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Commentary on 1 Kings 9 verses 15–28
15 ¶ 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.
16 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.
17 And Solomon built Gezer, and Bethhoron the nether,
18 And Baalath, and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land,
19 And all the cities of store that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.
20 And all the people that were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which were not of the children of Israel,
21 Their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel also were not able utterly to destroy, upon those did Solomon levy a tribute of bondservice unto this day.
22 But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they were men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.
23 These were the chief of the officers that were over Solomon's work, five hundred and fifty, which bare rule over the people that wrought in the work.
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.
25 And three times in a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace offerings upon the altar which he built unto the LORD, and he burnt incense upon the altar that was before the LORD. So he finished the house.
26 And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Eziongeber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom.
27 And Hiram sent in the navy his servants, shipmen that had knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomon.
28 And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.
We have here a further account of Solomon's greatness.
I. His buildings. He raised a great levy both of men and money, because he projected a great deal of building, which would both employ many hands and put him to a vast expense, Kg1 9:15. And he was a wise builder, who sat down first, and counted the cost, and would not begin to build till he found himself able to finish. Perhaps there was some complaint of the heaviness of the taxes, which the historian excuses from the greatness of his undertakings. He raised it, not for war (as other princes), which would spend the blood of his subjects, but for building, which would require only their labour and purses. Perhaps David observed Solomon's genius to lie towards building, and foresaw he would have his head and hands full of it, when he penned that song of degrees for Solomon, which begins, Except the Lord build the house, those labour in vain that build it (Psa 127:1), directing him to acknowledge God in all his ways, and, by prayer and faith in his providence, to take him along with him in all his designs of this kind. And Solomon verily began his work at the right end, for he built God's house first, and finished that before he began his own; and then God blessed him, and he prospered in all his other buildings. If we begin with God, he will go on with us. Let the first-fruits be his, and the after-fruits will the more comfortably be ours, Mat 6:33. Solomon built a church first and then he was enabled to build houses, and cities, and walls. Those consult not their own interest that defer to the last what they design for pious uses. The further order in Solomon's buildings is observable. God's house first for religion, then his own for his own convenience, then a house for his wife, to which she removed as soon as it was ready for her (Kg1 9:24), then Millo, the town-house or guild-hall, then the wall of Jerusalem, the royal city, then some cities of note and strength in the country, which were decayed and unfortified, Hazor, Megiddo, etc. As he rebuilt these at his own charge, the inhabitants would be not only his subjects, but his tenants, which would increase the revenues of the crown for the benefit of his successors. Among the rest, he built Gezer, which Pharaoh took out of the hands of the Canaanites, and made a present of to his daughter, Solomon's wife, Kg1 9:16. See how God maketh the earth to help the woman. Solomon was not himself a warlike prince, but the king of Egypt, who was, took cities for him to build. Then he built cities for convenience, for store, for his chariots, and for his horsemen, Kg1 9:19. And, lastly, he built for pleasure in Lebanon, for his hunting perhaps, or other diversions there. Let piety begin, and profit proceed, and leave pleasure to the last.
II. His workmen and servants. In doing such great works, he must needs employ abundance of workmen. The honour of great men is borrowed from their inferiors, who do that which they have the credit of. 1. Solomon employed those who remained of the conquered and devoted nations in all the slavish work, Kg1 9:20, Kg1 9:21. We may suppose that they renounced their idolatry and submitted to Solomon's government, so that he could not, in honour, utterly destroy them, and they were so poor that he could not levy money on them; therefore he served himself of their labour. Herein he observed God's law (Lev 25:44, Thy bondmen shall be of the heathen), and fulfilled Noah's curse upon Canaan, A servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren, Gen 9:25. 2. He employed Israelites in the more creditable services (Kg1 9:22, Kg1 9:23): Of them he made no bondmen, for they were God's freemen, but he made them soldiers and courtiers, and gave them offices, as he saw them qualified, among his chariots and horsemen, appointing some to support the service of the inferior labourers. Thus he preserved the dignity and liberty of Israel and honoured their relation to God as a kingdom of priests.
III. His piety and devotion (Kg1 9:25): Three times in a year he offered burnt-offerings extraordinary (namely, at the three yearly feasts, the passover, pentecost, and feast of tabernacles) in honour of the divine institution, besides what he offered at other times, both statedly and upon special occasions. With his sacrifices he burnt incense, not himself (that was king Uzziah's crime), but the priest for him, at his charge, and for his particular use. It is said, He offered on the altar which he himself built. He took care to build it, and then, 1. He himself made use of it. Many will assist the devotions of others that neglect their own. Solomon did not think his building an altar would excuse him from sacrificing, but rather engage him the more to it. 2. He himself had the benefit and comfort of it. Whatever pains we take, for the support of religion, to the glory of God and the edification of others, we ourselves are likely to have the advantage of it.
IV. His merchandise. He built a fleet of trading ships at Ezion-geber (Kg1 9:26), a port on the coast of the Red Sea, the furthest stage of the Israelites when they wandered in the wilderness, Num 33:35. Probably that wilderness now began to be peopled by the Edomites, which it was not then. To them this port had belonged, but, David having subdued the Edomites, it now pertained to the crown of Judah. The fleet traded to Ophir in the East Indies, supposed to be that which is now called Ceylon. Gold was the commodity traded for, substantial wealth. It should seem, Solomon had before been Hiram's partner, or put a venture into his ships, which made him a rich return of 120 talents (Kg1 9:14), which encouraged him to build a fleet of his own. The success of others in any employment should quicken our industry; for in all labour there is profit. Solomon sent his own servants as factors, and merchants, and super-cargoes, but hired Tyrians for sailors, for they had knowledge of the sea, Kg1 9:27. Thus one nation needs another, Providence so ordering it that there may be mutual commerce and assistance; for not only as Christians, but as men, we are members one of another. The fleet brought home to Solomon 420 talents of gold, Kg1 9:28. Canaan, the holy land, the glory of all lands, had no gold in it, which teaches us that that part of the wealth of this world which is for hoarding and trading is not the best part of it, but that which is more immediately for the present support and comfort of life, our own and others'; such were the productions of Canaan. Solomon got much by his merchandise, but, it should seem, David got much more by his conquests. What were Solomon's 420 talents to David's 100,000 talents of gold? Ch1 22:14; Ch1 29:4. Solomon got much by his merchandise, and yet has directed us to a better trade, within reach of the poorest, having assured us from his own experience of both that the merchandise of wisdom is better than the merchandise of silver and the gain thereof than fine gold, Pro 3:14.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 15–28. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Kings 9:17 meticulously details a crucial aspect of King Solomon's post-Temple and palace construction endeavors: the fortification and rebuilding of the strategically vital cities of Gezer and Bethhoron the nether. This verse is embedded within a broader narrative showcasing Solomon's immense wealth, centralized authority, and unwavering commitment to securing the borders and key trade routes of his flourishing kingdom. These architectural undertakings underscore the golden age of Israel under Solomon's early reign, simultaneously hinting at the significant resources and labor mobilized for such grand projects.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within a significant literary block of 1 Kings (chapters 5-11) that comprehensively chronicles the illustrious reign of King Solomon, with a particular emphasis on his renowned wisdom, unparalleled wealth, and monumental building initiatives. Following the twenty-year period dedicated to the completion of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem and his own elaborate royal palace (as noted in 1 Kings 9:10), the narrative shifts to Solomon's broader efforts to fortify his kingdom's infrastructure. 1 Kings 9:15 provides a general enumeration of these projects, listing "Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer." Verse 17 then specifically elaborates on the rebuilding of Gezer and Bethhoron the nether, highlighting their particular strategic importance. The preceding verse, 1 Kings 9:16, reveals that Gezer was a recent acquisition, gifted to Solomon by the Pharaoh of Egypt as a dowry for his daughter, making its immediate fortification a matter of both strategic necessity and national pride. The narrative thus transitions seamlessly from sacred and royal capital projects to the comprehensive defense and administration of the kingdom.
Historical & Cultural Context: The era of Solomon's reign (approximately 970-931 BC) represents the zenith of the united monarchy of Israel, a period characterized by unprecedented peace, widespread prosperity, and significant international influence. The construction and fortification of cities such as Gezer and Bethhoron were common and essential practices among ancient Near Eastern monarchs, crucial for protecting vital trade routes, controlling strategic mountain passes, and defending against potential external threats. Gezer itself was a crucial city located in the Shephelah, controlling a vital junction between the fertile coastal plain and the central highlands, effectively serving as a gateway to Jerusalem from the west. Its history was long and complex, having been a significant Canaanite city-state before its destruction by Pharaoh, who subsequently presented it to Solomon. Bethhoron, comprising both an upper and a lower town (Bethhoron the nether), meticulously guarded the steep ascent from the Aijalon Valley to the central ridge, a critical military and trade route. The explicit mention of "the nether" (lower) distinguishes it from its higher counterpart, with both towns forming a formidable defensive choke point. Solomon's remarkable ability to undertake such massive construction projects was facilitated by his vast accumulated wealth, extensive international trade networks, and a well-organized system of corvée labor, often drawing upon the non-Israelite populations residing within his borders, as implicitly suggested in 1 Kings 9:15.
Key Themes: The fortification efforts meticulously described in 1 Kings 9:17 contribute significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of 1 Kings. Firstly, they powerfully highlight Solomon's immense wealth and power, demonstrating his unparalleled capacity to mobilize vast resources for large-scale infrastructure projects, indicative of the kingdom's remarkable prosperity under his early reign. This aligns seamlessly with the detailed descriptions of his riches and wisdom found throughout 1 Kings 10. Secondly, the verse profoundly underscores the theme of strategic foresight and national security. Solomon's deliberate focus on fortifying key geographical locations like Gezer and Bethhoron reveals a meticulously planned strategy to protect his kingdom's borders, control vital trade arteries, and ensure internal stability. This reflects his role as a responsible and astute monarch charged with the well-being and defense of his people. Lastly, these extensive building activities, while clearly demonstrating Solomon's kingly might and administrative prowess, also subtly introduce the underlying theme of royal authority and its potential costs. The reliance on forced labor, even if primarily non-Israelite, subtly foreshadows later grievances and resentments that would ultimately contribute to the kingdom's tragic division, as vividly depicted in 1 Kings 12.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Enumeration and Emphasis to convey the scope and significance of Solomon's extensive building activities. By specifically naming Gezer and Bethhoron the nether, the text enumerates key components of his broader infrastructure program, lending precise specificity and considerable weight to the more general statement made in 1 Kings 9:15. The act of naming these cities, particularly Gezer with its recent acquisition narrative detailed in 1 Kings 9:16, serves to emphasize Solomon's strategic acumen and his unwavering commitment to securing his kingdom's borders. The repetition of the verb "built" (implied from the preceding context and the very nature of the list) further underscores the impressive scale and continuity of his architectural endeavors. Furthermore, the deliberate selection of these particular cities, renowned for their critical strategic geographical locations, implicitly highlights Foreshadowing of the enduring importance of these routes in future conflicts and military movements, thereby emphasizing the foresight inherent in Solomon's defensive planning.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The grand construction projects undertaken by Solomon, including the meticulous rebuilding of Gezer and Bethhoron, reflect a profound theological understanding of kingship in ancient Israel, where the monarch was divinely appointed and held responsible for the security, prosperity, and well-being of the nation. Solomon's remarkable ability to undertake such massive endeavors is consistently presented as a direct manifestation of the extraordinary wisdom and immense wealth graciously bestowed upon him by God (1 Kings 3:12-13). These formidable fortifications symbolize the stability, flourishing, and divine favor enjoyed by the kingdom under a righteous (at least in his early reign) king, thereby fulfilling crucial aspects of the covenant promises made to David that his kingdom would be established and secure (2 Samuel 7:12-16). However, the sheer scale of these projects also subtly points to the inherent potential for human ambition and the significant burdens of centralized power, which would tragically contribute to the kingdom's eventual decline and division.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Solomon's building of Gezer and Bethhoron the nether serves as a timeless invitation for us to reflect deeply on the nature of diligent stewardship, strategic planning, and the responsible exercise of leadership in our own lives, families, and communities. Just as Solomon invested heavily in the physical security and essential infrastructure of his kingdom, we are likewise called to be faithful and diligent stewards of the precious resources, unique talents, and abundant opportunities that God has graciously entrusted to us. This profound calling involves thoughtful and proactive planning for the future, whether it manifests in building strong, resilient families, nurturing healthy and vibrant communities, or actively contributing to the overall well-being and flourishing of society. This passage powerfully reminds us that true and lasting progress often necessitates significant effort, unwavering dedication, and the wise, discerning allocation of resources. Furthermore, the strategic placement of these ancient cities prompts us to prayerfully consider the "gateways" and "defenses" in our own lives—those critical areas where we need to be particularly vigilant and intentional in protecting our spiritual, emotional, and relational well-being. Ultimately, this passage profoundly encourages us to build with purpose, integrity, and a long-term, God-honoring vision, always seeking to glorify God in all our endeavors and actively contribute to the expansion and flourishing of His eternal kingdom on earth.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were Gezer and Bethhoron so important to Solomon's kingdom?
Answer: Gezer and Bethhoron were strategically vital due to their exceptional geographical locations. Gezer sat at a critical juncture between the fertile coastal plain and the central highlands, effectively controlling access to the Judean hills and serving as a key defensive outpost against potential incursions from the west. Bethhoron, comprising both an upper and a lower town, meticulously guarded a crucial ascent from the Aijalon Valley to the central ridge, providing a direct and indispensable route to Jerusalem. Fortifying these cities allowed Solomon to control major trade routes, ensure the security of his capital, and project his authority across his expanding kingdom, thereby demonstrating his strategic foresight in consolidating power and protecting his realm from external threats.
How did Solomon acquire Gezer, and what does this tell us about his reign?
Answer: Solomon acquired Gezer as a dowry when he married the daughter of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, as explicitly stated in 1 Kings 9:16. Pharaoh had previously captured and burned Gezer, then presented it to his daughter, who subsequently brought it into her marriage with Solomon. This significant acquisition highlights Solomon's unprecedented diplomatic influence and elevated international standing. His marriage to Pharaoh's daughter was a pivotal political alliance, cementing peace with a major regional power and allowing him to expand his territory and secure strategic assets without military conquest. It profoundly underscores the "golden age" of Israel under Solomon, a period marked by remarkable peace, widespread prosperity, and a highly respected position among the nations of the ancient world.
What kind of labor was used for these building projects?
Answer: While 1 Kings 9:17 does not explicitly detail the labor for these specific cities, 1 Kings 9:15 broadly states that Solomon raised a levy of forced labor (corvée) for his extensive building projects. 1 Kings 9:20-21 further clarifies that this forced labor was primarily drawn from the non-Israelite populations—the descendants of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—who had not been utterly destroyed but remained in the land. Importantly, Israelites were not conscripted for this heavy manual labor but served as soldiers, officials, commanders, and chariot officers (1 Kings 9:22). This system allowed Solomon to mobilize vast human resources for his ambitious construction programs, though it later became a significant source of grievance that tragically contributed to the kingdom's division after his death (1 Kings 12:4).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's extensive building program, including the strategic fortification of Gezer and Bethhoron, stands as a powerful earthly type and shadow of the ultimate, eternal building work of Jesus Christ. Solomon, the son of David, built a magnificent physical temple and fortified cities to secure an earthly kingdom, reflecting a period of unparalleled peace and prosperity. Yet, his kingdom, despite its temporal grandeur, was ultimately flawed by human sin, idolatry, and eventual division. In profound contrast, Jesus Christ, the greater Son of David, came not to build physical structures but to establish an eternal, spiritual kingdom that transcends all earthly limitations. He declared with divine authority, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone upon which this spiritual house is immutably built, with believers serving as living stones, continually being built up into a spiritual dwelling for God (Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Peter 2:4-5). While Solomon's fortifications offered a measure of earthly security, Christ provides ultimate spiritual security and an unshakeable kingdom that will never be destroyed or overthrown (Daniel 2:44). His reign is one of perfect wisdom, absolute righteousness, and eternal peace, far surpassing the temporary glory and eventual decline of Solomon's earthly kingdom. Just as Solomon secured the physical pathways to Jerusalem, Christ, through His perfect atoning sacrifice on the cross, opened the way to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God, where believers find eternal rest and security (Hebrews 12:22-24).