1 Kings 7:7
In addition, he built a hall for the throne, the Hall of Justice, where he was to judge. It was paneled with cedar from floor to ceiling.
In addition, he built a hall for the throne
This phrase refers to King Solomon's construction of a specific area within his palace complex. The "hall for the throne" signifies a place of authority and governance, reflecting Solomon's role as king. The throne hall was part of a larger architectural project that included the Temple and other royal buildings, showcasing Solomon's wealth and wisdom. The throne itself symbolizes judgment and leadership, echoing the biblical theme of kingship established in 1 Samuel 8 when Israel requested a king to lead them.

the Hall of Justice
The "Hall of Justice" indicates a designated space for legal proceedings and the administration of justice. This reflects the biblical principle of justice as a key responsibility of a king, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:18-20, where judges are commanded to judge fairly. Solomon's wisdom in judgment is famously illustrated in 1 Kings 3:16-28, where he resolves a dispute between two women claiming to be the mother of a child. The hall's name underscores the importance of justice in maintaining social order and righteousness in Israel.

where he was to judge
This phrase highlights Solomon's role as the chief judge of Israel, a duty that required discernment and wisdom. The king's judgments were seen as divinely guided, as Solomon had asked God for wisdom to govern the people (1 Kings 3:9). The act of judging was not only a legal function but also a spiritual one, as it involved upholding God's laws and ensuring the community's adherence to them. This role prefigures Christ as the ultimate judge, as seen in passages like John 5:22, where Jesus is given authority to judge.

It was paneled with cedar from floor to ceiling
The use of cedar wood, a valuable and durable material, signifies the grandeur and permanence of the hall. Cedar was imported from Lebanon, as mentioned in 1 Kings 5:6, and was a symbol of wealth and prestige. The extensive use of cedar in Solomon's buildings, including the Temple, reflects the king's desire to create structures that honor God and demonstrate the kingdom's prosperity. The cedar paneling also points to the craftsmanship and attention to detail in Solomon's construction projects, paralleling the care and precision in God's creation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel, known for his wisdom and wealth, who commissioned the construction of the temple and his royal palace, including the Hall of Judgment.

2. Hall of the Throne / Hall of Judgment
A significant part of Solomon's palace complex, where he would render judgments and govern the people. It was a place of authority and justice.

3. Cedar Wood
A valuable and durable wood used extensively in Solomon's constructions, symbolizing strength and permanence.

4. Israel
The nation over which Solomon reigned, experiencing a period of peace and prosperity during his rule.

5. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, where Solomon's temple and palace were located, serving as the political and spiritual center of the nation.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Justice in Leadership
Solomon's Hall of Judgment underscores the necessity for leaders to prioritize justice and fairness. As Christians, we are called to seek justice in our communities and personal interactions.

Wisdom in Decision-Making
Solomon's use of the Hall of Judgment reflects his God-given wisdom. We should seek divine wisdom in our decisions, asking God for guidance in our daily lives.

Symbolism of Cedar Wood
The use of cedar wood symbolizes strength and durability. In our spiritual lives, we should build our faith on a strong foundation, rooted in God's Word.

The Role of a Godly Leader
Solomon's example as a leader who sought wisdom and justice serves as a model for Christian leadership. Whether in the church, workplace, or home, we should strive to lead with integrity and righteousness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's construction of the Hall of Judgment reflect his priorities as a leader, and what can we learn from this about the role of justice in leadership today?

2. In what ways can we seek and apply God's wisdom in our own decision-making processes, similar to Solomon's use of wisdom in judgment?

3. What does the use of cedar wood in the Hall of Judgment teach us about the importance of building our lives on a strong and lasting foundation?

4. How can we apply the principles of justice and fairness in our daily interactions with others, reflecting the values demonstrated in Solomon's reign?

5. How does the concept of a "Hall of Judgment" relate to the New Testament teachings on Christ as the ultimate judge, and how should this influence our understanding of justice and accountability?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 3:9-28
This passage describes Solomon's request for wisdom to govern and his famous judgment involving two women claiming to be the mother of a child. It highlights the importance of the Hall of Judgment as a place where Solomon's wisdom was exercised.

2 Chronicles 9:8
This verse praises Solomon's wisdom and the justice he administered, reflecting the purpose of the Hall of Judgment.

Psalm 72
A psalm attributed to Solomon, which prays for the king to rule with justice and righteousness, aligning with the function of the Hall of Judgment.
Building God's House and One's OwnJ. Parker, D. D.1 Kings 7:1-12
The Satisfaction of Completing a Work1 Kings 7:1-12
People
Boaz, David, Hiram, Huram, Jachin, Naphtali, Pharaoh, Solomon
Places
Hall of Judgment, Hall of Pillars, Hall of the Throne, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jordan River, Most Holy Place, Succoth, Tyre, Zarethan
Topics
Cedar, Cedar-wood, Ceiling, Covered, Decisions, Finished, Floor, Hall, Judge, Judged, Judgeth, Judging, Judgment, Justice, Paneled, Porch, Pronounce, Rafters, Roof, Room, Seat, Throne
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 7:7

     4424   cedar
     5581   throne
     9230   judgment seat

1 Kings 7:1-12

     5207   architecture
     5437   palaces
     5776   achievement

1 Kings 7:7-8

     5119   Solomon, life of

Library
Gadara
There was a double Gadara. One at the shore of the Mediterranean sea: that was first called Gezer, 1 Kings 9:15. In Josephus, "Simon destroyed the city Gazara, and Joppe, and Jamnia."--And in the Book of the Maccabees, "And he fortified Joppe, which is on the sea, and Gazara, which is on the borders of Azotus." At length, according to the idiom of the Syrian dialect, Zain passed into Daleth; and instead of Gazara, it was called Gadara. Hence Strabo, after the mention of Jamnia, saith, "and there
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
BY REV. W. J. TOWNSEND, D.D. The Temple of Solomon was the crown of art in the old world. There were temples on a larger scale, and of more massive construction, but the enormous masses of masonry of the oldest nations were not comparable with the artistic grace, the luxurious adornments, and the harmonious proportions of this glorious House of God. David had laid up money and material for the great work, but he was not permitted to carry it out. He was a man of war, and blood-stained hands were
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Whether any Preparation and Disposition for Grace is Required on Man's Part?
Objection 1: It would seem that no preparation or disposition for grace is required on man's part, since, as the Apostle says (Rom. 4:4), "To him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt." Now a man's preparation by free-will can only be through some operation. Hence it would do away with the notion of grace. Objection 2: Further, whoever is going on sinning, is not preparing himself to have grace. But to some who are going on sinning grace is given, as is
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
I suspect a double error in some maps, while they place these two towns in Perea; much more, while they place them at so little a distance. We do not deny, indeed, that the city Adam was in Perea; but Zaretan was not so. Of Adam is mention, Joshua 3:16; where discourse is had of the cutting-off, or cutting in two, the waters of Jordan, that they might afford a passage to Israel; The waters rose up upon a heap afar off in Adam. For the textual reading "In Adam," the marginal hath "From Adam." You
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

That the Ruler Should be a Near Neighbour to Every one in Compassion, and Exalted Above all in Contemplation.
The ruler should be a near neighbour to every one in sympathy, and exalted above all in contemplation, so that through the bowels of loving-kindness he may transfer the infirmities of others to himself, and by loftiness of speculation transcend even himself in his aspiration after the invisible; lest either in seeking high things he despise the weak things of his neighbours, or in suiting himself to the weak things of his neighbours he relinquish his aspiration after high things. For hence it is
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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