2 And he built the house of the forest of Lebanon; its length was a hundred cubits, and its breadth fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar-pillars, with cedar-beams upon the pillars; 3 and it was covered with cedar above upon the side-chambers, which were on forty-five pillars, fifteen in a row. 4 And there were cross-beams in three rows, and window was against window in three ranks. 5 And all the doors and posts were square, with an architrave; and window was against window in three ranks. 6 And he made the porch of pillars; its length was fifty cubits, and its breadth thirty cubits; and there was a porch in front of them; and there were pillars, and steps in front of them. 7 And he made the porch for the throne where he judged, the porch of judgment; and it was covered with cedar from floor to floor.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:2-7
Commentary on 1 Kings 7:1-12
(Read 1 Kings 7:1-12)
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 laid in early piety. He was thirteen years building his house, yet he built 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.