1 Kings 7:2 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon The house mentioned in the foregoing verse was in Jerusalem, and was probably the place of Solomon's residence during the winter. This seems to have been built for his summer residence, on some cool, shady mountain near Jerusalem, and to have been called the house of the forest of Lebanon, because it was situated in a lofty place, bearing some resemblance to mount Lebanon, and probably was surrounded with many tall cedars, such as grew there. That it was near Jerusalem, and not on mount Lebanon, properly so called, seems evident, because there was the throne of judgment, (1 Kings 7:7,) which it was most proper should be in the place of his constant and usual residence; and because there was the chief magazine of arms, (Isaiah 22:8,) and Solomon's golden shields were placed there, (1Ki 10:17; 1 Kings 14:25-28,) which no wise prince would have put in a place at the extremity of his kingdom, and at such a distance from his royal city as mount Lebanon was from Jerusalem. The length thereof Of the principal mansion; to which, doubtless, other buildings were adjoining. Was a hundred cubits Which was not longer than the house of God, if we take in all the courts belonging thereto. The height thereof thirty cubits The same as the height of the holy place in the temple. Upon four rows of cedar pillars Which supported the building, and between which there were four stately walks. With cedar beams upon the pillars Which were laid for the floor of the second story.