1 Kings 9
BSB1 Now when Solomon had finished building the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and had achieved all that he had desired to do, 2 the LORD appeared to him a second time, as He had appeared to him at Gibeon. 3 And the LORD said to him: “I have heard your prayer and petition before Me. I have consecrated this temple you have built by putting My Name there forever; My eyes and My heart will be there for all time. 4 And as for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, with a heart of integrity and uprightness, doing all I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and ordinances, 5 then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised your father David when I said, ‘You will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’ 6 But if indeed you or your sons turn away from following Me and do not keep the commandments and statutes I have set before you, and if you go off to serve and worship other gods, 7 then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and I will banish from My presence this temple I have sanctified for My Name. Then Israel will become an object of scorn and ridicule among all peoples. 8 And when this temple has become a heap of rubble, all who pass by it will be appalled and will hiss and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ 9 And others will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the LORD their God who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—because of this, the LORD has brought all this disaster upon them.’" 10 Now at the end of the twenty years during which Solomon built these two houses, the house of the LORD and the royal palace, 11 King Solomon gave twenty towns in the land of Galilee to Hiram king of Tyre, who had supplied him with cedar and cypress logs and gold for his every desire. 12 So Hiram went out from Tyre to inspect the towns that Solomon had given him, but he was not pleased with them. 13 “What are these towns you have given me, my brother?” asked Hiram, and he called them the Land of Cabul, as they are called to this day. 14 And Hiram had sent the king 120 talents of gold. 15 This is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon imposed to build the house of the LORD, his own palace, the supporting terraces, and the wall of Jerusalem, as well as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer. 16 Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire, killed the Canaanites who lived in the city, and given it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon’s wife. 17 So Solomon rebuilt Gezer, Lower Beth-horon, 18 Baalath, and Tamar in the Wilderness of Judah, 19 as well as all the store cities that Solomon had for his chariots and horses —whatever he desired to build in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout the land of his dominion. 20 As for all the people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)— 21 their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction —Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. 22 But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry. 23 They were also the chief officers over Solomon’s projects: 550 supervisors over the people who did the work. 24 As soon as Pharaoh’s daughter had come up from the City of David to the palace that Solomon had built for her, he built the supporting terraces. 25 Three times a year Solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar he had built for the LORD, burning incense with them before the LORD. So he completed the temple. 26 King Solomon also assembled a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth in Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea. 27 And Hiram sent his servants, men who knew the sea, to serve in the fleet with Solomon’s servants. 28 They sailed to Ophir and imported gold from there—420 talents —and delivered it to Solomon.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 9
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Kings 9
- Themes from 1 Kings 9
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Kings 9
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with God's appearance to Solomon, in which He reaffirms their covenant and warns Solomon to remain faithful (1 Kings 9:1-9). The chapter then describes the completion of the temple and the construction of other buildings, including Solomon's palace (1 Kings 9:10-23). Solomon also establishes trade agreements with other nations, including the king of Tyre (1 Kings 9:10-14). The chapter concludes with a description of Solomon's administrative divisions and his military strength (1 Kings 9:24-28). Throughout the chapter, the author emphasizes Solomon's wealth and wisdom, but also notes the potential dangers of his many foreign wives and the idolatry they may introduce (1 Kings 9:24-25).
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Kings, which describes the reign of Solomon and the division of the kingdom. The chapter is also part of the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. The chapter is closely tied to the preceding chapters, which describe the construction of the temple and Solomon's early reign.
Heart Application
This chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands, particularly in our personal relationships with Him. It also highlights the potential dangers of idolatry and the importance of being mindful of our influences and associations. As we reflect on this chapter, we should consider our own faithfulness to God's commands and the potential areas of our lives where we may be vulnerable to idolatry.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter describes God's covenant with Solomon and the importance of faithfulness to His commands. It also notes the potential dangers of idolatry and the importance of being mindful of our influences and associations. As we reflect on this chapter, we should consider our own faithfulness to God's commands and the potential areas of our lives where we may be vulnerable to idolatry (1 Kings 9:4-5).
Voices from the Church
“The covenant between God and Solomon is a beautiful picture of the covenant between God and the believer. Just as Solomon was called to be faithful to God's commands, we are called to be faithful to the gospel.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands, particularly in our personal relationships with Him. This is a key aspect of the Christian life, and one that we must constantly strive to maintain.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- God's Covenant with Solomon (1 Kings 9:1-9) — The chapter begins with God's appearance to Solomon, in which He reaffirms their covenant and warns Solomon to remain faithful.
- The Completion of the Temple (1 Kings 9:10-14) — The chapter describes the completion of the temple and the construction of other buildings, including Solomon's palace.
- Solomon's Trade Agreements (1 Kings 9:10-14) — The chapter notes Solomon's trade agreements with other nations, including the king of Tyre.
- Solomon's Administrative Divisions (1 Kings 9:15-23) — The chapter describes Solomon's administrative divisions and his military strength.
- The Danger of Idolatry (1 Kings 9:24-28) — The chapter concludes with a description of the potential danger of idolatry, particularly through Solomon's many foreign wives.
Core Doctrines
- The Covenant
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of the covenant between God and Solomon, and the conditions of their covenant. This is a key aspect of Reformed theology, which emphasizes the importance of God's covenant with His people.
- Faithfulness
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands, particularly in our personal relationships with Him. This is a key aspect of the Christian life, and one that we must constantly strive to maintain.
- Idolatry
- The chapter notes the potential danger of idolatry, particularly through Solomon's many foreign wives. This is a key aspect of biblical theology, which emphasizes the importance of avoiding idolatry and maintaining a pure heart.
- Wisdom
- The chapter notes Solomon's wisdom, particularly in his trade agreements and administrative divisions. This is a key aspect of biblical theology, which emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment in our personal and public lives.
Lessons from 1 Kings 9
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands, particularly in our personal relationships with Him. This is a key aspect of the Christian life, and one that we must constantly strive to maintain.
- The Danger of Idolatry — The chapter notes the potential danger of idolatry, particularly through Solomon's many foreign wives. This is a key aspect of biblical theology, which emphasizes the importance of avoiding idolatry and maintaining a pure heart.
- The Importance of Wisdom — The chapter notes Solomon's wisdom, particularly in his trade agreements and administrative divisions. This is a key aspect of biblical theology, which emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment in our personal and public lives.
- The Importance of Covenant — The chapter emphasizes the importance of the covenant between God and Solomon, and the conditions of their covenant. This is a key aspect of Reformed theology, which emphasizes the importance of God's covenant with His people.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter notes the consequences of disobedience, particularly in the context of the covenant between God and Solomon. This is a key aspect of biblical theology, which emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands.
Themes from 1 Kings 9
- Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands, particularly in our personal relationships with Him. This is a key aspect of the Christian life, and one that we must constantly strive to maintain.
- Idolatry — The chapter notes the potential danger of idolatry, particularly through Solomon's many foreign wives. This is a key aspect of biblical theology, which emphasizes the importance of avoiding idolatry and maintaining a pure heart.
- Wisdom — The chapter notes Solomon's wisdom, particularly in his trade agreements and administrative divisions. This is a key aspect of biblical theology, which emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment in our personal and public lives.
- Covenant — The chapter emphasizes the importance of the covenant between God and Solomon, and the conditions of their covenant. This is a key aspect of Reformed theology, which emphasizes the importance of God's covenant with His people.
- Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter notes the consequences of disobedience, particularly in the context of the covenant between God and Solomon. This is a key aspect of biblical theology, which emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands.
Questions for Meditation
- What are the conditions of the covenant between God and Solomon, and how do they relate to our own covenant with God?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of faithfulness to God's commands, and what are the consequences of disobedience?
- What are the potential dangers of idolatry, and how can we avoid them in our own lives?
- How does the chapter describe Solomon's wisdom, and what are the key aspects of his wisdom that we can learn from?
- What are the key themes of the chapter, and how do they relate to the broader biblical narrative?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. God's Covenant with Solomon (1 Kings 9:1-9)
| 9:1 | The chapter begins with God's appearance to Solomon, in which He reaffirms their covenant and warns Solomon to remain faithful. |
| 9:2 | God appears to Solomon in a dream, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to His commands. |
| 9:3 | God notes Solomon's faithfulness to His commands, and promises to establish his throne forever. |
| 9:4 | God warns Solomon to remain faithful to His commands, and to avoid idolatry. |
| 9:5 | God promises to establish Solomon's throne forever, if he remains faithful to His commands. |
| 9:6 | God warns Solomon of the consequences of disobedience, including the destruction of the temple and the exile of the people. |
| 9:7 | God notes that the people will become a proverb and a byword among all nations, if they are unfaithful to His commands. |
| 9:8 | God warns Solomon that the house of the Lord will become a heap of ruins, if the people are unfaithful to His commands. |
| 9:9 | God notes that the people will be scattered among the nations, if they are unfaithful to His commands. |
2. The Completion of the Temple (1 Kings 9:10-14)
| 9:10 | The chapter describes the completion of the temple, and the construction of other buildings, including Solomon's palace. |
| 9:11 | Solomon gives twenty cities in Galilee to Hiram, the king of Tyre, in exchange for the gold and timber he provided for the temple. |
| 9:12 | Hiram is not pleased with the cities, and sends a message to Solomon expressing his displeasure. |
| 9:13 | Solomon responds to Hiram's message, and explains that he has given him the cities in exchange for the gold and timber. |
| 9:14 | Hiram accepts Solomon's explanation, and the two kings continue to trade and cooperate with each other. |
3. Solomon's Trade Agreements (1 Kings 9:15-23)
| 9:15 | The chapter describes Solomon's trade agreements with other nations, including the king of Tyre. |
| 9:16 | Solomon builds a fleet of ships, and establishes trade routes with other nations. |
| 9:17 | Solomon builds a city in Gezer, and gives it to Pharaoh's daughter as a wedding gift. |
| 9:18 | Solomon builds other cities, including Beth-horon and Baalath. |
| 9:19 | Solomon builds store cities, and cities for his chariots and horsemen. |
| 9:20 | Solomon builds cities for the people of Israel, and for the foreigners who live among them. |
| 9:21 | Solomon builds a fleet of ships, and establishes trade routes with other nations. |
| 9:22 | Solomon's ships sail to Tarshish, and bring back gold, silver, and other precious commodities. |
| 9:23 | Solomon's wealth and wisdom become famous throughout the land, and he becomes a legendary figure in his own time. |
4. Solomon's Administrative Divisions (1 Kings 9:24-28)
| 9:24 | The chapter describes Solomon's administrative divisions, and his military strength. |
| 9:25 | Solomon offers sacrifices to the Lord, and celebrates the completion of the temple. |
| 9:26 | Solomon builds a fleet of ships, and establishes trade routes with other nations. |
| 9:27 | Hiram's servants sail with Solomon's servants, and bring back gold and other precious commodities. |
| 9:28 | Solomon's ships sail to Ophir, and bring back gold and other precious commodities. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the covenant between God and Solomon?
The covenant between God and Solomon is a promise that God makes to establish Solomon's throne forever, if he remains faithful to His commands (1 Kings 9:1-9).
What are the conditions of the covenant?
The conditions of the covenant are that Solomon must remain faithful to God's commands, and avoid idolatry (1 Kings 9:4-5).
What are the consequences of disobedience?
The consequences of disobedience include the destruction of the temple, the exile of the people, and the scattering of the people among the nations (1 Kings 9:6-9).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 9:1 → 2 Samuel 7:12-17 | The covenant between God and Solomon is a fulfillment of God's promise to David to establish his throne forever. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 9:4 → Deuteronomy 17:14-20 | The conditions of the covenant between God and Solomon are similar to the conditions of the covenant between God and the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 17. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 9:6 → Leviticus 26:14-39 | The consequences of disobedience listed in 1 Kings 9:6 are similar to the consequences of disobedience listed in Leviticus 26. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 9:10 → 2 Chronicles 8:1-18 | The completion of the temple and the construction of other buildings are also described in 2 Chronicles 8. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 9:15 → 1 Kings 5:1-12 | Solomon's trade agreements with other nations are also described in 1 Kings 5. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 9:22 → Psalm 72:1-20 | Solomon's wealth and wisdom become famous throughout the land, and he becomes a legendary figure in his own time, as described in Psalm 72. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 9:24 → 1 Kings 11:1-13 | Solomon's administrative divisions and his military strength are also described in 1 Kings 11. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 9:26 → 1 Kings 10:1-13 | Solomon's ships sail to Tarshish, and bring back gold, silver, and other precious commodities, as described in 1 Kings 10. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 9:27 → 2 Chronicles 9:1-12 | Hiram's servants sail with Solomon's servants, and bring back gold and other precious commodities, as described in 2 Chronicles 9. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 9:28 → Job 28:1-28 | Solomon's ships sail to Ophir, and bring back gold and other precious commodities, as described in Job 28. |
Sermons on 1 Kings 9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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How Quickly We Turn Aside by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers of idolatry and how it can lead people away from God. He emphasizes that idols can take many forms, such as sports, entertainment |
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(1 Kings) Signs of Danger by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the challenges that come with completing a big project and the need to find something productive to do afterwards. The sermon is based on Fir |
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The Eyes of the Lord Upon by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes that the eyes of the Lord are always watching over those whose hearts are upright towards Him, as illustrated in 2 Chronicles 16:9. He reflects on King Asa's f |
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The Land of Cabul by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the futility of earthly inheritances, illustrating how they are subject to corruption and loss, much like the worthless land of Cabul given by Solomon. He |
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I Have Hallowed This House by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the divine partnership in the act of building, where man constructs outwardly while God sanctifies inwardly. He illustrates this cooperation through the examp |
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Our Daily Homily - 1 Kings by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of calling upon the Lord in times of distress, as exemplified by David's reliance on God for redemption and vindication. He highlights that tru |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Kings 9
In this chapter, we see the Lord appearing to Solomon, and warning him to remain faithful to His commands. The Lord also promises to establish Solomon's throne forever, if he remains faithful. We also see the completion of the temple, and the construction of other buildings, including Solomon's palace. The chapter concludes with a description of Solomon's administrative divisions, and his military strength. Throughout the chapter, we see the importance of faithfulness to God's commands, and the consequences of disobedience. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The way to preserve the house of God, and to secure the throne of the king, is to keep the charge of the Lord, and to walk in His ways.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Solomon's Wealth and Wisdom
The chapter describes Solomon's wealth and wisdom, particularly in his trade agreements and administrative divisions. However, it also notes the potential dangers of his many foreign wives and the idolatry they may introduce.
The Importance of Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands, particularly in Solomon's covenant with God. This theme is repeated throughout the chapter, highlighting the consequences of disobedience.
The Role of Foreign Nations
The chapter notes the role of foreign nations in Solomon's trade agreements and administrative divisions. This highlights the complexity of Solomon's kingdom and the potential challenges of interacting with other nations.