Ver. 1. And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom.] Defying the opposition of Adonijah and his accomplices. See 1 Kings 1:4-10.
Ver. 2. Then Solomon spake unto all Israel.] As David had done before him. (1 Chronicles 28:1 29:1)
Ver. 3. Went to the high place.] This word is usually taken in an ill sense: but here in a good. See on 1 Kings 3:4. Vatab.
Ver. 4. But the ark.] See on 2 Samuel 6:2, &c.
Ver. 5. He put,] i.e., Moses put. And Solomon and all the congregation sought unto it.] Or, Unto him, i.e., the Lord; there they did their devotions to him: they diligently sought him, as the word signitieth. Compare Hebrews 11:6.
Ver. 6. The tabernacle of the congregation.] Which was so called, because there the people met to serve God.
Ver. 7. In that night.] See on 1 Kings 3:5. Did God appear.] That this was a divine dream, Solomon was sufficiently sensible, by the great wisdom wherewith he found himself indued when he awoke.
Ver. 8. Thou hast showed, &c.] God must be praised for the kindness he hath showed to our ancestors also. See on 1 Kings 3:6.
Ver. 9. Let thy promise,] viz., To the utmost extent of it.
Ver. 10. Give me now wisdom and knowledge.] Knowledge to discern, and wisdom to do that which is right. That I may go out, &c.] See on 1 Kings 3:7.
Ver. 11. Thou hast not asked riches.] See 1 Kings 3:11.
Ver. 12. Wisdom and knowledge is granted.] See here how highly therefore we are to esteem Solomen’s writings. Well might he say, “Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge?” (Proverbs 22:20)
Ver. 13. And reigned over Israel.] Sic regnabat, he so reigned, sc., with that wisdom and knowledge which God had promised him.
Ver. 14. And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen.] This is here added to show how God made good to Solomon that other part of his promise also concerning riches and honours. And here the lawgiver might dispense with that law of his, (Deuteronomy 17:16) by a singular privilege to this king of Israel. See on 1 Kings 4:26.
Ver. 15. And the king made.] Heb., Gave. By giving he made it so. This was a golden age indeed.
Ver. 17. And Solomon had horses, &c.] See 1 Kings 10:28,29.