Compare 1 Kings 6:1. The text in Chronicles does not name the month, but in Kings it is identified and called by its ancient name, Zif. In post-exilic times this month was known by the name Iyyar, adopted from the Babylonian word Aiaru. Chronicles also does not mention that this was in the 480th year after the Exodus.

Solomon’s 4th year may be tentatively placed at 967/66 B.C., autumn to autumn. Accordingly, the Temple was begun in the spring of 966 (see Vol. II, pp. 134, 159).