John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 1. But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years , etc.] He made more haste with the house of God than with his own, for that was but seven years in building; which showed greater regard to the honour of God then to his own glory, or even convenience; nor was this built till after that: and finished all his house ; or houses he undertook to build, the singular for the plural; even the house of God, his own palace, and that for the daughter of Pharaoh, and that which is next mentioned, which were in all twenty years building, ( 1 Kings 9:10).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-12 - All Solomon's buildings, though beautiful, were intended for use Solomon began with the temple; he built for God first, and then his other buildings. The surest foundations of lasting prosperity are lai in early piety. He was thirteen years building his house, yet he buil the temple in little more than seven years; not that he was more exact but less eager in building his own house, than in building God's. We ought to prefer God's honour before our own ease and satisfaction.
Original Hebrew ואת853 ביתו1004 בנה1129 שׁלמה8010 שׁלשׁ7969 עשׂרה6240 שׁנה8141 ויכל3615 את853 כל3605 ביתו׃1004
