1:1 And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his
kingdom, and the LORD his God [was] with him, and magnified
him exceedingly.
The Argument - This second book contains in brief the contents
of the two books of the kings: that is, from the reign of
Solomon to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian
captivity. In this story some things are told in more detail
than in the books of the kings and therefore help greatly in
the understanding of the prophets. Three things are chiefly
to be considered here: First, that when the godly kings saw
the plagues of God prepared against their country for sin,
they turned to the Lord and by earnest prayer were heard,
and the plagues removed. Secondly, while the good rulers
always loved the prophets of God and were zealous to set
forth his religion throughout their dominions, it offended
God greatly that the wicked hated his ministers, deposed
them and set up idolatry and attempted served God according
to the fantasy of men. Thus we have the chief acts from the
beginning of the world to the rebuilding of Jerusalem in the
32nd year of Darius, in total 3568 years and six months.
1:2 Then Solomon a spake unto all Israel, to the captains of
thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every
governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.
(a) That is, he proclaimed a solemn sacrifice and commanded
that all should attend.
1:3 So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the
high place that [was] at b Gibeon; for there was the
tabernacle c of the congregation of God, which Moses the
servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.
(b) Read (1Ki 3:4).
(c) So called, because by it God showed signs of his
presence to the congregation.
1:5 Moreover the d brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri,
the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of
the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.
1:9 Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be e
established: for thou hast made me king over a people like
the dust of the earth in multitude.
(e) Perform your promise made to my father concerning me.
1:10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may f go out and
come in before this people: for who can judge this thy
people, [that is so] great?
1:11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart,
and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the
g life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long
life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that
thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee
king:
(g) That is, to be avenged on your enemies.
1:14 And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a
thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand
horsemen, which he placed in the h chariot cities, and
with the king at Jerusalem.
(h) Which were cities appointed to keep and maintain the
chariots.
1:15 And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem [as
plenteous] as i stones, and cedar trees made he as the
sycomore trees that [are] in the vale for abundance.
(i) He caused so great plenty that it was valued no more
than stones.
1:16 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen
yarn: k the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a
price.
