In this chapter we have, I. The answer which God, in a vision, gave to Solomon’s prayer, and the terms he settled with him, 1 Kings 9:1–9. II. The interchanging of grateful kindnesses between Solomon and Hiram, 1 Kings 9:10–14. III. His workmen and buildings, 1 Kings 9:15–24. IV.

God had given a real answer to Solomon’s prayer, and tokens of his acceptance of it, immediately, by the fire from heaven which consumed the sacrifices (as we find 2 Chron. 7:1); but here we have a more express and distinct answer to it. Observe, I. In what way God gave him this answer.

What agreement was made between Solomon and Hiram, when the building-work was to be begun, we read before, 1 Kings 5:1–18 Here we have an account of their fair and friendly parting when the work was done. 1. Hiram made good his bargain to the utmost.

We have here a further account of Solomon’s greatness. I. His buildings. He raised a great levy both of men and money, because he projected a great deal of building, which would both employ many hands and put him to a vast expense, 1 Kings 9:15.