In the last chapter we learned that Solomon took seven years to build the Lord’s temple. And in this chapter, we find that once God’s house was built, Solomon began building a place for himself.

This structure took thirteen years to complete. You might think he took more care on his own house, or that it was more beautiful or elaborate. No. I don’t think so. He took less time to build God’s Temple because he felt that God deserved a beautiful place, and he pushed hard to get it done as soon as possible, while still adhering to high standards of craftsmanship and God’s very explicit instructions on how it was to be done.

Solomon was willing to wait longer for his own place.

I wonder how things might be different if we all put God’s honor above our own comfort.