ציטירנדיקער פּירוש אויף מלכים א 3:3

Imagine being criticized for doing something permissible. Sefer Melachim seems to do this to Shlomo HaMelech. Melachim I 3:3 records that Shlomo HaMelech loves Hashem, an accolade unique to Shlomo HaMelech among all the kings described in Sefer Melachim (Da’at Mikra). It concludes, though, by noting an exception in that he offered Korbanot on Bamot, altars outside the Beit HaMikdash.

A possible problem with this approach is its paucity of evidence. It is difficult to identify a source for Radak and the Metzudat David’s presumption that Bamot were permitted with great reluctance and reservation. Perhaps their source is Melachim I 3:3, which criticizes Shlomo HaMelech for offering Korbanot on Bamot, using the plural form of Bamah. Radak and the Metzudat David might draw their conclusion from the fact that the Pasuk condemns Shlomo HaMelech for offering Korbanot on multiple Bamot, as opposed to criticizing him for offering Kobanot on a Bamah or the Bamah Gedolah. It appears that the excessive amount of Bamot on which Shlomo HaMelech offered Korbanot is cause for criticism.

In light of the lingering questions regarding the classic explanations of Melachim I 3:3, we offer a new suggestion. Perhaps Shlomo HaMelech is criticized for not preparing Am Yisrael for the coming time when Bamot would be forbidden.