So Solomon rebuilt Gezer, Lower Beth-horon, So SolomonThe mention of Solomon here is significant as it highlights the central figure of this narrative. Solomon, the son of David, is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects. His reign is often seen as the pinnacle of Israel's united monarchy. The Hebrew root for Solomon is "Shlomo," which is derived from "shalom," meaning peace. This reflects the peaceful and prosperous nature of his reign, which allowed for such ambitious construction endeavors. rebuilt The act of rebuilding indicates restoration and renewal. In the context of ancient Israel, rebuilding a city was not merely a physical act but also a spiritual and cultural renewal. It signifies Solomon's commitment to strengthening and fortifying the kingdom. The Hebrew word used here is "banah," which means to build or rebuild, emphasizing the ongoing development and fortification of the nation under Solomon's leadership. Gezer Gezer was a significant Canaanite city that held strategic importance due to its location on the trade route between Egypt and Mesopotamia. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of its fortifications and Solomon's building activities. The city's inclusion in Solomon's building projects underscores the expansion and consolidation of Israel's territory. Historically, Gezer was given to Solomon as a dowry by Pharaoh, king of Egypt, upon his marriage to Pharaoh's daughter, symbolizing political alliances and the extension of Israel's influence. Lower Beth-horon Lower Beth-horon, along with Upper Beth-horon, was strategically located on the route from Jerusalem to the coastal plain. The rebuilding of this city highlights Solomon's strategic military and economic planning. The Hebrew name "Beth-horon" means "house of the hollow," reflecting its geographical setting. The fortification of Beth-horon was crucial for controlling access to Jerusalem and protecting the kingdom from potential invasions. This act of rebuilding demonstrates Solomon's foresight in securing the nation's borders and ensuring the safety and prosperity of his people. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by peace and prosperity in Israel. 2. GezerAn ancient Canaanite city that was given to Solomon as a dowry when he married Pharaoh's daughter. It was strategically important and needed fortification. 3. Lower Beth-horonA town located on the border of Ephraim and Benjamin, significant for its strategic military position on the route from the coastal plain to the hill country. 4. RebuildingThis refers to Solomon's efforts to fortify and enhance these cities, ensuring the security and prosperity of his kingdom. Teaching Points Strategic StewardshipSolomon's rebuilding of Gezer and Lower Beth-horon demonstrates the importance of strategic planning and stewardship in leadership. As Christians, we are called to wisely manage the resources and opportunities God provides. Legacy of PeaceSolomon's efforts to fortify cities reflect his desire to maintain peace and security. In our lives, we should strive to build a legacy of peace, both spiritually and relationally, by fortifying our faith and relationships. God's Provision and PromisesThe acquisition and fortification of these cities remind us of God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises. We should trust in God's faithfulness to provide for our needs and fulfill His promises in our lives. Wisdom in ActionSolomon's actions are a testament to applying God-given wisdom in practical ways. We are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in our decisions and actions, ensuring they align with His will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's rebuilding of Gezer and Lower Beth-horon reflect his priorities as a leader, and what can we learn from this about setting priorities in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we apply the concept of strategic stewardship in our personal and spiritual lives today? 3. How does the historical significance of Beth-horon in Joshua's time enhance our understanding of its importance during Solomon's reign? 4. What are some practical ways we can build a legacy of peace in our families and communities? 5. How can we seek and apply God's wisdom in our daily decision-making processes, and what are some examples from Scripture that guide us in this pursuit? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 9:15-19Provides context for Solomon's building projects, including the fortification of other cities and the construction of the Temple and his palace. 2 Chronicles 8:5Offers a parallel account of Solomon's building activities, emphasizing his strategic fortifications. Joshua 10:10-11Describes the historical significance of Beth-horon as a site of a miraculous victory for Israel under Joshua, highlighting its ongoing strategic importance. 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 Beth, Bethhoron, Beth-horon, Beth-hor'on, Builder, Buildeth, Built, Gezer, Horon, Lower, Nether, Rebuilt, SolomonDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 9:15-19 5119 Solomon, life of 1 Kings 9:17-19 5315 fortifications 5967 thrift 7236 Israel, united kingdom 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 9:17 NIV1 Kings 9:17 NLT1 Kings 9:17 ESV1 Kings 9:17 NASB1 Kings 9:17 KJV
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