71 It took Solomon thirteen years, however, to complete the construction of his palace.
71 But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.
71 Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished his entire house.
71 It took Solomon another thirteen years to finish building his own palace complex.
71 But Solomon took thirteen years to build his own house; so he finished all his house.
71 Solomon also built a palace for himself, and it took him thirteen years to complete the construction.
81 At the end of twenty years, during which Solomon built the temple of the Lord and his own palace,
81 And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, wherein Solomon had built the house of the Lord, and his own house,
81 At the end of twenty years, in which Solomon had built the house of the Lord and his own house,
81 At the end of twenty years, Solomon had quite a list of accomplishments. He had: built The Temple of God and his own palace;
81 It came to pass at the end of twenty years, in which Solomon had built the house of the Lord and his own house,
81 It took Solomon twenty years to build the Lord 's Temple and his own royal palace. At the end of that time,
Solomon's buildings and trade.
It sometimes requires more wisdom and resolution to govern a family in the fear of God, than to govern a kingdom with reputation. The difficulty is increased, when a man has a hinderance instead of a help meet in the wife of his bosom. Solomon kept up the holy sacrifices, according to the law of Moses. In vain had the altar been built, in vain had fire come down from heaven, if sacrifices had not been constantly brought. Spiritual sacrifices are required of us, which we are to bring daily and weekly; it is good to be in a settled method of devotion. When the service of the temple was put into good order, it is said, The house of the Lord was perfected. The work was the main matter, not the place; the temple was unfinished till all this was done. Canaan was a rich country, and yet must send to Ophir for gold The Israelites were a wise people, but must be beholden to the king of Tyre for men that had knowledge of the seas. Grace, and not gold, is the best riches, and acquaintance with God and his law, the best knowledge. Leaving the children of this world to scramble for the toys of this world, may we, as the children of God, lay up our treasure in heaven, that where our treasure is, our hearts also may be.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:1
Commentary on 1 Kings 7:1-12
(Read 1 Kings 7:1-12)
All Solomon's buildings, though beautiful, were intended for use. Solomon began with the temple; he built for God first, and then his other buildings. The surest foundations of lasting prosperity are laid in early piety. He was thirteen years building his house, yet he built the temple in little more than seven years; not that he was more exact, but less eager in building his own house, than in building God's. We ought to prefer God's honour before our own ease and satisfaction.