1 Reis 9

1 Reis 9

Wiersbe - Apart from the fact that Solomon shouldn’t have been so extravagant in building his “palace,” he didn’t have the right to give twenty cities away just to pay his debts. All the land belonged to the Lord and could not be deeded away permanently (Lev. 25:23). One purpose for the Year of Jubilee (Lev. 25:8ff) was to make sure the land that had been sold was returned to the original owners and so that no clan or tribe could be deprived of their inheritance. But Solomon was starting to behave like his Egyptian father-in-law who had wiped out the population of an entire Canaanite city and given the city to his daughter as a wedding gift (1Ki 9:16).....Solomon exhibits in this incident some character traits that disturb us, including the extravagant cost of the “palace” that necessitated a loan, and then giving a friend poor collateral that wasn’t even his to give away. Humanly speaking, were it not for Hiram, the temple would not have been built, and this was no way for Solomon to treat a generous friend. (Bible Exposition Commentary) 1 Kings 9:14 And Hiram sent to the king 120 talents of gold. 1Ki 9:11,28 10:10,14,21 HIRAM SUPPLIES GOLD TO SOLOMON And Hiram sent to the king 120 talents of gold - Despite his dissatisfaction, Hiram still sent Solomon 120 talents of gold, showing that their partnership remained intact. Some think the gift of the cities was payment for the gold Hiram had furnished. The timber and stone and labour had been paid for in corn and wine and oil. Some scholars believe Hiram later returned the cities to Solomon (2 Chronicles 8:2). The Queen of Sheba brings the same amount (1Ki 10:10). In addition the following chapter is replete with references to Solomon's gold - 1Ki 9:28; 1Ki 10:2, 10–11, 14, 16–18, 21–22, 25. Moses had given a clear and solemn warning regarding women and gold, both of which Solomon failed to heed “He shall not multiply wives for himself, or else his heart will turn away; nor shall he greatly increase silver and gold for himself. (Deuteronomy 17:17+) (SOLOMON DISOBEYS AND MULTIPLIES WIVES AND GOLD TO THE DEMISE OF HIS KINGDOM!) Ill fares the land, to hast’ning ills a prey, Where wealth accumulates, and men decay -- Oliver Goldsmith in The Deserted Village MacArthur states that "Solomon sold these 20 cities in Galilee to Hiram in exchange for the gold (about 4.5 tons) mentioned in 1Ki 9:14. Probably these cities lay along the border between Tyre and Israel, just outside the territory of Asher. Later, Hiram gave the towns back to Solomon. (2 Ch 8:2)" (See MacArthur Study Bible) In Solomon's era, a talent was a unit of weight used to measure precious metals like gold. The exact weight of a talent varied across regions and periods, but it's commonly estimated to be around 75 pounds (34 kilograms). Therefore, 120 talents of gold would weigh approximately 9,000 pounds (4,080 kilograms). To estimate its value in today's terms, we can calculate based on the current market price of gold. As of [current date], the price of gold is approximately $1,800 per troy ounce. Since there are 14.5833 troy ounces in a pound, this equates to about $26,249 per pound. Thus, 120 talents of gold would be valued at approximately $236 million today. However, it's important to note that this is a modern valuation based on current gold prices. In Solomon's time, the value of gold and its purchasing power would have been different, influenced by factors such as scarcity, economic conditions, and societal wealth. Therefore, while this calculation provides a contemporary perspective, it doesn't directly reflect the historical value or significance of 120 talents of gold in the ancient context. Jewish Study Bible - A final payment for supplies and for gold—not mentioned in the earlier contractual arrangements (1Ki 5.20-31)—to king Hiram was made by Solomon in the form of twenty towns. Despite Hiram’s disparaging remark that gave rise to the area being called Cabul, he accepted them and remitted a final gold payment to Solomon to cover the difference between the value of the cities and what was owed him. 1 Kings 9:15 Now this is the account of the forced labor which King Solomon levied to build the house of the LORD, his own house, the Millo, the wall of Jerusalem, Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer. Now this is the account : 1Ki 9:20-22 1Ki 5:13 to build: 1Ki 9:10 6:38 7:1 2Ch 8:1 Millo: Millo is said to have been a deep valley, between the ancient city of Jebus and the city of David on mount Zion. Solomon filled up, and built upon; and it became a fortified place, and a place for public assemblies. 1Ki 9:24 11:27 Jdg 9:6,20 2Sa 5:9 2Ki 12:20 the wall: Ps 51:18 Hazor: Jos 11:1 19:36 Jdg 4:2 2Ki 15:29 Megiddo: 1Ki 4:12 Jos 17:11 Jdg 5:19 2Ki 9:27 23:29,30 2Ch 35:22 Zec 12:11 Gezer: 1Ki 9:16,17 Jos 10:33 16:10 21:21 Jdg 1:29 1Ch 6:67 20:4 Related Passages: 1 Kings 5:13+ Now King Solomon levied forced laborers from all Israel; and the forced laborers numbered 30,000 men. THE KING'S HIGHWAY (Via Maris) - Click to Enlarge - See Purple Line Click here for Another Map Showing Megiddo (Central) SOLOMON'S FORCED LABOR Now this is the account of the forced labor (mas) which King Solomon levied to build the house of the LORD, his own house, the Millo, the wall of Jerusalem, Hazor (castle, fortified, enclosed), Megiddo (see archaeological studies; Rev 16:16+), and Gezer (see video) - Forced labor (mas) refers to a group of laborers conscripted for royal or public service. Hazor (see archaeological studies) was fortified by Solomon to defend the entrance into the kingdom from Syria and Assyria. When Tiglath-pileser, the Assyrian king, invaded the land, this was one of the first cities he captured, carrying its inhabitants captive into Assyria (2Ki 15:29). It has been identified with Khurbet Harrah, 2 1/2 miles south-east of Kedesh. Solomon’s forced labor system was a mix of slavery for Canaanites (1 Kings 9:20-21; 2 Chronicles 8:7-8) and rotational labor for Israelites (1 Kings 5:13-14). While it enabled grand construction projects, it ultimately weakened his kingdom due to internal discontent. Solomon built a network of fortifications, garrisons, and economic centers at strategic points throughout his kingdom including Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer which were all on on the Via Maris, the international highway connecting Egypt and Mesopotamia. Gezer, Megiddo, Hazor Donald Wiseman on Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer - Solomon fortified strategic cities to guard the main approaches to his kingdom. The list runs north to south. All show archaeological evidence of identical construction work of the Solomonic period, casemate-type walls and similar ‘six-roomed’ gate towers. Hazor (Tell el-Qedah), eight kilometers south-west of Lake Huleh (now almost drained dry), controlled the road from the north; Megiddo (Tell el-Mutesellim, see on 1Ki 4:12) the road from Phoenicia and through the Carmel range. (See 1 and 2 Kings: An Introduction and Commentary - Page 136) William Barnes on forced labor - Returning to the issue of forced labor, such was regularly practiced, and such were the expectations of the times—kings either fought battles or built structures, and both sadly seemed to require a form of de facto slavery (i.e., the military draft and the civilian corvée) to accomplish their intended results. (1-2 Kings - Page 100) Warren Wiersbe on Millo - Solomon also strengthened and extended “the Millo,” the terraced area next to the walls of Jerusalem that buttressed the wall and gave more protection to the city. The word millo means “to fill.” This was an “earth-fill fortification” that was begun by David (2 Sam. 5:9) and continued by Solomon (1Ki 9:24; 11:27). The king and his family, the people of the city, and the wealth in the temple and the palace all had to be protected. (Bible Exposition Commentary) Believer's Study Bible - Solomon levied heavy taxes throughout his empire, not only to finance the construction of the temple and other buildings in Jerusalem, but also to fortify strategic cities as outposts of his kingdom (2 Chr. 8:5). David had chosen Jerusalem as a fortress (2 Sam. 5:6-9), and had made it the religious capital. Solomon surrounded it with a wall and strong towers, and rebuilt the Millo (Heb., "filling"), which is the term applied in a series of passages to a part of Jerusalem. It was important to the strength and safety of the city, but its precise nature and position are unknown (cf. 2 Sam. 5:9; 1 Chr. 11:8). For similar reasons of defense, the old city of Gezer on the Philistine border was rebuilt and garrisoned. Also, Hazor and Megiddo, guarding the plain of Esdraelon from Syrian and Assyrian attack, became great fortifications. Related Resources: Locating Jerusalem's Millo Pictures of Possible Site of Millo Hazor (North) Largest Canaanite city in the region, covering about 200 acres. Located near the Huleh Valley, controlling access to Syria and Mesopotamia. Described in Joshua 11:10 as the "head of all those kingdoms" before its destruction. “Hazor was strategically placed in the north (c. three miles north of the Sea of Galilee), being situated at the juncture of the two major highways approaching from the north. It became Israel’s chief bulwark against northern invaders until it was destroyed in the eighth century by Tiglath-pileser III.” (Patterson and Austel) Megiddo (Central) Guarded the Jezreel Valley, a crucial crossroads for trade and military campaigns. Numerous battles were fought here, including those of the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. Site of King Solomon’s fortifications and chariot city (1 Kings 9:15). “Megiddo was the great fortress that controlled on the major passes from the Plain of Sharon on the coast into the Valley of Jezreel through the Carmel range. It figures in prophecy as the staging area for the last great battle (Armageddon) in which Christ will defeat the forces of the Antichrist.” (Patterson and Austel) Megiddo - Let's Saunter Through Solomon's Stables Megiddo, located in northern Israel, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Near East, offering a comprehensive record of ancient civilizations over several millennia. Its strategic position along vital trade routes made it a focal point for commerce, culture, and conflict. Archaeological Significance: Stratification: Excavations at Tel Megiddo have revealed over 20 layers of settlement, dating from the Neolithic period through the Iron Age. This extensive stratification provides a unique chronological framework for studying the evolution of urban life in the ancient Near East. en.wikipedia.org Architectural Discoveries: Among the notable structures unearthed are: Fortifications: Massive city walls and gates, including a six-chambered gate complex attributed to the Solomonic era, reflecting advanced defensive architecture. Palaces and Temples: Remnants of grand palaces and temples indicate Megiddo's role as a political and religious center. Water System: An intricate underground water system, designed to secure water access during sieges, showcases the engineering prowess of its inhabitants. Artifacts: The site has yielded a wealth of artifacts, such as pottery, tools, and inscriptions, providing insights into the daily life, trade, and cultural practices of its ancient residents. Recent Discoveries: Megiddo Mosaic: In 2005, excavations near Megiddo Prison uncovered a mosaic floor dating to the 3rd century CE, bearing a Greek inscription that reads, "The god-loving Akeptous has offered the table to God Jesus Christ as a memorial." This is considered one of the earliest known references to Jesus as God, highlighting the presence of early Christian communities in the region. museumofthebible.org Gezer (South) Controlled access to Jerusalem and the coastal plain. Located near the junction of the Via Maris and roads leading inland. Given to Solomon as a dowry gift by Pharaoh after he conquered it (1 Kings 9:16). “Gezer, on the road from Joppa to Jerusalem, had been a powerful Canaanite city. Though it was included in the tribal territory of Ephraim, it was not occupied by the Israelites until the time of Solomon. Then it was given to Solomon as a wedding gift by Pharaoh to his daughter.” (Patterson and Austel) Solomon fortified these cities to protect trade routes and establish Israel as a dominant power. Their location meant they were often involved in major biblical battles and historical conflicts. Forced labor (04522) mas/mac or mis/mic masculine noun designating forced labor or service, task workers, taskwork, serfdom, tribute. It refers to labor forced on someone or service demanded, usually by the state (Ge 49:15; Dt. 20:11; 1 Kgs. 5:14; Isa. 31:8); usually overseen by a foreman or task-master (Ex. 1:11; 1 Kgs. 4:6, 12:18). A person not willing to work or a lazy person may be put to forced labor (Pr 12:24). MAS - 26X/22V - forced(2), forced labor(13), forced laborer(1), forced laborers(5), laborers*(2), men subject to forced labor(1), taskmasters*(1), tribute(1). Ge 49:15; Exod. 1:11; Deut. 20:11; Jos. 16:10; Jos. 17:13; Jdg. 1:28; Jdg. 1:30; Jdg. 1:33; Jdg. 1:35; 2 Sam. 20:24; 1 Ki. 4:6; 1 Ki. 5:13; 1 Ki. 5:14; 1 Ki. 9:15; 1 Ki. 9:21; 1 Ki. 12:18; 2 Chr. 8:8; 2 Chr. 10:18; Est. 10:1; Prov. 12:24; Isa. 31:8; Lam. 1:1 FORCED LABOR - BORROW Eerdmans dictionary of the Bible A type of slave labor program, commonly referred to as corvée or conscripted labor. It was by means of forced labor that rulers of the ancient Near East carried out their building enterprises, building and rebuilding cities. Also, it was through the use of forced labor that kings maintained control of minority groups in their kingdoms. By the use of forced labor the Egyptian king, at the time of the Exodus, built the cities of Pithom and Raamses (Ex 1:8–14) and at the same time attempted to maintain control of the Hebrews, a minority group in his kingdom. David (2Sa 20:23) and Solomon (1Kgs. 9:15–21) also used forced labor programs. But while Solomon built Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer by means of forced labor, his excessive conscription of workers from among the northern tribes (1Ki 5:13–14) resulted in revolt and the division of the kingdom (1Ki 12:1–19). Egyptian records refer to rulers like Thutmose III who made campaigns annually into Palestine and Syria as a means of systematically looting those areas and collecting the resources he needed back in Egypt, including the resources of slave labor. Egyptian tomb paintings, such as that of Rameses III bringing back shackled prisoners of war or slaves, provide their own unique record. LAMOINE F. DEVRIES MILLO [SMITH] (a rampart, mound) a place in ancient Jerusalem. Both name and place seem to have been already in existence when the city was taken from the Jebusites by David. (2 Samuel 5:9; 1 Chronicles 11:8) Its repair or restoration was one of the great works for which Solomon raised his "levy," (1 Kings 9:15,24; 11:27) and it formed a prominent part of the fortifications by which Hezekiah prepared for the approach of the Assyrians. (2 Chronicles 32:5) The last passage seems to show that "the Milo" was part of the "city of David," that is, of Zion. Comp. (2 Kings 12:20) Tel Hazor, located in northern Israel, is the largest archaeological site from the biblical era in the country, covering approximately 200 acres. The city comprises an upper tell of 30 acres and a lower city extending over more than 175 acres. (en.wikipedia.org) Strategically situated along major trade routes between Egypt, Syria, and Mesopotamia, Hazor was a significant Canaanite city during the Middle and Late Bronze Ages (circa 2000–1200 BCE). Its population is estimated to have been between 10,000 and 15,000 people. (archaeology.huji.ac.il) Archaeological excavations at Hazor have revealed 22 strata of occupational debris, indicating a long and complex history of settlement. Notable findings include large temples and palaces in both the acropolis and the lower city, highlighting Hazor's wealth and prominence during the Middle Bronze Age. (open.bibleodyssey.com) The city is also mentioned in biblical narratives, notably in the Book of Joshua, which describes Hazor as "the head of all those kingdoms" and recounts its conquest by the Israelites. Archaeological evidence supports a significant destruction event at Hazor around the 13th century BCE, characterized by a catastrophic fire. The exact cause of this destruction remains a topic of scholarly debate, with theories ranging from Israelite conquest to internal strife or invasions by other groups. (archive.archaeology.org) Excavations at Hazor began in the 1950s under the direction of Yigael Yadin and have continued intermittently, with significant contributions from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In 2005, Tel Hazor was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Biblical Tels—Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba. (en.wikipedia.org) Today, Tel Hazor offers valuable insights into ancient urban planning, architecture, and the complex history of the Near East, serving as a key site for understanding the region's archaeological and historical context. Tel Megiddo, located in northern Israel's Jezreel Valley, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Near East. Its strategic position along ancient trade routes, particularly the Via Maris connecting Egypt and Mesopotamia, made it a focal point for commerce, culture, and military engagements throughout history. (en.wikipedia.org) Archaeological Significance: Settlement Layers: Excavations at Megiddo have revealed 20 distinct strata of occupation, indicating a continuous settlement history spanning from the Neolithic period to the Persian period. (en.wikipedia.org) Fortifications and Structures: The site boasts impressive fortifications, palaces, temples, and a sophisticated water system, reflecting its historical importance and advanced engineering. (jewishvirtuallibrary.org) Historical Highlights: Biblical Connections: Megiddo is frequently mentioned in biblical texts and is often associated with the prophesied site of Armageddon (See comments Revelation 16:16), the ultimate battle between good and evil. (en-humanities.tau.ac.il) Military History: Due to its strategic location, Megiddo was the site of numerous significant battles that influenced the control of the region. (anthropology.columbian.gwu.edu) Ongoing Research: Modern excavations, such as those conducted by The Megiddo Expedition, continue to uncover artifacts and structures that provide deeper insights into the ancient Near East's history and cultures. (themegiddoexpedition.com) Tel Megiddo's rich archaeological record offers invaluable perspectives on ancient civilizations, their interactions, and the historical narratives that have shaped the region. 1 Kings 9:16 For Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up and captured Gezer and burned it with fire, and killed the Canaanites who lived in the city, and had given it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon's wife. daughter: 1Ki 9:24 1Ki 3:1 Related Passages: Joshua 16:10+ But they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites live in the midst of Ephraim to this day, and they became forced laborers (mas). 1 Kings 3:1+ Then Solomon formed a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh’s daughter and brought her to the city of David until he had finished building his own house and the house of the LORD and the wall around Jerusalem. PHARAOH'S GIFT OF CHARRED GEZAR For - Term of explanation. Explains why Solomon rebuilt and fortified Gezer. The Egyptians, although weakened for many years by the plagues under Moses and under the Hyksos invaders, had apparently become strong again by this time. They did not challenge Israel, however. Donald Wiseman: Gezer (Tel Jezer, south-east of Ramleh) guarded the south-west approaches from Philistia. There is no need to read ‘Gerar’ here. 1Ki 9:16–17 are added to show how the Israelites had taken over the city from the Canaanite vassals of the Philistines (cf. 1Ki 9:20–21; Josh. 10:33; Jdg. 1:29). (See 1 and 2 Kings: An Introduction and Commentary - Page 136) Gezer Solomon's Wedding Gift - tour - Biblical Archeology Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up and captured Gezer and burned it with fire, and killed the Canaanites who lived in the city, and had given it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon's wife - What a dowry gift! A city burned to the ground. So Solomon had to rebuild it. Isn't this verse interesting. A pagan king (Pharaoh of Egypt) accomplished what Israel failed to accomplish when they came into the promised land (Joshua 16:10+)! Gezer, an ancient city of significant historical importance, is located in central Israel. Positioned approximately 20 miles (30 kilometers) west of Jerusalem and about 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) east of the Mediterranean Sea, it lies near present-day Ramla. Gezer occupied a strategic location along the ancient "Way of the Sea" (Via Maris), the main north-south route connecting Egypt to Syria and Mesopotamia, and also guarded one of the primary routes between the Mediterranean coast and the central hill country. Joseph Hammond - It is the custom of the East for the husband to purchase his wife by a present (Genesis 29:18; 2 Samuel 3:14, etc.); but in royal marriages a dowry was often given. (Pulpit Commentary) Iain Provan on Pharaoh … captured Gezer - It is interesting that the same passage that tells us (1Ki 9:21) of Israelite inability to exterminate the Canaanites also tells us that their enemy of old, the Egyptian Pharaoh, has recently captured Gezer and killed all its Canaanite inhabitants—a city that had hitherto provided forced labor, according to Josh. 16:10+. Why are we told of these Joshua-like exploits just at this point? Perhaps for this reason: that it helps us to see clearly just how easily Solomon, in all his glory and power, could have dealt with the Canaanites in the way deuteronomic law had commanded—if he had wished to. It points to the conclusion, in other words, that he continued to use them as labor out of choice, rather than out of necessity, because of his enthusiasm for building—and so willingly put himself at risk of their baneful influence. It should not pass unnoticed, either, that some of the building is of a highly questionable sort (1Ki 9:19). (See 1 & 2 Kings - Understanding the Bible Commentary Series - Page 35) THOUGHT - Beloved of God, have you eradicated the "Canaanites" in your life (cf Ro 8:13+, Col 3:5+)? If not you can be assured (and you will probably agree) (See Nu 33:55+, Josh 23:13+, Jdg 2:3+). 1 Kings 9:17 So Solomon rebuilt Gezer and the lower Beth-horon Bethhoron: Jos 16:3 19:44 21:22 2Ch 8:4-6,7-18 Gezer & Beth Horon in Ephraim So Solomon rebuilt Gezer and the lower Beth-horon twin cities of Upper and Lower Beth-horon controlled a pass NW of Jerusalem that led to Joppa August Konkel: Upper Beth Horon and Lower Beth Horon sit astride a ridge, which rises from the Valley of Aijalon and extends to the plateau north of Jerusalem. Fortifications were important to protect the route that connected Jerusalem to the major coastal trade route. Certain cities served for storage and for military cavalry. Large building complexes at Hazor, Beth Shemesh, and Megiddo consist of a long room, with two rows of pillars dividing it into three sections. They may have been used as stables and storehouses, or may have been barracks for a professional army. Baalath, originally assigned to the tribe of Dan (Josh 15:9), is probably the city also known as Kiriath Jearim, on the western boundary of Judah. (Quoted by Paul Apple) Beth-horon [EBD] house of the hollow, or of the cavern, the name of two towns or villages (2 Chr. 8:5; 1 Chr. 7:24) in the territory of Ephraim, on the way from Jerusalem to Joppa. They are distinguished as Beth-horon "the upper" and Beth-horon "the lower." They are about 2 miles apart, the former being about 10 miles north-west of Jerusalem. Between the two places was the ascent and descent of Beth-horon, leading from Gibeon down to the western plain (Josh. 10:10, 11; 18:13, 14), down which the five kings of the Amorites were driven by Joshua in that great battle, the most important in which the Hebrews had been as yet engaged, being their first conflict with their enemies in the open field. Jehovah interposed in behalf of Israel by a terrific hailstorm, which caused more deaths among the Canaanites than did the swords of the Israelites. Beth-horon is mentioned as having been taken by Shishak, B.C. 945, in the list of his conquests, and the pass was the scene of a victory of Judas Maccabeus. (Comp. Ex. 9:19, 25; Job 38:22, 23; Ps. 18:12-14; Isa. 30:30.) The modern name of these places is Beit-ur, distinguished by el-Foka, "the upper," and el-Tahta, "the nether." The lower was at the foot of the pass, and the upper, 500 feet higher, at the top, west of Gibeon. (See GIBEON.) BETH-HORON (Heb. bēṯ-ḥôrôn) BORROW Eerdmans dictionary of the Bible A levitical city in the tribal territory of Ephraim (Josh. 21:22; 1 Chr. 6:68). The name means “house of Horon” (perhaps a Canaanite deity). Twin cities are indicated: Lower Beth-horon was assigned to Ephraim (Josh. 16:3), while Upper Beth-horon was on the border between Ephraim and Benjamin (v. 5; 18:13–14). The Chronicler attributes their construction to Sheerah, granddaughter of Ephraim (1 Chr. 7:24). Both cities were situated on the “ascent [or descent] of Beth-horon,” down which Joshua chased Amorites fleeing their defeat at Gibeon (Josh. 10:10–11). Their location on the slope leading to the hill country from the coastal plain made the cities strategically important and vulnerable to attack. Upper Beth-horon has been identified with Beit ʿUr el-Fōqāʾ (160143) and Lower Beth-horon with Beit ʿUr et-Ṭahta (158144). During the reign of Saul, Philistine raiders attacked Beth-horon (1 Sam. 13:18). Solomon rebuilt Lower Beth-horon (1 Kgs. 9:17; the Chronicler names both cities, calling them “fortified cities, with walls, gates, and bars”; 2 Chr. 8:5–6). The Egyptian pharaoh Shishak names Beth-horon in his list of places conquered in Palestine, recorded on the temple to Amun at Karnak. Later Beth-horon was attacked by renegade Judean mercenaries who rampaged from Samaria to Beth-horon (2 Chr. 25:13). The area remained strategically important in the intertestamental period. Judas Maccabeus won a victory there (1 Macc. 3:16, 24). The Syrians used Beth-horon as a camp (1 Macc. 7:39) and later refortified the site (1 Macc 9:50). DANIEL C. BROWNING, JR 1 Kings 9:18 and Baalath and Tamar in the wilderness, in the land of Judah, Baalath: Jos 19:44 Tamar (Tadmor): 2Ch 8:4-6 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 8:4-6 He built Tadmor in the wilderness and all the storage cities which he had built in Hamath. 5 He also built upper Beth-horon and lower Beth-horon, fortified cities with walls, gates and bars; 6 and Baalath and all the storage cities that Solomon had, and all the cities for his chariots and cities for his horsemen, and all that it pleased Solomon to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all the land under his rule. Source: Halley's Bible Handbook MORE OF SOLOMON'S BUILDING PROJECTS And Baalath and Tamar (Tadmor) in the wilderness, in the land of Judah - See map for locations. Baalath is the feminine form of Baal, a title meaning "lord" or "master" and associated with various deities in ancient Near Eastern religions. Baalath is a town of the tribe of Dan (Josh. 19:44). It was fortified by Solomon (2 Chr. 8:6). Leon Wood - “It seems safe to say that, following this action, Israel controlled more territory than at any other time in its history. In his day, Solomon was probably the most powerful and influential ruler in the Middle East.” (Israel's united monarchy) 1 Kings 9:19 and all the storage cities which Solomon had, even the cities for his chariots and the cities for his horsemen, and all that it pleased Solomon to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all the land under his rule. the storage cities: 1Ki 4:26-28 Ex 1:11 all that it pleased Solomon to build: Heb. the desire of Solomon which he desired, 1Ki 9:1 Ec 2:10 Ec 6:9 Related Passages: Ecclesiastes 2:10 (THIS COULD BE SOLOMON'S "COMMENTARY" ON 1 Kings 9:19) All that my eyes desired I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor and this was my reward for all my labor. And all the storage (miskenoth) cities which Solomon had, even the cities for his chariots and the cities for his horsemen, and all that it pleased (chashaq - speaks of having a desire or love for something) Solomon to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all the land under his rule - NLT = "He built towns as supply centers and constructed cities where his chariots and horses could be kept. He built to his heart's content in Jerusalem and Lebanon and throughout the entire realm." The storage cities were fortified towns for stockpiling food. Can you see a suggestion of spiritual drifting beginning to infect Solomon's heart? Focusing on the Temple was God honoring, but focusing on worldly things (including worldly protection like chariots and horsemen) suggests fleshly desires were beginning to control him. John