1 Kings 3:1
And 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.
1 Kings 3:1 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, we see King Solomon making a political alliance with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, by marrying his daughter. This strategic marriage alliance was a common practice in ancient times to strengthen political ties between nations. Solomon brought Pharaoh's daughter into the city of David until he had completed the construction of his own palace, the Temple of the Lord, and the walls of Jerusalem. This marriage alliance with Egypt symbolized Solomon's desire for peace and security, as Egypt was a powerful and influential nation in the region. By forming this alliance, Solomon hoped to protect his kingdom and ensure its strength and prosperity. This verse highlights the importance of political alliances in maintaining stability and security in ancient kingdoms, as well as the strategic thinking of King Solomon in securing his reign.
Theological Overview
In this verse from 1 Kings 3:1, we see Solomon forming a political alliance with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Solomon marries Pharaoh's daughter, solidifying their relationship. The act of making affinity or forming a close relationship with a foreign ruler carries implications beyond just a marital union. It represents the strategic alliances and diplomatic efforts undertaken by ancient rulers to ensure peace and security for their kingdoms. The mention of Pharaoh's daughter being brought into the city of David until Solomon completes the construction of his own house, the temple of the Lord, and the wall surrounding Jerusalem, highlights the importance of these projects in establishing Solomon's reign. This verse showcases the interconnectedness of political, social, and religious spheres in the ancient world, demonstrating how alliances and marriages were used to strengthen dynastic power and influence.
1 Kings 3:1 in other translations
American Standard Version
And 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 Jehovah, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.
World English Bible
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 Yahweh’s house, and the wall of Jerusalem all around.
Douay-Rheims
And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon, and he made affinity with Pharao, the king of Egypt: for he took his 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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Salomon then made affinitie with Pharaoh King of Egypt, and tooke Pharaohs daughter, and brought her into the citie of Dauid, vntill hee had made an ende of buylding his owne house, and the house of the Lord, and the wall of Ierusalem round about.