John Gill Bible Commentary

In the eleventh year,.... That is, of the reign of Solomon: in the month Bul, which is the eighth month; from the month Abib or Nisan; this month answers to part of our October, and part of November; it is the same month sometimes called Marchesvan; it had the name of Bul, because of the rains which usually fell in this month, as Kimchi thinks, like a flood; and Noah's flood is called Mabbul, from the same root (i), and when all the fruits were withered, and the leaves were fallen from the trees; or, as Jarchi supposes, because the grass was consumed in the field, and they were obliged to mix provender for cattle, deriving the word from another root (k): in this month was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof; the porch, the holy place, and holy of holies, with all the chambers and courts belonging to it: and according to all the fashion of it; which David had given to Solomon, to frame it by: so he was seven years in building it; and six months, which are not mentioned, only the round number is given, as appears by comparing it with Kg1 6:1. (i) "concidit", Buxtorf. (k) "consumpsit, vel" "miscuit", ib. Next: 1 Kings Chapter 7