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. This is the accountThe phrase introduces a detailed record, emphasizing the importance of historical documentation in the biblical narrative. In Hebrew, the word for "account" (דָּבָר, davar) often signifies a matter or thing, underscoring the significance of what follows. This introduction sets the stage for understanding the monumental achievements of Solomon's reign, as well as the means by which they were accomplished. of the forced labor
The Hebrew term used here is "מַס" (mas), which refers to a levy or tribute, often involving compulsory service. This practice was common in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, where kings would conscript labor for large building projects. From a conservative Christian perspective, this highlights the human cost of Solomon's grand architectural endeavors, reminding us of the burdens placed on the people. that King Solomon conscripted
Solomon, known for his wisdom, also exercised significant authority and power. The act of conscription reflects his administrative capabilities and the centralized power of his monarchy. It also serves as a reminder of the dual nature of leadership, where wisdom must be balanced with compassion and justice. to build the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people. The Hebrew word for "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) signifies not just a physical structure but a dwelling place for God. This construction was a fulfillment of David's vision and a testament to Solomon's dedication to honoring God. his own palace
Solomon's palace, a symbol of royal authority and grandeur, was part of his extensive building projects. The juxtaposition of the Temple and the palace in this verse highlights the balance between spiritual and temporal authority. It serves as a reminder that while earthly achievements are significant, they should not overshadow one's devotion to God. the supporting terraces
The Hebrew term "מִלּוֹא" (Millo) refers to a type of earthwork or fortification. These terraces were crucial for the defense and expansion of Jerusalem. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of such structures, underscoring the historical accuracy of the biblical account. This highlights the importance of preparation and fortification in both physical and spiritual realms. the wall of Jerusalem
The wall represents security and protection for the city, a common theme in biblical literature. In ancient times, city walls were vital for defense against invaders. Spiritually, this can be seen as a metaphor for the protection God provides to His people, emphasizing the need for vigilance and faithfulness. and Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer
These cities were strategically important in ancient Israel. Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer were significant for trade and military purposes. Archaeological excavations have confirmed their importance and the extensive building activities during Solomon's reign. This highlights Solomon's strategic acumen and the expansion of Israel's influence during his rule. From a spiritual perspective, it reminds believers of the importance of establishing strongholds of faith in their lives. Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe son of King David, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. 2. The House of the LORDRefers to the Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites. 3. Solomon's PalaceThe royal residence of King Solomon, showcasing his wealth and power. 4. Supporting TerracesAlso known as the Millo, these were structures built to support and fortify the city of Jerusalem. 5. Hazor, Megiddo, and GezerStrategic cities in ancient Israel that Solomon fortified, demonstrating his political and military strength. Teaching Points The Cost of GreatnessSolomon's achievements came at a significant human cost, reminding us to consider the ethical implications of our ambitions. Prioritizing God's WorkWhile Solomon built many impressive structures, the Temple was central. We should prioritize God's work in our lives. The Danger of CompromiseSolomon's use of forced labor hints at compromises that can lead us away from God's ideal. We must guard against small compromises that erode our integrity. Legacy and InfluenceSolomon's building projects left a lasting legacy. Consider what kind of legacy you are building through your actions and decisions. Wisdom and ResponsibilityWith great wisdom and resources comes great responsibility. Use your gifts to honor God and serve others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's use of forced labor compare to the Israelites' experience in Egypt, and what lessons can we learn about leadership and justice? 2. In what ways can we prioritize God's work in our own lives, similar to how Solomon prioritized the Temple? 3. What are some modern-day "compromises" that might lead us away from God's ideal, and how can we guard against them? 4. Reflect on your own legacy. What steps can you take today to ensure it aligns with God's purposes? 5. How can we use our resources and talents responsibly to honor God and serve others, following Solomon's example of wisdom and responsibility? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 5:13-18Provides further details on the labor force Solomon used for his building projects, emphasizing the scale and organization of his efforts. 2 Chronicles 8:1-6Offers a parallel account of Solomon's building activities, including the cities he fortified. Exodus 1:11Draws a parallel to the Israelites' experience of forced labor in Egypt, highlighting a contrast in leadership and the use of labor. Deuteronomy 17:16-20Warns against the accumulation of wealth and power by Israelite kings, providing a backdrop for understanding Solomon's reign. Ecclesiastes 2:4-11Reflects on Solomon's building projects and his ultimate realization of their vanity without God. People Amorites, Canaanites, David, Geber, Gibeon, Hiram, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Ophir, Perizzites, Pharaoh, Solomon, TamarPlaces Baalath, Beth-horon, Brook of Egypt, Cabul, Edom, Egypt, Eloth, Ezion-geber, Galilee, Gezer, Gibeon, Hazor, Jerusalem, Lebanon, Megiddo, Millo, Ophir, Red Sea, Tamar, TyreTopics Account, Build, Building, Conscripted, Forced, Gezer, Hazor, Jerusalem, King's, Labor, Levied, Levy, Lifted, Lord's, Matter, Megiddo, Megid'do, Millo, Palace, Raised, Reason, Solomon, Solomon's, Supporting, System, Temple, Terraces, Tribute, WallDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 9:15 5266 conscription 1 Kings 9:15-19 5119 Solomon, life of Library Promises and Threatenings
'And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the Lord, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do. 2. That the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as He had appeared unto him at Gibeon. 3. And the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before Me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put My name there for ever; and Mine eyes and Mine heart shall be there perpetually, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureGadara
There was a double Gadara. One at the shore of the Mediterranean sea: that was first called Gezer, 1 Kings 9:15. In Josephus, "Simon destroyed the city Gazara, and Joppe, and Jamnia."--And in the Book of the Maccabees, "And he fortified Joppe, which is on the sea, and Gazara, which is on the borders of Azotus." At length, according to the idiom of the Syrian dialect, Zain passed into Daleth; and instead of Gazara, it was called Gadara. Hence Strabo, after the mention of Jamnia, saith, "and there …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Whether Solicitude Belongs to Prudence?
Objection 1: It would seem that solicitude does not belong to prudence. For solicitude implies disquiet, wherefore Isidore says (Etym. x) that "a solicitous man is a restless man." Now motion belongs chiefly to the appetitive power: wherefore solicitude does also. But prudence is not in the appetitive power, but in the reason, as stated above [2746](A[1]). Therefore solicitude does not belong to prudence. Objection 2: Further, the certainty of truth seems opposed to solicitude, wherefore it is related …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Prophecy Pertains to Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that prophecy does not pertain to knowledge. For it is written (Ecclus. 48:14) that after death the body of Eliseus prophesied, and further on (Ecclus. 49:18) it is said of Joseph that "his bones were visited, and after death they prophesied." Now no knowledge remains in the body or in the bones after death. Therefore prophecy does not pertain to knowledge. Objection 2: Further, it is written (1 Cor. 14:3): "He that prophesieth, speaketh to men unto edification." Now speech …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether it is Lawful to Give and Receive Money for Spiritual Actions?
Objection 1: It seems that it is lawful to give and receive money for spiritual actions. The use of prophecy is a spiritual action. But something used to be given of old for the use of prophecy, as appears from 1 Kings 9:7,8, and 3 Kings 14:3. Therefore it would seem that it is lawful to give and receive money for a spiritual action. Objection 2: Further, prayer, preaching, divine praise, are most spiritual actions. Now money is given to holy persons in order to obtain the assistance of their prayers, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Seven Seas According to the Talmudists, and the Four Rivers Compassing the Land.
"Seven seas (say they) and four rivers compass the land of Israel. I. The Great Sea, or the Mediterranean. II. The sea of Tiberias. III. The sea of Sodom. IV. The lake of Samocho... The three first named among the seven are sufficiently known, and there is no doubt of the fourth:--only the three names of it are not to be passed by. IV. 1. The Sibbichaean. The word seems to be derived from a bush. 2. ... 3. ... V. Perhaps the sandy sea. Which fits very well to the lake of Sirbon, joining the commentary …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica How to Split a Kingdom
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt); 3. That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4. Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Greater Prophets.
1. We have already seen (Chap. 15, Nos. 11 and 12) that from Moses to Samuel the appearances of prophets were infrequent; that with Samuel and the prophetical school established by him there began a new era, in which the prophets were recognized as a distinct order of men in the Theocracy; and that the age of written prophecy did not begin till about the reign of Uzziah, some three centuries after Samuel. The Jewish division of the latter prophets--prophets in the more restricted sense of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Beginning at Jerusalem
The whole verse runs thus: "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." The words were spoken by Christ, after he rose from the dead, and they are here rehearsed after an historical manner, but do contain in them a formal commission, with a special clause therein. The commission is, as you see, for the preaching of the gospel, and is very distinctly inserted in the holy record by Matthew and Mark. "Go teach all nations," …
John Bunyan—Jerusalem Sinner Saved The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
"If any one wishes to be rich, let him go north; if he wants to be wise, let him come south." Such was the saying, by which Rabbinical pride distinguished between the material wealth of Galilee and the supremacy in traditional lore claimed for the academies of Judaea proper. Alas, it was not long before Judaea lost even this doubtful distinction, and its colleges wandered northwards, ending at last by the Lake of Gennesaret, and in that very city of Tiberias which at one time had been reputed unclean! …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
OR, GOOD NEWS FOR THE VILEST OF MEN; BEING A HELP FOR DESPAIRING SOULS, SHOWING THAT JESUS CHRIST WOULD HAVE MERCY IN THE FIRST PLACE OFFERED TO THE BIGGEST SINNERS. THE THIRD EDITION, IN WHICH IS ADDED, AN ANSWER TO THOSE GRAND OBJECTIONS THAT LIE IN THE WAY OF THE THEM THAT WOULD BELIEVE: FOR THE COMFORT OF THEM THAT FEAR THEY HAVE SINNED AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST. BY JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. London: Printed for Elizabeth Smith, at the Hand and Bible, on London Bridge, 1691. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to Christians to be Holy. By John Bunyan.
Holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever.'--[Psalm 93:5] London, by B. W., for Benj. Alsop, at the Angel and Bible, in the Poultrey. 1684. THE EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This is the most searching treatise that has ever fallen under our notice. It is an invaluable guide to those sincere Christians, who, under a sense of the infinite importance of the salvation of an immortal soul, and of the deceitfulness of their hearts, sigh and cry, "O Lord of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 9:15 NIV1 Kings 9:15 NLT1 Kings 9:15 ESV1 Kings 9:15 NASB1 Kings 9:15 KJV
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