1 Kings 9:15

KJV

¶ And this [is] the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.

KJV (with Strong's)

And this is the reason {H1697} of the levy {H4522} which king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} raised {H5927}; for to build {H1129} the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and his own house {H1004}, and Millo {H4407}, and the wall {H2346} of Jerusalem {H3389}, and Hazor {H2674}, and Megiddo {H4023}, and Gezer {H1507}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Following is the account of the forced labor levied by King Shlomo for building the house of ADONAI, his own palace, the Millo, the wall of Yerushalayim, and the cities of Hatzor, Megiddo and Gezer.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon imposed to build the house of the LORD, his own palace, the supporting terraces, and the wall of Jerusalem, as well as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.

American Standard Version

And this is the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised, to build the house of Jehovah, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 9:15 serves as a foundational explanatory statement, detailing the extensive and ambitious building program initiated by King Solomon. It explicitly states that the "levy"—a system of forced labor and conscription—was implemented to fund and execute these monumental projects, which included the construction of the magnificent Temple, his own sprawling palace complex, the fortification of Jerusalem (Millo and its wall), and the strategic rebuilding of key fortress cities like Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer, all aimed at solidifying his kingdom's infrastructure, defense, and prestige.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears immediately after a pivotal section detailing the completion of Solomon's Temple and palace, a massive undertaking that consumed twenty years (cf. [1 Kings 9:10](/1_kings/9-10 "1 Kings 9:10 - Twenty Years of Building")). Following God's renewed covenant promises and warnings to Solomon in [1 Kings 9:1-9](/1_kings/9 "1 Kings 9 - God's Covenant with Solomon"), verse 15 functions as a retrospective summary and explanation for the immense resources and labor required for these grand projects. It sets the stage for further details about Solomon's building activities, his international relations (e.g., with Hiram of Tyre in [1 Kings 9:11-14](/1_kings/9-11 "1 Kings 9:11-14 - Solomon and Hiram's Deal")), and the ongoing use of the levy, which is further elaborated upon in [1 Kings 9:20-22](/1_kings/9-20 "1 Kings 9:20-22 - The Levy of Non-Israelites") concerning non-Israelite populations. The verse thus bridges the narrative of completed construction with the underlying economic and social mechanisms that enabled it.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked a zenith of Israelite power, wealth, and architectural ambition in the ancient Near East. Large-scale public works, often relying on systems of forced labor, were a common feature of powerful monarchies in this period, such as Egypt and Mesopotamia. The "levy" (Hebrew: _mas_) mentioned in [1 Kings 9:15](/1_kings/9-15 "1 Kings 9:15 - The Reason for the Levy") was a form of conscripted service or tribute, initially applied primarily to the remaining Canaanite populations within Israel's borders ([1 Kings 9:20-21](/1_kings/9-20 "1 Kings 9:20-21 - Solomon's Levy on the Canaanites")). However, as Solomon's projects escalated, the burden of the levy eventually extended to the Israelites themselves ([1 Kings 5:13-14](/1_kings/5-13 "1 Kings 5:13-14 - Solomon's Levy of Israelites")), becoming a significant source of popular discontent. This grievance ultimately contributed to the severe political unrest and the division of the kingdom after Solomon's death, as highlighted by the people's plea to Rehoboam in [1 Kings 12:4](/1_kings/12-4 "1 Kings 12:4 - The People's Complaint to Rehoboam"). The specific cities mentioned—Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer—were strategically vital locations controlling major trade routes and access points, and archaeological excavations have confirmed extensive Solomonic fortifications and distinctive gate complexes at these sites, underscoring their importance for national security and administration.

* **Key Themes:** 1 Kings 9:15 encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reign of Kings"). Firstly, it highlights the **magnificence and ambition of Solomon's reign**, showcasing his unparalleled wealth and power, which enabled such vast construction. Secondly, it underscores the **centrality of Jerusalem** as the religious and political capital, with the Temple and royal complex serving as its spiritual and governmental heart. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **royal authority and its cost**, revealing the means—the levy—by which these grand projects were accomplished. This theme is further developed as the narrative progresses, revealing the societal strain and eventual rebellion caused by the heavy burdens Solomon placed on his people ([1 Kings 12:4](/1_kings/12-4 "1 Kings 12:4 - The Heavy Yoke")). Finally, the verse speaks to **national development and security**, as the fortified cities of Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer were crucial for defending the kingdom's borders and controlling strategic routes, reflecting Solomon's dual focus on internal infrastructure and external defense.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Levy (Hebrew, _mas'_):** This term refers specifically to forced labor, conscription, or tribute imposed by a ruler. It denotes a system of non-voluntary service, distinct from hired labor or voluntary contribution. In the context of ancient Near Eastern monarchies, it was a common means to mobilize large workforces for state-sponsored projects. While initially applied to the remaining Canaanite populations in Israel ([1 Kings 9:20-21](/1_kings/9-20 "1 Kings 9:20-21 - Solomon's Levy on Non-Israelites")), its later application to Israelites became a significant point of contention and a contributing factor to the division of the kingdom after Solomon's death ([1 Kings 12:4](/1_kings/12-4 "1 Kings 12:4 - The People's Complaint")). The word often carries negative connotations in biblical narratives, highlighting the oppressive nature of such demands.
* **Build (Hebrew, _banah'_):** This verb signifies the act of constructing, establishing, or rebuilding. In 1 Kings 9:15, it emphasizes the physical creation of structures—the Temple, the palace, city walls, and fortifications. Beyond mere physical construction, "build" in a broader biblical sense can also imply the establishment of a house or dynasty (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:11](/2_samuel/7-11 "2 Samuel 7:11 - God Will Build David a House")). Here, it underscores Solomon's role as a great builder, both literally in terms of physical infrastructure and figuratively in establishing the outward glory and security of his kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this [is] the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the purpose of the verse: to explain the underlying cause for the "levy" or forced labor system. It highlights Solomon's direct agency in implementing this policy, framing it as a deliberate royal initiative to fund his ambitious projects. The term "reason" (Hebrew, _al-devar_, "on account of the matter of") indicates a causal explanation for a preceding or concurrent action.
* **"for to build the house of the LORD,":** This specifies the primary and most significant project for which the levy was raised—the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This magnificent edifice was the central place of worship for Israel, symbolizing God's presence among His people and fulfilling David's desire to build a dwelling for the Lord. Its construction was a monumental undertaking, consuming seven years ([1 Kings 6:38](/1_kings/6-38 "1 Kings 6:38 - Completion of the Temple")).
* **"and his own house,":** Following the Temple, Solomon's own royal palace complex is listed as another major recipient of the levy's resources. This complex was even larger and more time-consuming to build than the Temple, taking thirteen years to complete ([1 Kings 7:1](/1_kings/7-1 "1 Kings 7:1 - Solomon's Palace Construction")). Its inclusion immediately after the Temple highlights Solomon's dual focus on both divine worship and personal prestige, and perhaps foreshadows the eventual imbalance in his priorities.
* **"and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem,":** These projects relate specifically to the fortification and expansion of Jerusalem. "Millo" refers to a defensive structure, likely a terraced fill or rampart, within the City of David, designed to strengthen the city's defenses and possibly connect areas like the Temple Mount. The "wall of Jerusalem" signifies the broader effort to reinforce and expand the capital's protective barriers, crucial for the security and symbolic strength of the kingdom.
* **"and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.":** This final clause lists three critically important strategic fortress cities. These cities were located at key crossroads and entry points into Israel, making their fortification essential for controlling trade routes, defending against external threats, and maintaining internal control. Their rebuilding and strengthening under Solomon underscore his commitment to national security and the establishment of a robust defensive network across his kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
1 Kings 9:15 employs several effective literary devices. Primarily, it functions as a **Summary Statement**, concisely encapsulating the vast scope of Solomon's building endeavors and the means by which they were financed, providing a retrospective explanation for the preceding narrative of construction. The verse also utilizes **Enumeration** or **Listing**, as it systematically itemizes the various major projects undertaken: the Temple, the palace, Millo, the wall of Jerusalem, Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer. This list provides a concrete and comprehensive overview of Solomon's architectural achievements. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Juxtaposition** between the "house of the LORD" and "his own house," subtly highlighting the tension between sacred devotion and personal ambition that would characterize much of Solomon's reign. Finally, the verse presents a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship, stating that the "levy" (the cause) was implemented "for to build" (the effect) these numerous structures, providing a direct explanation for the burden placed upon the populace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 9:15, while seemingly a straightforward administrative detail, carries profound theological and thematic weight. It reveals the immense scale of Solomon's kingdom and the tangible expressions of his divinely granted wisdom and wealth. The construction of the Temple, "the house of the LORD," stands as a testament to Israel's covenant relationship with God and the establishment of a central place for worship and sacrifice. Yet, the verse also subtly introduces the tension inherent in human endeavors, even those for God's glory. The "levy" points to the human cost of grand visions and the potential for royal authority to become burdensome, foreshadowing the later complaints against Solomon's heavy yoke. It raises questions about stewardship, the ethics of power, and the balance between national development and the well-being of the people. Ultimately, it highlights that even divinely blessed prosperity, when pursued without ultimate humility and justice, can lead to societal strain and spiritual compromise.

* [1 Kings 5:13-14](/1_kings/5-13 "1 Kings 5:13-14 - Solomon's Levy of Israelites")
* [1 Kings 12:4](/1_kings/12-4 "1 Kings 12:4 - The People's Complaint about the Levy")
* [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws for Kings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 9:15 offers a powerful lens through which to examine leadership, resource management, and the ethical implications of grand endeavors. Solomon's building program, while impressive and initially divinely sanctioned, ultimately came at a significant human cost through the "levy." This prompts us to consider the "cost" of our own ambitions, whether personal, communal, or societal. Are we mindful of the burdens we place on others, even when pursuing seemingly noble or God-honoring goals? For leaders, this verse serves as a sober reminder that true success is not merely measured by outward accomplishments or impressive structures, but by the well-being, justice, and flourishing of those under one's care. It challenges us to discern between God's true will and our own desires for prestige or power, ensuring that our means are as righteous as our ends. We are called to compassionate and wise stewardship, learning from Solomon's successes in building but also from the eventual societal strain caused by his policies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "levies" (burdens or costs) do we, or our institutions, impose on others in the pursuit of ambitious goals, even those intended for good?**
* **How can leaders balance the vision for grand projects with the responsibility for the well-being and equitable treatment of those who bear the cost?**
* **In what ways might our pursuit of security, prestige, or even spiritual achievement inadvertently lead to exploitation or injustice?**
* **How does this verse challenge our understanding of prosperity and the potential pitfalls of unchecked power, even when initially blessed by God?**

### FAQ
**What exactly was the "levy" Solomon imposed, and who was affected by it?**

Answer: The "levy" (Hebrew: _mas_) refers to a system of forced labor or conscription imposed by King Solomon. It was a common practice in the ancient Near East for large-scale public works. Initially, Solomon primarily used the non-Israelite populations residing within his kingdom for this labor, as detailed in [1 Kings 9:20-21](/1_kings/9-20 "1 Kings 9:20-21 - Solomon's Levy on the Canaanites"), stating that "all the people that were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites...upon those did Solomon levy a tribute of bondservice unto this day." However, as his building projects continued and expanded, the burden of the levy eventually extended to the Israelites themselves, though they were typically overseers rather than common laborers ([1 Kings 5:13-14](/1_kings/5-13 "1 Kings 5:13-14 - Solomon's Levy of Israelites")). This heavy imposition of labor and taxes became a significant grievance that contributed to the division of the kingdom after Solomon's death, as the people complained to his son Rehoboam about the "grievous service" and "heavy yoke" ([1 Kings 12:4](/1_kings/12-4 "1 Kings 12:4 - The People's Complaint to Rehoboam")).

**Why were Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer specifically mentioned alongside Jerusalem's fortifications?**

Answer: Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer were strategically vital fortress cities located at key geographical crossroads and entry points into Israel. Their inclusion in Solomon's extensive building program, alongside the fortifications of Jerusalem, underscores his comprehensive strategy for national security and control. Hazor, in the north, controlled access to Syria and Mesopotamia. Megiddo, in the Jezreel Valley, commanded the major trade route (Via Maris) connecting Egypt and Mesopotamia. Gezer, in the Shephelah, guarded the coastal plain and routes to Jerusalem. Archaeological excavations at these sites have consistently revealed distinct Solomonic-era gate complexes, casemate walls, and administrative structures, confirming the biblical account of their significant rebuilding and strengthening. Their fortification was crucial for defending the kingdom's borders, controlling trade routes, and projecting Solomon's power throughout his realm, demonstrating a clear focus on both internal and external security.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 9:15, detailing Solomon's grand building projects and the "levy" that enabled them, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. Solomon, the wise king, built a magnificent physical Temple and established an earthly kingdom of unparalleled glory, yet it was achieved through human effort and a "levy" that ultimately burdened his people. In contrast, Jesus Christ is the greater Solomon, the true builder of God's eternal house. He declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaking of His Body as the Temple")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ built the spiritual Temple, the Church, composed of living stones—believers united in Him ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones")). Unlike Solomon's levy, which imposed a cost on others, Christ bore the ultimate cost Himself, offering His own life as the perfect sacrifice to build His kingdom and redeem His people. He is the true foundation and cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")), establishing a spiritual kingdom "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), built not by forced labor but by grace and the free gift of the Holy Spirit. Solomon's wisdom and glory, though great, were but a shadow of the perfect wisdom and eternal glory found in Christ, of whom it was said, "a greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - Something Greater Than Solomon is Here")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 5:9

So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.

1 Kings 9:24

But Pharaoh's daughter came up out of the city of David unto her house which [Solomon] had built for her: then did he build Millo.

Joshua 17:11

And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, [even] three countries.

1 Kings 5:13

And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men.

Joshua 11:1

¶ And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard [those things], that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,

Joshua 19:36

And Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor,

Joshua 16:10

And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute.