C. Solomon the Builder (5:1-7:51)

In addition to his remarkable insight, Solomon is also remembered for his building exploits. Many of the materials used in such projects came from Tyre, the capital of the important Phoenician state that controlled the Mediterranean coastline north of Israel. Already in effect when David built his palace (2Sa 5:11), Solomon renewed the alliance with King Hiram and used it as a way of obtaining needed lumber (vv.1-10) and skilled workmen (v.18). In exchange, he exported wheat and olive oil (5:11). Note that such peaceful international relationships are once again attributed to Solomon’s God-given wisdom (v.12).

In order to complete these various projects, however, workers were needed. In response to this, Solomon established something new. Forced labor was of course common throughout the ancient Near East, and both David himself (2Sa 12:31) and Solomon (1Ki 9:20-22) had continued this practice. In such cases, conquered people constituted the laborers. Now, however, Solomon also developed a labor force made up of otherwise free Israelites (5:13). While perhaps not slaves in the technical sense (1Ki 9:22) insofar as they were required to work only one month out of every three (5:14), such a practice must have been burdensome for a group of people who had earlier been delivered from slavery and oppression. No doubt, Samuel’s words rang in the ears of many who observed these developments (1Sa 8:16).

With the materials and laborers in hand, chs. 6-8 discuss Solomon’s building projects in general and the temple in particular. While the date recorded in 6:1 has been the object of considerable debate (Kitchen, 72-75), its function here is to link the building of the temple with the exodus from Egypt. Both, in other words, are seen as monumental and memorable events.

What follows then is a detailed list preserving specifications for the construction of the temple (6:2-36), a temple apparently patterned to a great extent on a Phoenician model (Wright, ch. 3). Roughly 90 feet long by 30 feet wide by 45 feet high, it was not particularly large (6:2). However, if the details in this list are viewed functionally, the sight of the temple must have created varying impressions in the hearts and minds of those who came to worship there.

Solomon’s building interests were not limited to the temple. Included among his many projects were the five structures mentioned in 7:2-8: (1) a gathering hall called the “Palace of the Forest of Lebanon” that was far larger than the temple itself (v.2); (2) a colonade (v.6); (3) the Hall of Justice, where he carried out judicial matters (v.7); (4) his own personal palace (v.8); and (5) a palace for his Egyptian queen (v.8).

This entire complex rested south of the temple compound and in some ways must have overshadowed the religious structure. In light of this, one can only attempt to sort through Solomon’s true views and intentions with respect to Yahweh and his own personal position.

Following this general list of projects, 7:13-51 describes the many furnishings located within and around the temple. Included among the many items were selected pieces that earlier belonged to David (7:51). Given all of his various endeavors, Solomon’s notoriety continued to expand. He was, in short, the consummate builder.