Bible Commentary

And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. Although Solomons choice was made in a dream 1Ki 3:5, we must regard it as springing from his will in some degree, and therefore as indicative of his moral character. Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible How such a dreaming prayer could … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Kings 3:10”

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 9. an understanding heart ] This is explained (2Ch 1:10) by ‘wisdom and knowledge.’ The participle rendered ‘understanding’ is literally ‘hearing,’ and the LXX. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Kings 3:9”

And thy servant [is] in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. 8. a great people, &c.] The language is that of inexperience, which exaggerates the extent of duties and cares which it has not yet encountered, and which come upon it … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Kings 3:8”

And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I [am but] a little child: I know not [how] to go out or come in. 7. I am but a little child ] This is a form of expression meant to indicate want of experience, but … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Kings 3:7”

And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as [it … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Kings 3:6”

In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 5 15. God appears to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon (2Ch 1:7-13) 5. In Gibeon ] The narrative which follows shews that God accepted the sacrifice of the king, though from want of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Kings 3:5”

And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that [was] the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar. 4. to Gibeon ] The Hivite city which was assigned by Joshua to the tribe of Benjamin (Jos 18:21-25). It is most known in early times for the cunning … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Kings 3:4”

And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places. 3. walking in the statutes of David his father ] These are the observances which David had enjoined in 1Ki 2:3. There they are called ‘the charge of the Lord,’ and are here … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Kings 3:3”

Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD, until those days. 2. Only the people sacrificed ] The first word here seems to force us to connect this verse with the last clause of the previous chapter. The kingdom was established and all was … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Kings 3:2”

And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh’s daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about. 1. Pharaoh king of Egypt ] This is the first … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Kings 3:1”