Because the places are holy] Is not this a proof that he considered his wife to be a heathen, and not proper to dwell in a place which had been sanctified? Solomon had not yet departed from the true God.

Matthew Henry Commentary

--It sometimes requires more wisdom and resolution to govern a famil 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 hel 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 bee 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 mai matter, not the place; the temple was unfinished till all this wa done. Canaan was a rich country, and yet must send to Ophir for gol 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 bes knowledge. Leaving the children of this world to scramble for the toy 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 __________________________________________________________________

Original Hebrew