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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 3 - Verse 1

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.

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.

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