1. Solomon's palace (1-12)

Solomon took almost twice as long to build his palace than it took to finish the temple. His palace complex dwarfed the temple and became the most visible structure in Jerusalem. Solomon also built a palace for his wife, Pharaoh's daughter - a marriage that went against God's Law. (Dt 7:3) Perhaps Solomon needed this palace as his kingdom grew. But it also reveals that his priorities were subtly shifting away from God and toward politics and other worldly affairs.

2. The temple furnishings (13-51)

Solomon hired a skilled craftsman named Huram to design and make the temple furnishings. From casting large bronze pillars to the most delicate network of bronze pomegranates and other carvings, Huram finished all of the furnishings. After seven years, the temple was completed. Solomon brought in the things his father had dedicated to the LORD and placed them in the temple treasury.