Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD, until those days.
Read it in contextSolomon’s Prayer for Wisdom
Start reading at 1 Kings 3:1 (1 Kings 3:1 to 1 Kings 3:15).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Solomon's wisdom, building projects, prayer, and wealth develop the kingdom's strength and the temple's place in Israel's life.
3:1And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.
3:2Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD, until those days.
3:3And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.
3:4And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.
3:5In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
3:6And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
3:7And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
3:8And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
3:9Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
3:10And the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing.
3:11And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
3:12Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
3:13And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.
3:14And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.
3:15And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Jeremiah is the traditional Jewish attribution. The history draws on earlier records, and its final compiler is not independently identifiable with certainty. Biblical references: 1 Kings 11:41; 1 Kings 14:19. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Kings 3:1–3:28): The LORD addresses Solomon at Gibeon; Solomon later judges the dispute between the two women before the people. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Israel and Judah's later community, especially readers confronting the history that led to exile. First and Second Kings originally form one continuous work. Biblical references: 1 Kings 9:6; 1 Kings 9:7; 2 Kings 25:27. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom. Read 1 Kings 3:1 through 1 Kings 3:15 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Solomon's wisdom, building projects, prayer, and wealth develop the kingdom's strength and the temple's place in Israel's life. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The account begins in David's last days, follows Solomon's reign, and continues into the divided kingdoms and the ministries associated with Elijah. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Jerusalem and the temple are central early; later events move through Judah, the northern kingdom, and neighboring regions. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom (1 Kings 3:1 to 1 Kings 3:15).
Start reading at 1 Kings 3:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus refers to Solomon's wisdom while declaring that a greater than Solomon is present. The comparison directs attention to Jesus without endorsing Solomon's later unfaithfulness. See 1 Kings 11:4, Matthew 12:42. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Distinguish outward prosperity and impressive religious buildings from covenant faithfulness. Attend to the reasons the narrative gives for its evaluations of kings and prophets. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
First Kings traces Solomon's reign and the divided kingdoms. Its evaluation of kings centers on faithfulness to the LORD. The book does not name its author. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Solomon's wisdom, building projects, prayer, and wealth develop the kingdom's strength and the temple's place in Israel's life.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Solomon's wisdom, building projects, prayer, and wealth develop the kingdom's strength and the temple's place in Israel's life.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
First Kings traces Solomon's reign and the divided kingdoms. Its evaluation of kings centers on faithfulness to the LORD. The book does not name its author.
Connection to the wholeThe later reigns are framed by prophetic encounters that expose idolatry and demonstrate the consequences of responding to God's word.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.