Bible Commentaries

was strengthened: i.e. after the events recorded in 1Chr 28and 1Chr 29; 1Kings 1and 1Kings 2.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

Solomon spake. Thus beginning his reign as David had ended his (1 Chronicles 28:1) by a solemn assembly.

captains = princes.

chief = heads.

congregation = convocation, or muster.

went. For the reason, see 1 Kings 3:4.

Gibeon = a high place.

tabernacle = tent. Hebrew "ohel. App-40.

congregation = assembly.

Moses the servant of the LORD. See note on Deuteronomy 34:5.

But = But indeed.

the ark. See note on 1 Chronicles 13:3. Exodus 25:22.

brought up. Compare 2 Samuel 6:2, 2 Samuel 6:17. 1 Chronicles 15:1.

the brasen altar. This is additional and supplementary to the account in 1Ki 3.

he put. So some codices, with two early printed editions; but many codices, with four early printed editions, Septuagint, and Vulgate, read "was there.

the. Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read "all the".

before. A special various reading called Sevir (App-34) reads "which [was] before".

congregation = assembly.

offered = offered up. Hebrew. alah. App-43.

In that night. Compare 1 Kings 3:5-15.

mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.

unto = with.

like the dust. Figures of speech Paroemia and Hyperbole. App-6.

knowledge. Hebrew. madda". A rare word = inner consciousness. Occurs only here, verses: 2 Chronicles 1:11-12, Ecclesiastes 10:20 ("thought"). Daniel 1:4 ("science"). Daniel 1:17 = knowledge (gained by experience, Genesis 2:9); while "wisdom" = knowledge (gained by study).

go out . . . come in. Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species), App-6, put for manner of life in general.

who can judge . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis.

People, that is so great? or, this Thy great People?

this was in thine heart. Supplementary to the account in Kings.

the life = the soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

long life = many days.

came from his journey to. Septuagint and Vulgate read "came from".

as stones . . . as the sycomore trees. Figure of speech Hyperbole.

horses. Compare Deuteronomy 17:16.

linen yarn = in droves. See note on 1 Kings 10:28, 1 Kings 10:29.

price = tariff.

by their means. Compare 1 Kings 10:26-29.