1 It happened at the end of twenty years, in which Solomon had built the house of Yahweh, and his own house,
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
Compare the references to 1 Kings.
At the end of twenty years - He employed seven years and a half in building the temple, and twelve and a half, or thirteen, in building his own house. - Compare this with 1-Kings 7:1.
And it came to pass at the end of (a) twenty years, wherein Solomon had built the house of the LORD, and his own house,
(a) Signifying that he was 20 years in building them.
And it came to pass at the end of twenty years,.... See Gill on 1-Kings 9:10.
It sometimes requires more wisdom and resolution to govern a family in the fear of God, than to govern a kingdom with reputation. The difficulty is increased, when a man has a hinderance instead of a help meet in the wife of his bosom. Solomon kept up the holy sacrifices, according to the law of Moses. In vain had the altar been built, in vain had fire come down from heaven, if sacrifices had not been constantly brought. Spiritual sacrifices are required of us, which we are to bring daily and weekly; it is good to be in a settled method of devotion. When the service of the temple was put into good order, it is said, The house of the Lord was perfected. The work was the main matter, not the place; the temple was unfinished till all this was done. Canaan was a rich country, and yet must send to Ophir for gold The Israelites were a wise people, but must be beholden to the king of Tyre for men that had knowledge of the seas. Grace, and not gold, is the best riches, and acquaintance with God and his law, the best knowledge. Leaving the children of this world to scramble for the toys of this world, may we, as the children of God, lay up our treasure in heaven, that where our treasure is, our hearts also may be.
The city-building. - 2-Chronicles 8:1. The date, "at the end of twenty years, when Solomon had built," agrees with that in 1-Kings 9:10. The twenty years are to be reckoned from the commencement of the building of the temple, for he had spent seven years in the building of the temple, and thirteen years in that of his palace (1-Kings 6:38; 1-Kings 7:1).
*More commentary available at chapter level.