26 is applied to Jeroboam’s male descendants, none of whom will receive an honorable burial.

[BACK TO 14:12] boy. The Hebrew for this word allows for wide latitude in age (the same term is used for the young advisers of Rehoboam; see 12:8 and note). will die. Although the death of Abijah was a severe disappointment to Jeroboam and his wife, it was an act of God’s mercy to the prince, sparing him the disgrace and suffering that were to come on his father’s house (see Isa 57:1–2 ).

[BACK TO 14:13] All Israel will mourn for him and bury him. Perhaps an indication that Abijah was the crown prince, and was well known and loved by the people. buried. He alone of Jeroboam’s descendants would receive an honorable burial.

[BACK TO 14:14] a king … who will cut off the family of Jeroboam. Ahijah looked beyond the brief reign of Nadab, Jeroboam’s son ( 15:25–26 ), to the revolt of Baasha ( 15:27–16:7 ).

[BACK TO 14:15] like a reed swaying in the water. Descriptive of the instability of the royal house in the northern kingdom, which was to be characterized by assassinations and revolts (see 15:27–28 ; 16:16 ; 2Ki 9:24 ; 15:10 , 14 , 25 , 30 ). He will uproot Israel. See 2Ki 17:22–23 for the fulfillment of this prophecy; see also the list of curses for covenant breaking found in Dt 28:63–64 ; 29:25–28 . Asherah poles. See NIV text note. Ahijah perceived that Jeroboam’s use of golden bulls in worship would inevitably lead to the adoption of other elements of Canaanite nature religion. The goddess Asherah was the consort of El, and the Asherah poles were wooden symbols of her (see notes on Ex 34:13 ; Jdg 2:13 ).

[BACK TO 14:16] sins Jeroboam has committed. See 12:26–33 ; 13:33–34 . caused Israel to commit. A phrase repeated often in 1, 2 Kings (e.g., 15:26 ; 16:2 , 13 , 19 , 26 ).

[BACK TO 14:17] Tirzah. Used by the kings of Israel as the royal city until Omri purchased and built up Samaria to serve that purpose ( 16:24 ). It is probably modern Tell el-Far’ah, about seven miles north of Shechem (see note on SS 6:4 ).

[BACK TO 14:19] his wars. See v. 30 ; 15:6 ; 2Ch 13:2–20 . annals of the kings of Israel. A record of the reigns of the kings of the northern kingdom used by the author of 1, 2 Kings and apparently accessible to those interested in further details of the history of the reigns of Israelite kings. It is not to be confused with the canonical book of 1, 2 Chronicles, which was written later than 1, 2 Kings and contains the history of the reigns of the kings of Judah only (see Introduction: Author, Sources and Date ).

[BACK TO 14:20] twenty-two years. 930–909 BC. rested with his ancestors. See note on 1:21 . Nadab. See 15:25–32 .

[BACK TO 14:21] seventeen years. 930–913 BC. city the L ORD had chosen … to put his Name. See 9:3 ; Ps 132:13 .

[BACK TO 14:22] Judah did evil in the eyes of the L ORD. The reign of Rehoboam is described in greater detail in 2Ch 11–12 . The priests and Levites who immigrated to Judah from the north led the country to follow the way of David and Solomon for the first three years of Rehoboam’s reign (see 12:24 ; 2Ch 11:17 ). In later years Rehoboam and the people of Judah turned away from the Lord ( 2Ch 12:1 ).

[BACK TO 14:23] high places. See note on 3:2 . sacred stones. Stone pillars, bearing a religious significance, that were placed next to the altars. The use of such pillars was common among the Canaanites but was explicitly forbidden to the Israelites in the Mosaic law ( Ex 23:24 ; Lev 26:1 ; Dt 16:21–22 ). It is likely that the pillars were intended to be representations of the deity ( 2Ki 3:2 ). For legitimate uses of stone pillars, see Ge 28:18 ; 31:45 ; Ex 24:4 . Asherah poles. See note on v. 15 .

[BACK TO 14:24] male shrine prostitutes. Ritual prostitution was an important feature of Canaanite fertility religion. The Israelites had been warned by Moses not to engage in this abominable practice (see Dt 23:17–18 ; see also 1Ki 15:12 ; 2Ki 23:7 ; Hos 4:14 ).

[BACK TO 14:25] fifth year of King Rehoboam. 926 BC. Shishak. See note on 11:40 . attacked Jerusalem. Shishak’s invasion is described in more detail in 2Ch 12:2–4 (see note on 12:2 ) and is also attested in a victory inscription found on the walls of the temple of Amun in Thebes, where more than 150 towns that Shishak plundered are listed. 2Ch 12:5–8 indicates that fear of the impending invasion led to a temporary reformation in Judah.

[BACK TO 14:26] gold shields Solomon had made. See note on 10:16 .

[BACK TO 14:27] bronze shields. The reduced realm could not match the great wealth Solomon had accumulated in Jerusalem (see 10:21 , 23 , 27 ).

[BACK TO 14:29] annals of the kings of Judah. A record of the reigns of the kings of Judah similar to the one for the kings of the northern kingdom (see note on v. 19 ; see also Introduction: Author, Sources and Date ).

[BACK TO 14:30] continual warfare. See notes on v. 19 ; 12:24 .

[BACK TO 14:31] rested with his ancestors. See note on 1:21 .

[BACK TO 15:1] eighteenth year of the reign of Jeroboam. The first of numerous synchronisms in 1, 2 Kings between the reigns of the kings in the north and those in Judah (see, e.g., vv. 9 , 25 , 33 ; 16:8 , 15 , 29 ; see also chart , and Introduction: Chronology ). Abijah. See note on 14:1 . Both Rehoboam and Jeroboam had sons by this name.

[BACK TO 15:2] three years. 913–910 BC. Maakah daughter of Abishalom. See NIV text note. Abijah’s mother is said to be a daughter of Uriel of Gibeah in 2Ch 13:2 . It is likely that Maakah was the granddaughter of Absalom and the daughter of a marriage between Tamar (Absalom’s daughter; see 2Sa 14:27 ) and Uriel. Absalom’s mother was also named Maakah ( 2Sa 3:3 ).

[BACK TO 15:3] sins his father had done. See 14:22–24 . not fully devoted to the L ORD his God , as … David his forefather had been. Although David fell into grievous sin, his heart was never divided between serving the Lord and serving the nature deities of the Canaanites.