The Tanakh Podcast

Our chapter describes Shlomo as a powerbroker in the region, controlling trade and accruing great wealth. But are these the correct priorities?

Our chapter speaks of twenty cities that Shlomo transfers to Hiram king of Tyre.
Why is Solomon giving away land in the Land of Israel?
Why was Hiram unsatisfied with the cities?
What might we learn about the state of the economy during the latter Solomonic years?

Chapter 8 describes the festive dedication of the Temple. Our podcast discusses aspects of Solomon's magnificent prayer:
1. Does God reside in the Temple?
2. Is the Temple a Jewish institution or a universal house of prayer?

Why are Solomon's royal buildings subsumed in the account of the Temple? Is this good news or bad news?

Music: Zusha - Festival

Why does our chapter note that we are 480 years (12x40) since the Exodus?
Why is Solomon using a new system of months, never used previously (or subsequently!)?
Why does Solomon create huge cherubs and attach them to the floor of the Temple?
We will try to answer all these questions in our podcast today.