1 Kings 9:16

KJV

[For] Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer, and burnt it with fire, and slain the Canaanites that dwelt in the city, and given it [for] a present unto his daughter, Solomon's wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

For Pharaoh {H6547} king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714} had gone up {H5927}, and taken {H3920} Gezer {H1507}, and burnt {H8313} it with fire {H784}, and slain {H2026} the Canaanites {H3669} that dwelt {H3427} in the city {H5892}, and given {H5414} it for a present {H7964} unto his daughter {H1323}, Solomon's {H8010} wife {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, taken Gezer, burned it to the ground and killed the Kena'ani living in the city; then he had given it as a dowry for his daughter, Shlomo's wife.

Berean Standard Bible

Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire, killed the Canaanites who lived in the city, and given it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon’s wife.

American Standard Version

Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer, and burnt it with fire, and slain the Canaanites that dwelt in the city, and given it for a portion unto his daughter, Solomon’s wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 9:16 serves as a crucial parenthetical explanation within the broader narrative of Solomon's extensive building projects, detailing the unique and strategic acquisition of the city of Gezer. This verse illuminates a significant aspect of Solomon's foreign policy—a diplomatic marriage alliance with Pharaoh, king of Egypt—and underscores the geopolitical realities and Israel's elevated international standing during his reign. It highlights how a key strategic city came under Israelite control not through conquest, but as a "present," cementing a powerful political bond that would have far-reaching implications.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed as an explanatory interjection within a broader section detailing Solomon’s extensive building endeavors and his administrative organization, particularly his forced labor (corvée) system (compare [1 Kings 9:15](/1_kings/9-15 "1 Kings 9:15 - Cities Solomon Built") with [1 Kings 9:20-22](/1_kings/9-20-22 "1 Kings 9:20-22 - Non-Israelite Forced Labor")). Immediately preceding it, [1 Kings 9:15](/1_kings/9-15 "1 Kings 9:15 - Solomon's Building Projects") lists several cities Solomon built or fortified, including Gezer. Verse 16 then interrupts the flow to provide essential background, clarifying *how* Gezer came into Solomon's possession—not through his own military conquest, but through a prior event involving Pharaoh. Following this explanation, [1 Kings 9:17](/1_kings/9-17 "1 Kings 9:17 - Solomon Rebuilds Gezer") resumes the narrative, stating that Solomon indeed rebuilt Gezer, implying its prior destruction. This parenthetical detail is vital for understanding the source of Solomon's control over this strategic city and the nature of his relationship with Egypt, which was first introduced with his marriage to Pharaoh's daughter in [1 Kings 3:1](/1_kings/3-1 "1 Kings 3:1 - Solomon's Marriage to Pharaoh's Daughter").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, marriage alliances between royal houses were common and served as powerful diplomatic tools to secure peace, trade routes, and mutual defense. The union between Solomon and Pharaoh's daughter was highly unusual, as Egyptian pharaohs rarely gave their daughters in marriage to foreign rulers, typically only taking foreign princesses into their own harems. This fact alone speaks volumes about Israel's burgeoning power and prestige under Solomon, making it a formidable entity on the international stage. Gezer itself was a strategically vital city, situated on the Via Maris, a major international trade route connecting Egypt with Mesopotamia. Its destruction by Pharaoh and subsequent gifting as a dowry (or "present") underscores its immense value as a territorial asset and the depth of the diplomatic ties forged between Egypt and Israel, reflecting a significant shift in regional power dynamics.
* **Key Themes:** The acquisition of Gezer through this marriage alliance highlights several key themes in the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings - Solomon to the Division of the Kingdom"). Firstly, it exemplifies **Political Alliances and Diplomacy** as a cornerstone of Solomon's foreign policy, aiming to secure peace and prosperity without constant warfare. Secondly, it showcases **Solomon's Wealth and Influence**, as the ability to command such a significant "present" from a powerful Pharaoh indicates Israel's elevated status and Solomon's renowned wisdom and resources. Thirdly, there's an element of **Divine Providence**, as Pharaoh's actions of burning Gezer and slaying its Canaanite inhabitants, though driven by his own imperial agenda, inadvertently fulfilled a long-standing divine command to dispossess the Canaanites from the land (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:2](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Deuteronomy 7:2 - Command to Destroy Canaanites")). Finally, while initially beneficial, this marriage alliance with a foreign princess, particularly from Egypt, subtly **Foreshadows Compromise**. Such unions, especially with women who retained their foreign religious practices, would later prove to be a significant spiritual downfall for Solomon, as detailed in [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1-8 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Foreign Wives and Idolatry"), where his many foreign wives turned his heart after other gods.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Present (Hebrew, _shillûwach'_):** This term (H7964) derives from a root meaning "to send" or "to dismiss," and in the plural, it can denote "presents" or "dower." In this context, it refers to a diplomatic gift or dowry. It signifies a strategic transfer of territory, not merely a personal token of affection, but a state-level offering that cemented the political and marital alliance between the two powerful nations. It underscores the transactional nature of ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, where land and cities were valuable commodities in royal exchanges.
* **Slain (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** The verb (H2026) means "to smite with deadly intent," "to kill," or "to murder." Its use here emphasizes the decisive and complete eradication of the Canaanite inhabitants of Gezer by Pharaoh's forces. This was not merely a defeat but a wholesale elimination, ensuring no lingering resistance or claim to the land, thus making the city truly "empty" and ready for its new Israelite ownership. This act, though by a pagan king, aligns with the divine mandate to dispossess the Canaanites.
* **Burnt (Hebrew, _sâraph'_):** The verb (H8313) means "to be on fire" or "to consume with fire." This detail indicates a total destruction of the city's existing structures, signifying a complete conquest and a clearing of the slate. It prepared Gezer for a complete rebuilding under Solomon, as mentioned in the subsequent verse, rather than merely occupying existing Canaanite fortifications. The act of burning also served as a powerful symbol of dominance and conquest in the ancient world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[For] Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer":** This initial clause provides the background action, explaining the historical event that led to Gezer's transfer. The "For" (KJV) or "Indeed" (NIV) indicates this is an explanatory interjection, clarifying how Solomon came to possess Gezer. It highlights Pharaoh's military might and his successful campaign against Gezer, establishing the context for the city's subsequent acquisition by Solomon.
* **"and burnt it with fire, and slain the Canaanites that dwelt in the city":** This part details the thoroughness and brutality of Pharaoh's conquest. The burning signifies complete destruction of the city's infrastructure, while the slaying of the inhabitants ensures no remaining population or claim, making the city a tabula rasa for its new owner. This act, though by a pagan king, inadvertently aligns with God's long-standing command for the dispossessing of the Canaanites from the Promised Land.
* **"and given it [for] a present unto his daughter, Solomon's wife":** This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose and outcome of Pharaoh's conquest: the city was presented as a diplomatic gift, likely a dowry, to his daughter upon her marriage to King Solomon. This act solidified the powerful alliance between Egypt and Israel, demonstrating the high value placed on the union and the strategic importance of Gezer in securing the border and trade routes.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Kings 9:16](/1_kings/9-16 "1 Kings 9:16 - Pharaoh's Gift of Gezer") is **Parenthesis**. The verse functions as an explanatory interjection, interrupting the direct flow of Solomon's building activities (as listed in [1 Kings 9:15](/1_kings/9-15 "1 Kings 9:15 - Cities Solomon Built") and [1 Kings 9:17](/1_kings/9-17 "1 Kings 9:17 - Solomon Rebuilds Gezer")) to provide crucial background information about how Gezer came into Solomon's possession. This allows the narrative to maintain focus on Solomon's reign while providing necessary historical context. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present; Pharaoh, a pagan king, in his pursuit of imperial and diplomatic goals, unknowingly fulfills a divine mandate to dispossess the Canaanites from the land, demonstrating God's sovereignty over the actions of all nations, even those hostile to His people. Furthermore, the very nature of this significant alliance, while seemingly a triumph for Solomon, serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the spiritual compromises that would later plague his reign, particularly through his foreign wives, leading to his eventual spiritual decline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 9:16, though a seemingly minor historical detail, carries profound theological weight. It illustrates God's sovereign hand at work even through the actions of foreign, non-covenant nations. Pharaoh's conquest of Gezer and the slaying of its Canaanite inhabitants, while driven by geopolitical ambition, inadvertently served God's long-standing purpose of dispossessing the Canaanites from the Promised Land, a task Israel had often failed to complete (e.g., [Judges 1:29](/judges/1-29 "Judges 1:29 - Israel Fails to Drive Out Canaanites from Gezer")). This demonstrates that God can utilize any agent, even those unaware of His will, to advance His divine plan. Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of the dangers of unholy alliances. While politically astute, Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter, a foreign princess, represents a step away from the covenant principles that warned against intermarriage with foreign nations due to the risk of idolatry (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Warning Against Intermarriage")). This seemingly beneficial alliance foreshadows the spiritual compromises that would ultimately lead to Solomon's downfall, reminding us that worldly wisdom, when divorced from divine wisdom, can lead to spiritual peril.

* [Deuteronomy 7:1-4](/deuteronomy/7-1-4 "Deuteronomy 7:1-4 - Warning Against Alliances with Canaanites")
* [Joshua 16:10](/joshua/16-10 "Joshua 16:10 - Ephraim Fails to Drive Out Canaanites from Gezer")
* [Psalm 76:10](/psalms/76-10 "Psalm 76:10 - God Uses Human Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Gezer's acquisition through a diplomatic marriage offers a compelling case study in the tension between worldly wisdom and divine principles. Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, made a politically brilliant move, securing peace with a major regional power and gaining a strategic city without military cost. Yet, this alliance, rooted in human strategy and convenience, ultimately laid the groundwork for spiritual compromise. It prompts us to examine our own lives: where do we seek security and advantage? Are we tempted to make compromises, even seemingly minor ones, in our pursuit of success, stability, or acceptance? This verse reminds us that true security and lasting prosperity are found not in strategic human alliances or accumulation of power, but in unwavering obedience and devotion to God. Our choices, even those that appear beneficial on the surface, must be weighed against their potential spiritual cost and their alignment with God's will. We are called to prioritize God's kingdom and righteousness above all else, trusting that He will provide for our needs and guide our paths.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to prioritize worldly wisdom or strategic advantage over spiritual principles?**
* **What are the potential "hidden costs" or long-term spiritual consequences of seemingly beneficial compromises in my life?**
* **How can I ensure that my pursuit of success or security remains rooted in obedience to God rather than human ingenuity alone?**
* **How does God's sovereignty manifest in unexpected ways, even through the actions of those who do not acknowledge Him, and what does this teach me about His control?**

### FAQ
**Why was Gezer considered such an important city in ancient times?**

Answer: Gezer was strategically vital because of its location on the Via Maris, a major international trade route that connected Egypt in the south with Mesopotamia and Anatolia in the north. Controlling Gezer meant controlling access to and taxation of this crucial artery of commerce and military movement. Its elevated position also offered excellent defensive capabilities and a commanding view of the surrounding plains. Its importance is underscored by the fact that both Pharaoh and Solomon valued it highly, with Pharaoh destroying it to ensure its complete transfer and Solomon immediately rebuilding and fortifying it (as seen in [1 Kings 9:17](/1_kings/9-17 "1 Kings 9:17 - Solomon Rebuilds Gezer")).

**Was it common for Egyptian Pharaohs to give cities as dowries or diplomatic gifts?**

Answer: It was highly unusual for an Egyptian Pharaoh to give his daughter in marriage to a foreign ruler, let alone to include a city as a dowry or diplomatic gift. Typically, Pharaohs would *receive* foreign princesses into their harems as a sign of tribute or alliance, but they rarely sent their own daughters abroad. The fact that Pharaoh gave his daughter to Solomon, along with a strategic city like Gezer, speaks volumes about the immense power, wealth, and international standing of Solomon's kingdom at that time. It was an exceptional act, demonstrating the respect and strategic importance Egypt placed on its relationship with Israel.

**Did God approve of Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter?**

Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly state God's approval of this specific marriage. However, the broader Mosaic Law clearly prohibited intermarriage with foreign nations, particularly those who worshipped other gods, due to the risk of spiritual apostasy (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Warning Against Intermarriage")). While this marriage brought political stability and a strategic city, it also set a precedent for Solomon's later, more numerous foreign marriages, which ultimately led him to idolatry and spiritual decline, as detailed in [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1-8 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Foreign Wives and Idolatry"). From a theological perspective, while God used Pharaoh's actions for His purposes, Solomon's choice to enter into such a covenant-breaking marriage was a step away from complete obedience, foreshadowing his eventual spiritual downfall.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Solomon's acquisition of Gezer through a strategic marriage alliance, while showcasing his worldly wisdom and power, ultimately points to the superior wisdom and ultimate reign of Jesus Christ. Solomon sought peace and security through human alliances and the accumulation of wealth and territory, symbolized by the gift of Gezer. In contrast, Christ *is* our peace, not through political maneuvering or strategic marriages, but through His sacrificial death and resurrection, reconciling humanity to God and to one another (as proclaimed in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace")). Solomon's kingdom, built on human ingenuity and compromise, eventually fractured and fell due to the very foreign influences he embraced ([1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9-13 "1 Kings 11:9-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")). Jesus, the true Son of David, establishes an eternal kingdom not through the acquisition of earthly cities as gifts, but by conquering sin and death, thereby acquiring a people for Himself through redemption ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ")). The foreshadowing of compromise in Solomon's reign highlights the need for a perfect King who would never turn His heart from God, a King who is perfectly obedient and faithful, unlike Solomon. Christ, the Lamb of God, does not receive a city as a dowry; rather, He gives Himself as a ransom for many, inheriting all nations not through political gifts but through His cross and resurrection, fulfilling God's ultimate plan for the nations through the power of the Gospel ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")).

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

1 Kings 3:1

¶ And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.

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.

1 Kings 7:8

And his house where he dwelt [had] another court within the porch, [which] was of the like work. Solomon made also an house for Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had taken [to wife], like unto this porch.

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.