King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store cities, which he built in Hamath.
Complete Jewish Bible:
He built Tadmor in the desert and all the cities for storing supplies that he built in Hamat.
Berean Standard Bible:
He built Tadmor in the wilderness, in addition to all the store cities that he had built in Hamath.
American Standard Version:
And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store-cities, which he built in Hamath.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And he built{H1129} Tadmor{H8412} in the wilderness{H4057}, and all the store{H4543} cities{H5892}, which he built{H1129} in Hamath{H2574}.
Cross-References (KJV):
1 Kings 9:17
- And Solomon built Gezer, and Bethhoron the nether,
1 Kings 9:19
- 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.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for 2 Chronicles 8:4
2 Chronicles 8:4 describes a construction project undertaken by King Solomon, one of the most renowned kings of ancient Israel. The verse specifically mentions the building of Tadmor in the wilderness, as well as the fortification or construction of store cities in Hamath. Tadmor is better known by its Greek name, Palmyra, an ancient city located in what is now modern-day Syria. The reference to "store cities" indicates that these were fortified cities used for the storage of supplies, including food and military equipment, which were essential for the administration and defense of the kingdom.
The historical context of this verse is situated within the period of Solomon's reign, which is characterized by peace, prosperity, and expansion. Solomon was known for his wisdom, wealth, and grand building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. The construction of Tadmor and the store cities would have served to consolidate Solomon's power, secure trade routes, and manage the vast resources of his kingdom. These actions were part of a broader strategy to strengthen the economic and military infrastructure of Israel during a time of relative stability and affluence.
The themes reflected in this verse include Solomon's administrative acumen, his commitment to expanding and fortifying his kingdom, and his engagement in international trade. The building of cities like Tadmor also highlights the extensive reach of Solomon's influence, as Tadmor was located outside the traditional boundaries of Israel, suggesting a strategy of extending control over key commercial centers in the region. This verse, therefore, encapsulates the zenith of Solomon's reign, reflecting his strategic planning and the flourishing of Israel under his rule before the kingdom eventually split into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H1129
There are 345 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בָּנָה
Transliteration: bânâh
Pronunciation: baw-naw'
Description: a primitive root; to build (literally and figuratively); (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. - Strong's Number: H8412
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תַּדְמֹר
Transliteration: Tadmôr
Pronunciation: tad-more'
Description: or תַּמֹּר; (1 Kings 9:18), apparently from תָּמָר; palm-city; Tadmor, a place near Palestine; Tadmor. - Strong's Number: H4057
There are 257 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִדְבָּר
Transliteration: midbâr
Pronunciation: mid-bawr'
Description: from דָבַר in the sense of driving; a pasture (i.e. open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert; also speech (including its organs); desert, south, speech, wilderness. - Strong's Number: H4543
There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִסְכְּנָה
Transliteration: miçkᵉnâh
Pronunciation: mis-ken-aw'
Description: by transp. from כָּנַס; a magazine; store(-house), treasure. - Strong's Number: H5892
There are 937 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עִיר
Transliteration: ʻîyr
Pronunciation: eer
Description: or (in the plural) עָר; or עָיַר; (Judges 10:4), from עוּר; a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post); Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. - Strong's Number: H2574
There are 35 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חֲמָת
Transliteration: Chămâth
Pronunciation: kham-awth'
Description: from the same as חוֹמָה; walled; Chamath, a place in Syria; Hamath, Hemath.