1 Kings 3:1-4

Solomon Asks for Wisdom

1 Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt and married his daughter. He brought her to the City of David until he finished building his palace and the temple of the LORD, and the wall around Jerusalem.

2 The people, however, were still sacrificing at the high places, because a temple had not yet been built for the Name of the LORD.

3 Solomon showed his love for the LORD by walking according to the instructions given him by his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.

4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.

1 Kings 3:1-4 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KINGS 3

This chapter relates the marriage of Solomon with Pharaoh's daughter, 1Ki 3:1; his piety and devotion, 1Ki 3:2-4; his prayer for wisdom and understanding, which was acceptable to God, who promised to grant his request, with an addition to it, 1Ki 3:5-15; an instance and proof of the wisdom given him in determining a case between two harlots brought before him, which greatly raised his reputation, and gave him reverence among his people, 1Ki 3:16-28.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Kings 7:8; 1 Kings 11:1-13
• 2. 1 Kings 9:24; 2 Chronicles 8:11
• 3. 2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 2:10
• 4. S 2 Samuel 7:2; 1 Kings 9:10; 1 Kings 7:1; 1 Kings 9:15,19
• 5. Leviticus 17:3-5; S Leviticus 26:30; Deuteronomy 12:14; Dt 12:2,4-5; 1 Kings 15:14; 1 Kings 22:43
• 6. S Deuteronomy 14:23
• 7. Deuteronomy 6:5; Psalms 31:23; Psalms 145:20; 1 Corinthians 8:3
• 8. S Deuteronomy 10:12; S Joshua 1:7
• 9. S Deuteronomy 17:19; S 1 Kings 14:8; 1 Kings 2:3; 1 Kings 9:4; 1 Kings 11:4,6,38
• 10. S ver 2; Leviticus 17:3-5; 2 Kings 12:3; 2 Kings 15:4,35; 2 Kings 16:4; 2 Kings 21:3
• 11. S Joshua 9:3; 1 Chronicles 16:39