monarch, and his government prospered. He entered into an alliance with
Hiram, king of Tyre, who in many ways greatly assisted him in his
numerous undertakings. (See HIRAM.)
For some years before his death David was engaged in the active work of
collecting materials (1 Chronicles 29:6-9; 2 Chronicles 2:3-7) for building a
temple in Jerusalem as a permanent abode for the ark of the covenant. He
was not permitted to build the house of God (1 Chronicles 22:8); that
honour was reserved to his son Solomon. (See TEMPLE.)
After the completion of the temple, Solomon engaged in the erection of
many other buildings of importance in Jerusalem and in other parts of his
kingdom. For the long space of thirteen years he was engaged in the
erection of a royal palace on Ophel (1 Kings 7:1-12). It was 100 cubits
long, 50 broad, and 30 high. Its lofty roof was supported by forty-five
cedar pillars, so that the hall was like a forest of cedar wood, and hence
probably it received the name of “The House of the Forest of Lebanon.” In
front of this “house” was another building, which was called the Porch of
Pillars, and in front of this again was the “Hall of Judgment,” or
Throne-room (1 Kings 7:7; 10:18-20; 2 Chronicles 9:17-19), “the King’s
Gate,” where he administered justice and gave audience to his people. This
palace was a building of great magnificence and beauty. A portion of it was
set apart as the residence of the queen consort, the daughter of Pharaoh.
From the palace there was a private staircase of red and scented sandal
wood which led up to the temple.
Solomon also constructed great works for the purpose of securing a
plentiful supply of water for the city (Ecclesiastes 2:4-6). He then built
Millo (LXX., “Acra”) for the defence of the city, completing a line of
ramparts around it (1 Kings 9:15, 24; 11:27). He erected also many other
fortifications for the defence of his kingdom at various points where it was
exposed to the assault of enemies (1 Kings 9:15-19; 2 Chronicles 8:2-6).
Among his great undertakings must also be mentioned the building of
Tadmor (q.v.) in the wilderness as a commercial depot, as well as a
military outpost.
During his reign Palestine enjoyed great commercial prosperity. Extensive
traffic was carried on by land with Tyre and Egypt and Arabia, and by sea
with Spain and India and the coasts of Africa, by which Solomon
accumulated vast stores of wealth and of the produce of all nations (1