Solomon demonstrates his wisdom in judging disputes, then builds the Temple: 1 Kings 3:16–28; 1 Kings 5:1–18; 2 Chronicles 2:1–18; 1 Kings 6:1–13; 2 Chronicles 3:1–14; 1 Kings 6:14–38

Solomon took seven years to build his extravagant Temple. But towards the end of the project, the Lord pretty well told Solomon that the building wasn’t important. It was obedience to God that mattered the most:

^{1 Kings 6:12-13} Concerning this Temple you are building, if you keep all my decrees and regulations and obey all my commands, I will fulfill through you the promise I made to your father, David. I will live among the Israelites and will never abandon my people Israel.